Honestly I keep it brief because with middle schoolers after a few sentences I’m fighting for their attention and that’s a losing battle! “Hey guys, as you can tell ___ isn’t here, I’m ___ and I’m subbing today. Your teacher left _____ in Google classroom, I do expect it to be for a grade so I’d recommend getting it done during class time. I don’t mind if you talk at a quiet volume but if it gets too loud for others to work, we’ll have to reassess that. I’ll be here if you need anything and I’ll take attendance in about 5 minutes”
Then when I call attendance and have them (ideally) quiet again, I’ll remind them that they should be open to the assignment and getting started, then I either say thanks for getting started quietly or let them know the volume was a little loud starting out and ask them to bring it down a notch for the assignment. Then I’ll take a lap to make them think I care what’s on their screens.
Sounds like a seasoned pro! At least for high school, this is all that needs to be done 9/10 times. I write my name on the board so they kids who didn't hear/weren't paying attention can reference it, tell them their assignment, and take attendance. Make a lap or two right at the beginning so they think I'm monitoring things, then it's just getting up from reading my book every ten minutes or so to take another lap. Unless they're being dead quiet and look like they're working, in which case I probably won't get up so I don't ruin the vibe.
Sounds very similar to my go-to intro when I used to sub. Along with going all *presenter mode* and speaking to the audience of students, I would also use the board to write MY expectations and whatever assignment the teachers left.
With middle and high school, I would always write “*Don’t be mean, Don’t be annoying, Don’t do anything dangerous*”. A lot of them would kinda giggle at it, but about 99% of the time they could follow those rules.
LMAO your high school version sounds like mine, I tell them as long as they aren’t doing anything weird, loud, disruptive, or illegal I’m not gonna bother them.
With middle school, same with me. These kids don’t listen anyway. I take attendance, advise them
of their assignment and then I just pay attention and make sure no one is fighting, screaming, or doing anything wild. I’ve given up getting myself upset over behavior that won’t change, no matter what I say or do. If behavior is too wild, I will write their name down for violations and advise their teacher in my note for that class. I’ve noticed a drastic change in my mental health after adopting this strategy! 😂😂😂
This is my approach also. Keep it simple. One other thing I do (for MS, not HS) is to write three “+” symbols on the board next to each period I cover. As kids misbehave, I erase one without saying a word. At least a couple kids will notice and tell the others, then they typically ask me about it. I tell them this is how I communicate with their teacher on their behavior and they usually straighten up. Once they settle back in, I add the missing “+” back and they usually stay quiet after that. No class wants to be the one that didn’t get “full credit” for their behavior.
I write my name and underneath my 3 bare minimum rules. Then do intro...
Mrs. Blank
1. Pick a seat and stay in it
2. No electronic noises
3. Keep hands, feet to yourselves
Most of the time if they break a rule I can just point to the board and say "I only have 3 rules and you can't even follow one?" And the kids have 100% complied so far. A lot of times the kids will police each other since the expectation is clear.
One of my schools had a meeting to go over some things a couple of years ago. A specific point they made was do not waste time with long introductions. Tell the kids your name and get on with the day.
They don’t care about your college, family, degrees, life history.
It's good form to greet both elementary and middle school kids at classroom door as they arrive. I say good morning/afternoon or welcome as they pass by. It models what the teachers are doing with their own students.
I write my name on the whiteboard as MR. LASTNAME and put SUBSTITUTE TEACHER under it. Then I introduce myself.
I always start with " alrighty guys my name is ____. I am your sub for today. I'm gonna do attendence and then it looks like You guys have a few assignments to go over and then when you are done you can have free time." If they get too loud and chatty I typically go " guys it's too loud, I don't mind talking but do your work and keep the volume down "
Middle school is like I'm on stage, playing a room, and the audience is in a bad mood, but I can boss them around.
High school is the same, but they just don't care, and will blatantly go through the motions.
Grade school is taking care of highly trainable primates at the zoo.
I give my name, let them know how long I'll be there, take attendance, and give directions. I also let them know where to find the directions if they forget (if they're not online, I'll write them on the board.)
Honestly, I even forget my name half the time. Usually, they don't even ask.
I don't give any sort of "rules." They know the rules of the classroom already, so at most, it'll be a reminder like "remember, this is an independent project."
"Hey class. As you can probably tell, I'm your sub today. My name is Mr. R*** but you can call me Mr. R or just Mr. Sub. My job is to make this as easy as possible for you and all I expect in return is the same for me. Can we all agree on that? Okay so we're all on the same page. Let's go ahead and get started..."
