How should a substitute teacher prepare for the first day of teaching?

Familiarizing oneself with the school environment, class materials, and expected behaviors is crucial for a substitute teacher preparing for their first day. This preparation allows the substitute to create a conducive learning atmosphere, understand the layout of the school, and know where essential resources and materials are located. Understanding the expected behaviors establishes clear guidelines for student conduct, thereby facilitating classroom management and helping to establish authority and respect from students. This groundwork contributes significantly to a smoother day, enabling the substitute teacher to focus on delivering instruction effectively rather than dealing with unexpected challenges or confusion.

Engaging with the school's specific practices and the curriculum being taught helps ensure that the substitute can better meet the needs of students and align with the classroom goals set by the regular teacher. This approach fosters a more productive and effective teaching experience on the first day.