What strategy should a substitute teacher employ to maintain classroom control?

Developing rapport and showing a caring attitude is a crucial strategy for a substitute teacher to maintain classroom control. When students feel that their teacher is genuinely interested in their well-being and education, they are more likely to respect the teacher's authority and respond positively to classroom management efforts. Building a positive relationship creates a supportive environment where students feel valued, which can lead to increased cooperation and engagement.

Establishing this connection can help in preventing disruptive behavior, as students are less inclined to act out in front of someone they trust and respect. Moreover, demonstrating empathy allows the substitute to adjust their approach to meet the individual needs of the students, further enhancing the classroom atmosphere.

In contrast, ignoring established classroom rules undermines the authority of the regular teacher and can lead to confusion and inconsistent behavior expectations for students. Relying on physical confrontation is not only ineffective but can also escalate conflicts and create a hostile environment. Finally, deferring all behavior issues to administration removes the substitute teacher's role in managing the classroom and disrupts the flow of instruction, which can lead to chaos and a lack of learning.