On Arrival

• Arrive early, not just at the required time.
• Make yourself known to the secretary in each school.
• Ask if there is a 'Supply Teachers' information leafletdetailing the school day and other duties required.
• If you are available for long-term subbing, make that known to the school office & to the teachers you sub for.
• Provide each school with a copy of your CV.
• Keep a file on each school you sub in, include administrators' name, teacher tutor etc.
• Look at the day's lesson plans and locate needed materials.

Meet and greet each class at the door to maintain good discipline.

Be Prepared - Have an activity ready for pupils to do as soon as they enter the room.

During Class

• If a seating chart is not available, make one as you take attendance.
• Make sure the students know your name.
• Follow the teacher's lesson plans as closely as possible. Supplement with your own activities only after the assigned work is complete.
• Take notes throughout the day about incidents you want to share with the class teacher.

Before leaving

• Leave the teacher a detailed note of the days events and complete all marking. If lessons weren't completed - explain why.
• Return the room to the condition it was in when you arrived - leave it tidy!

General Tips

• When the phone rings first thing in the morning, answer it yourself-- cheerfully.
• Keep a sense of humour. It helps both the digestive system and the climate in the classroom.
• Expect to be challenged - it comes with the territory.
• Have some 'back-up plans' in case lesson plans are either missing or inadequate.
• Do more than is required. Your extra effort will be noted and appreciated.
• Go to the staff room & chat to other teachers, avoid all school politics or gossip.
• Whenever you're unsure of what action to take, err on the side of caution.

Always dress neatly, professionally and comfortably.

When in doubt, confused, or otherwise unable to carry out your duties - ASK!