Tips and Tricks for Supply Teachers: A Resource for Success
Guest blogger: Shea Rate
Stepping into a classroom as a supply teacher can be both exciting and challenging. Each day brings new students, routines, and expectations, making adaptability a key skill. To help make those days more successful and enjoyable, here are some practical tips and tricks every supply teacher can use:
1. Arrive Early and Get Oriented
Give yourself time to find the main office, classroom, and key areas such as washrooms, staff room, and emergency exits. A few extra minutes also allows you to review lesson plans, if provided, and get a sense of the classroom setup.
2. Establish Clear Expectations Right Away
Students thrive on consistency. Begin by setting clear, respectful expectations for behaviour and participation. Use a positive tone and remind students that you are continuing their regular teacher’s routines.
3. Lean on Classroom Routines
If plans are left, follow them as closely as possible. If not, establish a simple routine for the day such as signals for attention, lining up, or transitions so students feel secure and know what to expect.
4. Keep a Toolkit of Ready-to-Go Activities
Sometimes lessons may be missing or incomplete. Having a set of no-prep activities (such as word games, quick writing prompts, or math puzzles) ensures you are never left without something meaningful to do. Here are some ideas for last-minute lessons:
5. Focus on Building Rapport Quickly
Learn and use students’ names when possible. A smile, a bit of humor, and showing interest in their work can help build trust even for just one day.
6. Leave Detailed Notes for the Classroom Teacher
Record what you covered, any changes made, and observations about student behaviour. This helps the regular teacher feel confident that learning continued smoothly. Here is a Canva day plan that can be edited, but is a great idea to have some printed off in your supply bag to take notes for the Classroom Teacher:
7. Stay Flexible and Positive
Every class is different, and not every day will run perfectly. Approach challenges with calmness and adaptability; students will mirror your energy.
Supply teaching is more than “filling in” it’s an opportunity to bring fresh energy to a classroom, support student learning, and build valuable professional skills. By staying prepared, positive, and adaptable, supply teachers can make a lasting impact in just a short time.