Slate Software was designed to support school districts and substitutes, creating a scheduling platform that streamlines what can otherwise be an overwhelming process. At Slate, we hope to reach beyond the chalkboard to help schools and students succeed. In keeping with that mission, our team hopes to provide other resources that can ensure success in the classroom, including tips for substitutes. Anyone who has subbed, can tell you, it’s not a job for the faint of heart. If you’re covering for a classroom teacher, and find yourself in a challenging situation, try some of the strategies below to de-escalate the moment.
1. Be empathic and nonjudgmental. Try not to judge or discount the person’s feelings. Those feelings are real to them. Pay attention to the student.
2. Respect personal space. Stand 2-3 feet away to decrease a person’s anxiety.
3. Use nonthreatening nonverbals. Keep tone and body language neutral. Be mindful of gestures, facial expressions, movements, & voice tone.
4. Avoid overreacting. Remain calm, rational, and professional. You can’t control another person’s behavior, but you can control your own.
5. Focus on feelings. Facts are important, but watch & listen carefully for the person’s real message. Use supportive words. Ignore challenging questions.
6. Ignore the challenge, not the person. Bring their focus back to how you can work together to solve the issue.
7. Set limits. Be clear, speak simply, and offer positive choices first. An upset person may not be able to focus on everything.
8. Choose wisely what you insist upon. Decide which rules are negotiable and which are not. Options & flexibility may help avoid altercations.
9. Allow silence for reflection. Silence, although sometimes awkward, can give a person time to reflect & is a good communication tool.
10. Allow time for decisions. A person’s stress rises when they are rushed. Give them a few moments to think clearly about what you have said.
Often, these approaches can take the heat out of a tense situation. If you’re one of the hardworking people with a passion for this job, we hope this might be useful to you. We’re grateful for the dedicated substitutes showing up each day, making our schools a safe and positive place for learning.