What might you need on the job when you don’t know anything about it? This happens every day when you are a substitute teacher. Here’s a list of things you should consider having with you on every assignment:
- Paper clips
- Marking pens
- Name tags
- Seating chart forms
- Ream of duplicating paper
- Literature selections
- Emergency lesson plans (see Chapter 5 in the Substitute Teacher Handbook for these)
- Whistle
- Sun hat or sunscreen
- Jogging shoes or flats for P.E. and recess duty
- Assignment calendar
- Time sheet
- Small cooler or lunch box and thermos
- Change of clothing (in case teaching assignment changes after your arrival)
- Copies of instructional materials that you wish to use with the class
- Stickers or ink stamp and pad (primary & elementary levels)
- Index card of “sponge” activities for students to use after they finish their assignments (see previous post)
- Copy of your own discipline plan (laminated and ready to post)
- Special objects or items that you would like to use with the class that may motivate them during the day, such as stickers, award badges, certificates, and incentive charts
- Teaching journal
- Blank forms of a regular classroom teacher report (to be completed and left at the end of the day)