How do your students cope when you are away from the classroom? They probably miss you greatly! You can help them better adjust to a substitute teacher by spending time preparing for your absence. Your efforts will put your students at ease, and your preparation will assist the substitute teacher. Prepare for a substitute teacher’s smooth sailing by taking the following steps.
- Establish a classroom routine. Schedule your activities in a certain order, and follow that order week by week.
- Prepare an information sheet for the substitute teacher that will walk the substitute through a typical Sunday School class and will provide basic information he or she will need in order to teach effectively.
- Give a copy of the RBP teacher’s guide and teaching materials to the substitute teacher one week in advance. Allow time for him or her to become familiar with the curriculum.
- Make sure the classroom supplies are adequate and available.
- Inform your classroom assistant that you will be absent. If you do not have an assistant, ask a teacher in a nearby classroom to greet the substitute teacher and to offer assistance before the Sunday School session begins.
By taking time to prepare for a substitute teacher, you create a win-win-win situation; for the substitute teacher, your students, and you.