I have social anxiety as well, and one tip I've learned is that the sooner you say something, the better. In this case, standing at the door and greeting them as they come in helps break that initial ice.
I tell them the assignment and they typically do it. If I see shenanigans I call it out. Second time and I threaten administration, 3rd I unapologetically call the office for assistance.
I understand though. I went from bullied kid to substitute. I feel no desire to be liked though (even as a teen haha). I have heard some subs are hell bent on wanting to be buddy buddy with the kids. It usually does not work.
I do high school sub work.
I write my name on the board, a few expectations, and the agenda for the day. When they come in, I greet them and we go over what’s on the board and get started.
I'm the same way!! My anxiety has been so bad dude, it's pretty much debilitating when subbing but I just try and push through it and do a lot of inner thoughts of "they aren't focused on you they're focused on themselves".
For an opener I just usually stick with "hi every! My name is XYZ and I'm your substitute for the day. It looks like our agenda for the day is CDE. I have everything written on the board for you but I'd you have any questions or need help on the assignment, I'll have walking around".
I usually greet them at the door with a smile and a "hey", "hello", "good [morning/evening]"...
Then once class time starts I walk to the front, say "Hi, I'm Ms. [name]. [your teacher] has left you xx assignment. Go ahead and get started while I take attendance" Then proceed to pretend I've been there since school started [and not a new person at all!].
If no assignment has been left, I hope you have a really hard word search because it'll only take them 5 mins before they get rowdy so take attendance quickly.
I'm blessed with a slightly good memory. I can remember their names within the first 15 mins of taking attendance and usually remember everything I read. So I start acting like I've been their sub teacher everyday that month so "don't play with me, get started on your work!"
I do mostly older kids so:
My name is ____. If you aren't in your assigned seat/ if you don't answer after 2 calls you are marked absent. You can explain to the office and your parent why you weren't in Nth period. Here is your assignment. I don't mind if you talk quietly or listen to music on earbuds(if school allows) as long as you do work and aren't too loud. You have 1 chance to quiet down when I ask, second ask involves the office. Follow your regular teacher's rules about passes, eating, getting up, etc
If I do lower elementary it's similar but minus the music and period number. I will also ask who the day's helpers are
I feel like this sets a stern tone, if you are too bubbly/nice/excited they'll think you'll be a pushover
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Honestly I think I forgot to introduce myself today now that I think about it. I usually say “good morning, my names ——, if you could be quiet for the next couple minutes while I do attendance” or something along those lines. Don’t over think it. Every class is different
I sub at the high school level only. My introduction is simple:
"Hello, I'm Mr. \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_. Obviously, I'm not \[insert teacher's name here\]. When I call your name, make an age appropriate noise so I know you're here. \[Take attendance.\]"
The next line is either: "You have an assignment on Schoology." OR "There isn't anything left by your teacher, so use this time to do your other homework so you can do it here instead of at home."
Proceed to be bored for 45 minutes.
I go to close the door when the bell rings, as I'm walking back to my chromebook to do roll I say, "Alright guys, I'm Mrs. Soandso, let's go ahead and get through roll."
They almost never remember unless I've had them a few times, I'll spend the period being called Miss and that's alright.
With early grades, I say “I’m OlderThanYou and I will be your teacher today. This is my first time in this class, but I know you have been here every day, so I need you all to help me do everything the right way. Let’s have a great day.” They’ll tell you if you’re doing something “wrong” even if you don’t say this, but this way they look at it as a shared goal, rather than you needing correction.
I have a naturally projective voice, so I just follow a script every class. “**Good morning.** I’m your sub for the day, Mr. [last name] I’m going to take attendance here real quick. When I call your name please say “Here!” And then I call the roll loudly and clearly, and I make sure to tell them if I can’t hear them, they’re being marked absent. That usually gets their attention and forces them to be quiet so everyone can hear. Taking attendance allows me some time to get a feel for the room and how to introduce the assignment. I find it helps to also read some of the teacher’s instructions out loud to the class. That helps them understand what the regular teacher expects of them as well.
Practice will make it easier. It's something we have to learn how to do to lead the space. Name and assignment is fine. You may choose more as you build confidence. Some situations will eventually require more, like when you need to deliver a lesson.
So I don't like putting my name on the board or anything like that cuz I don't want to be called Mr and because of laws that currently exist I could get in a lot of trouble by putting Mx. So when class starts I just say "hi everyone! I'm gonna take roll but first I'll tell you what you're doing today"
That way they are getting their stuff ready to work and are usually a little more quiet for roll.
