SUPPORTING SUBSTITUTE TEACHER SUCCESS - FAQs

Part of an effective onboarding and orientation process for substitutes is anticipating the questions new subs will have and providing them answers as before they ever step into a classroom.

Doing so helps minimize potential issues later on.  Here are 20 of the most commonly asked questions that new substitute teachers ask.  Anticipating these questions and addressing them as part of your onboarding or orientation process will help ensure your substitutes are prepared, happy and ready to work in your school when called.

1.  What is the school dress code for substitute teachers?
2. Does the dress code change depending on the day of the week or for special occasions  (i.e. Fridays or Jeans Day for staff)?
3. What time do I need to arrive each day?
4. What time is dismissal for substitute teachers?
5. How long may I take for lunch?
6. Where should I eat my lunch?
7. Where can I warm up my lunch?
8. May I leave the building for lunch?
9. If so, what is the proper procedure?
10. Do I have any breaks?
11. Where do I park?
12. Which building entrance should I use?
13. Where do I report when I arrive?
14. Where will the sub plans be?
15. Who do I call for help with a student?
16. What do I do if I need technology help?
17. What should I do if a parent contacts me about something?
18. Where do I return the room key and other items at the end of the day?
19. Do I need to sign out?
20. How do I get paid?

Helping to soothe a new substitute's first day jitters by providing them many of the answers to questions they may not have even thought about yet will go a long way in helping them be successful in your school.  Keep answers simple, be clear, and consider providing them a FAQ document in writing that has the answers to these and other questions you might think of in advance.  After all, the first day can be stressful and we often don't do our best remembering under stressful situations.