Are you looking for strategies to teach students to behave appropriately in the presence of other educators? If so, keep reading.
1. Develop an information packet for a substitute authority figure that includes all information pertaining to the classroom (e.g., student roster, class schedule, class rules, behavior management techniques, class helpers, etc.).
2. Make sure that the student knows that classroom rules and behavioral consequences are in effect when a substitute authority figure is in the classroom.
3. Indicate where all needed learning materials are located to maintain structure in the classroom.
4. Indicate several learning activities in which the student can participate after finishing their work for the day.
5. Indicate the names of several staff members and where they can be located in case the substitute authority figure should need some assistance.
6. Notify the substitute authority figure of the classroom rules and the consequences if the rules are not followed by the student.
7. Express the need for the substitute authority figure to keep consistent discipline while in and outside the classroom.
8. Notify the substitute authority figure of all privileges the students have both in and outside the classroom.
9. Get the student to work on practice work (e.g., work that has already been taught to the student and that they know how to do) to lessen frustration and feelings of failure.
10. Schedule 10 minutes at the beginning of the day for the substitute authority figure to create rapport with the students (e.g., introduce himself/herself to the class, learn the students’ names, talk about things the students enjoy doing, etc.).
11. Indicate to the student that the substitute authority figure is in charge of the classroom at all times.
12. Plan a fun educational learning experience (e.g., computer games) during the day to give an incentive for the student to remain on-task and behave appropriately.
13. Designate a special job for the student to perform when there is a substitute authority figure in the classroom (e.g., substitute teacher’s assistant, line leader, class monitor, etc.). Notify the substitute authority figure of this “special job.”
14. Get the substitute authority figure to present instructions in an assortment of ways (e.g., orally, written, etc.).
15. Request a substitute authority figure who has the appropriate skills to handle problem behavior and special needs students.
16. Consider using a classroom management app. Click here to view a list of apps that we recommend.
17. Consider using an adaptive behavior management app. Click here to view a list of apps that we recommend.
18. Consider using Alexa to help the student learn to behave appropriately. Click here to read an article that we wrote on the subject.
19. Click here to learn about six bonus strategies for challenging problem behaviors and mastering classroom management.