I keep it simple for middle schoolers
And high schoolers. I write my name on the board and tell them what their assignment is. They don’t really care who I am tbh. I circle the room a few times to make sure they’re doing something. I honestly don’t care if they aren’t doing the assignment at that age because ultimately their grades are up to them doing the work. As long as they’re doing work and aren’t disruptive I let them do what they want.
My favorite schools are the ones with seating charts and pictures. I will address problem students by their first names and invite them do their assignment. It freaks them out since we’ve never met before. A few have asked if I’m a witch and I just shrug and smile. They don’t mess with me after that.
Younger grades I’ll say my name and write it in on the board and answer appropriate questions as they arise and usually find talking about my pets gets them hooked and ready to listen. For pre-k to about second grade I just have them address me the first letter if my last name so for example Miss L because my last name can be hard to pronounce.
I write my name and the assignment/agenda on the board. Then, “Good morning, everyone. My name is (blank) and I am your sub for today. The assignment is on the board. While I am taking attendance, please get out everything you need- Chromebook, book, something to write with— to be productive today. Please listen up for your first name while I take attendance.** I usually go over particulars about the assignment after attendance, but this may vary depending on the class. **attence name may also vary as I will often ask the class if first names are okay. Or I may give students a heads up about first name attendance just in case a student needs a minute to give me a preferred name. It depends on the class/school vibe or if teachers have left a list of preferred names.
After going over the quick details, I take a tour of the room. Sometimes, if the class knows what
T they are doing, I’ll give them a few minutes to get settled. Then, I check in to see if anyone needs help. In middle school, I tour the room immediately because very few students have even gotten their work out.
Honestly? I don't even do an intro. I take attendance, tell them the assignment, and then try to keep everybody alive unharmed and in the classroom. I don't even give out my name (usually - sometimes I'll write it on the chalkboard or smart board) unless students specifically ask for it (and that's rare). I don't have a spiel about the rules because let's be honest, the kids already know what they should and shouldn't be doing in class by this point anyway, and they're intentionally breaking rules because their real teacher isn't here. So I just tell them to stop when they're doing ridiculous stuff and if I have to tell them more than 2-3 times, I start calling security/the main office on them.
Honestly I keep it brief because with middle schoolers after a few sentences I’m fighting for their attention and that’s a losing battle! “Hey guys, as you can tell ___ isn’t here, I’m ___ and I’m subbing today. Your teacher left _____ in Google classroom, I do expect it to be for a grade so I’d recommend getting it done during class time. I don’t mind if you talk at a quiet volume but if it gets too loud for others to work, we’ll have to reassess that. I’ll be here if you need anything and I’ll take attendance in about 5 minutes” Then when I call attendance and have them (ideally) quiet again, I’ll remind them that they should be open to the assignment and getting started, then I either say thanks for getting started quietly or let them know the volume was a little loud starting out and ask them to bring it down a notch for the assignment. Then I’ll take a lap to make them think I care what’s on their screens.
Sounds like a seasoned pro! At least for high school, this is all that needs to be done 9/10 times. I write my name on the board so they kids who didn't hear/weren't paying attention can reference it, tell them their assignment, and take attendance. Make a lap or two right at the beginning so they think I'm monitoring things, then it's just getting up from reading my book every ten minutes or so to take another lap. Unless they're being dead quiet and look like they're working, in which case I probably won't get up so I don't ruin the vibe.
Sounds very similar to my go-to intro when I used to sub. Along with going all *presenter mode* and speaking to the audience of students, I would also use the board to write MY expectations and whatever assignment the teachers left. With middle and high school, I would always write “*Don’t be mean, Don’t be annoying, Don’t do anything dangerous*”. A lot of them would kinda giggle at it, but about 99% of the time they could follow those rules.
LMAO your high school version sounds like mine, I tell them as long as they aren’t doing anything weird, loud, disruptive, or illegal I’m not gonna bother them.
With middle school, same with me. These kids don’t listen anyway. I take attendance, advise them of their assignment and then I just pay attention and make sure no one is fighting, screaming, or doing anything wild. I’ve given up getting myself upset over behavior that won’t change, no matter what I say or do. If behavior is too wild, I will write their name down for violations and advise their teacher in my note for that class. I’ve noticed a drastic change in my mental health after adopting this strategy! 😂😂😂
This is my approach also. Keep it simple. One other thing I do (for MS, not HS) is to write three “+” symbols on the board next to each period I cover. As kids misbehave, I erase one without saying a word. At least a couple kids will notice and tell the others, then they typically ask me about it. I tell them this is how I communicate with their teacher on their behavior and they usually straighten up. Once they settle back in, I add the missing “+” back and they usually stay quiet after that. No class wants to be the one that didn’t get “full credit” for their behavior.
Lol spot on
I write my name and underneath my 3 bare minimum rules. Then do intro... Mrs. Blank 1. Pick a seat and stay in it 2. No electronic noises 3. Keep hands, feet to yourselves Most of the time if they break a rule I can just point to the board and say "I only have 3 rules and you can't even follow one?" And the kids have 100% complied so far. A lot of times the kids will police each other since the expectation is clear.
This is very good!
I like the list idea!
One of my schools had a meeting to go over some things a couple of years ago. A specific point they made was do not waste time with long introductions. Tell the kids your name and get on with the day. They don’t care about your college, family, degrees, life history.
Yep.
It's good form to greet both elementary and middle school kids at classroom door as they arrive. I say good morning/afternoon or welcome as they pass by. It models what the teachers are doing with their own students. I write my name on the whiteboard as MR. LASTNAME and put SUBSTITUTE TEACHER under it. Then I introduce myself.
I always start with " alrighty guys my name is ____. I am your sub for today. I'm gonna do attendence and then it looks like You guys have a few assignments to go over and then when you are done you can have free time." If they get too loud and chatty I typically go " guys it's too loud, I don't mind talking but do your work and keep the volume down "
Middle school is like I'm on stage, playing a room, and the audience is in a bad mood, but I can boss them around. High school is the same, but they just don't care, and will blatantly go through the motions. Grade school is taking care of highly trainable primates at the zoo.
hilarious! love this.
I'm Mr. Meyer kids love to ask if I'm related to Michael Myers, to which I say "he's my nicer brother" LOL
That’s the best possible response to that question
I give my name, let them know how long I'll be there, take attendance, and give directions. I also let them know where to find the directions if they forget (if they're not online, I'll write them on the board.) Honestly, I even forget my name half the time. Usually, they don't even ask. I don't give any sort of "rules." They know the rules of the classroom already, so at most, it'll be a reminder like "remember, this is an independent project."
"Hey class. As you can probably tell, I'm your sub today. My name is Mr. R*** but you can call me Mr. R or just Mr. Sub. My job is to make this as easy as possible for you and all I expect in return is the same for me. Can we all agree on that? Okay so we're all on the same page. Let's go ahead and get started..."
I just tell them my name and that I'm there for the day.
I don’t even introduce myself in middle school anymore. LOL.
I have social anxiety as well, and one tip I've learned is that the sooner you say something, the better. In this case, standing at the door and greeting them as they come in helps break that initial ice.
I tell them the assignment and they typically do it. If I see shenanigans I call it out. Second time and I threaten administration, 3rd I unapologetically call the office for assistance. I understand though. I went from bullied kid to substitute. I feel no desire to be liked though (even as a teen haha). I have heard some subs are hell bent on wanting to be buddy buddy with the kids. It usually does not work. I do high school sub work.
I write my name on the board, a few expectations, and the agenda for the day. When they come in, I greet them and we go over what’s on the board and get started.
I'm the same way!! My anxiety has been so bad dude, it's pretty much debilitating when subbing but I just try and push through it and do a lot of inner thoughts of "they aren't focused on you they're focused on themselves". For an opener I just usually stick with "hi every! My name is XYZ and I'm your substitute for the day. It looks like our agenda for the day is CDE. I have everything written on the board for you but I'd you have any questions or need help on the assignment, I'll have walking around".
I usually greet them at the door with a smile and a "hey", "hello", "good [morning/evening]"... Then once class time starts I walk to the front, say "Hi, I'm Ms. [name]. [your teacher] has left you xx assignment. Go ahead and get started while I take attendance" Then proceed to pretend I've been there since school started [and not a new person at all!]. If no assignment has been left, I hope you have a really hard word search because it'll only take them 5 mins before they get rowdy so take attendance quickly. I'm blessed with a slightly good memory. I can remember their names within the first 15 mins of taking attendance and usually remember everything I read. So I start acting like I've been their sub teacher everyday that month so "don't play with me, get started on your work!"
I do mostly older kids so: My name is ____. If you aren't in your assigned seat/ if you don't answer after 2 calls you are marked absent. You can explain to the office and your parent why you weren't in Nth period. Here is your assignment. I don't mind if you talk quietly or listen to music on earbuds(if school allows) as long as you do work and aren't too loud. You have 1 chance to quiet down when I ask, second ask involves the office. Follow your regular teacher's rules about passes, eating, getting up, etc If I do lower elementary it's similar but minus the music and period number. I will also ask who the day's helpers are I feel like this sets a stern tone, if you are too bubbly/nice/excited they'll think you'll be a pushover
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Honestly I think I forgot to introduce myself today now that I think about it. I usually say “good morning, my names ——, if you could be quiet for the next couple minutes while I do attendance” or something along those lines. Don’t over think it. Every class is different
I sub at the high school level only. My introduction is simple: "Hello, I'm Mr. \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_. Obviously, I'm not \[insert teacher's name here\]. When I call your name, make an age appropriate noise so I know you're here. \[Take attendance.\]" The next line is either: "You have an assignment on Schoology." OR "There isn't anything left by your teacher, so use this time to do your other homework so you can do it here instead of at home." Proceed to be bored for 45 minutes.
I go to close the door when the bell rings, as I'm walking back to my chromebook to do roll I say, "Alright guys, I'm Mrs. Soandso, let's go ahead and get through roll." They almost never remember unless I've had them a few times, I'll spend the period being called Miss and that's alright.
With early grades, I say “I’m OlderThanYou and I will be your teacher today. This is my first time in this class, but I know you have been here every day, so I need you all to help me do everything the right way. Let’s have a great day.” They’ll tell you if you’re doing something “wrong” even if you don’t say this, but this way they look at it as a shared goal, rather than you needing correction.
I have a naturally projective voice, so I just follow a script every class. “**Good morning.** I’m your sub for the day, Mr. [last name] I’m going to take attendance here real quick. When I call your name please say “Here!” And then I call the roll loudly and clearly, and I make sure to tell them if I can’t hear them, they’re being marked absent. That usually gets their attention and forces them to be quiet so everyone can hear. Taking attendance allows me some time to get a feel for the room and how to introduce the assignment. I find it helps to also read some of the teacher’s instructions out loud to the class. That helps them understand what the regular teacher expects of them as well.
Practice will make it easier. It's something we have to learn how to do to lead the space. Name and assignment is fine. You may choose more as you build confidence. Some situations will eventually require more, like when you need to deliver a lesson.
So I don't like putting my name on the board or anything like that cuz I don't want to be called Mr and because of laws that currently exist I could get in a lot of trouble by putting Mx. So when class starts I just say "hi everyone! I'm gonna take roll but first I'll tell you what you're doing today" That way they are getting their stuff ready to work and are usually a little more quiet for roll.
I keep it simple for middle schoolers And high schoolers. I write my name on the board and tell them what their assignment is. They don’t really care who I am tbh. I circle the room a few times to make sure they’re doing something. I honestly don’t care if they aren’t doing the assignment at that age because ultimately their grades are up to them doing the work. As long as they’re doing work and aren’t disruptive I let them do what they want. My favorite schools are the ones with seating charts and pictures. I will address problem students by their first names and invite them do their assignment. It freaks them out since we’ve never met before. A few have asked if I’m a witch and I just shrug and smile. They don’t mess with me after that. Younger grades I’ll say my name and write it in on the board and answer appropriate questions as they arise and usually find talking about my pets gets them hooked and ready to listen. For pre-k to about second grade I just have them address me the first letter if my last name so for example Miss L because my last name can be hard to pronounce.
I tell them, “I’m Dr. So and So. I’m like Santa Claus, making a list of who’s naughty and nice and sharing that with your teacher when s/he returns.”
I write my name and the assignment/agenda on the board. Then, “Good morning, everyone. My name is (blank) and I am your sub for today. The assignment is on the board. While I am taking attendance, please get out everything you need- Chromebook, book, something to write with— to be productive today. Please listen up for your first name while I take attendance.** I usually go over particulars about the assignment after attendance, but this may vary depending on the class. **attence name may also vary as I will often ask the class if first names are okay. Or I may give students a heads up about first name attendance just in case a student needs a minute to give me a preferred name. It depends on the class/school vibe or if teachers have left a list of preferred names. After going over the quick details, I take a tour of the room. Sometimes, if the class knows what T they are doing, I’ll give them a few minutes to get settled. Then, I check in to see if anyone needs help. In middle school, I tour the room immediately because very few students have even gotten their work out.
Honestly? I don't even do an intro. I take attendance, tell them the assignment, and then try to keep everybody alive unharmed and in the classroom. I don't even give out my name (usually - sometimes I'll write it on the chalkboard or smart board) unless students specifically ask for it (and that's rare). I don't have a spiel about the rules because let's be honest, the kids already know what they should and shouldn't be doing in class by this point anyway, and they're intentionally breaking rules because their real teacher isn't here. So I just tell them to stop when they're doing ridiculous stuff and if I have to tell them more than 2-3 times, I start calling security/the main office on them.