Professionals of Substitute Teaching

It is the end of May. 🌸🪻 That magical time of the school year that seemed so far away but suddenly is here in the blink of an eye. ✨🪄 You have been working hard this year to build your career, gain and enhance your teaching skills, and make a real impact in classrooms. 🏫👨🏼‍🏫 And you may be left with wondering what is going to happen next year. 🤷🏼‍♂️🤷🏻🤷🏽‍♀️ In today’s episode I want t...

Today, I'm diving into the final instructional block, Module 4: Instructional Technology. When I was designing and writing the ProSubs Skillful Teaching course, this module was the most challenging. 🏃🏽‍♀️🏃🏼‍♀️ I personally really enjoy technology in the classroom and in my personal life, so the topic of instructional technology is not intimidating to me at all. 😁🖥️ However, I completely under...

The focus of today’s episode is Module 3 Instructional Strategies. 🧑🏼‍🏫 This is the module that students consistently describe as hands‑on, fun, eye‑opening, and occasionally… a little rushed because they were having too much fun. 😱😲😁 All of those comments make perfect sense because this is the module where teaching stops being theoretical and starts being real.   ✨🛣️🌟Not sure where to sta...

Welcome back to the second episode in the Student Voices of ProSubs Skillful Teaching series. 👏🏼 Today’s episode is all about Module 2: Classroom Management. This module is often challenging and revealing for students. They consistently describe it as eye‑opening, perspective‑shifting, and sometimes… a little overwhelming. And honestly those comments absolutely thrill me. 🤩🥳   ✨🛣️🌟Not sure w...

I have been collecting feedback from the high school students who take the ProSubs Skillful Teaching course as part of their CTE Pathway in Education and Teaching. I am taking on this challenge to pull the curtain back a little bit to reveal the good, the suggestions, the real, and the surprisingly profound comments I get. The Student Voices of ProSubs Skillful Teaching Series are episodes complet...

If you are like most people, when considering a new job you start thinking about the community - should I stay where I am or relocate? 🏘️ What schedule demands do I want? 📅 Do I have the skills for this position? 👷🏼👩🏼‍⚕️👨🏼‍🏭 What is the pay? 💵 Is this a viable career move or will I get laid off in a year? 🫣 Becoming a ProSubs one of the most flexible, impactful, and surprisingly competit...

Have you ever seen a teacher come out of school carrying a massive backpack, a rolling suitcase, or four canvas totes?  Ever wonder what in the world is in there? 👜🧳🎒 In today’s episode I am going to talk about the importance of having your ProSub Backpack because no matter what assignment you accept there will be things that are essential to have, some that are handy, and some you should alway...

I have an exciting change up in this episode, I cannot wait for you to hear this. 🥳 I interviewed my good friend who is an exceptional educator, principal, and human being - Mrs. Laura Frederick. Laura has 30 years of experience as a teacher, instructional coach, and principal that she brings to this conversation. 👩🏼‍🏫🏫 Her perspective on what the most important characteristics and skills are...

In this Part Two Episode of The Tough Class Starter Pack, I am going to give you some strategies to handle those Attention-seeking and Power-seeking behavioral patterns from the tough classroom we see the most often. These are not bad kids. They are kids that have learned predictable behavior patterns from unpredictable circumstances.   ✨🛣️🌟Not sure where to start? Take the ProSub Journey quiz t...

What defines a 'tough' class? A tough does not mean they are dangerous. It does not mean they are naturally disrespectful. It does mean there are some predictable patterns of behavior that have gone unaddressed for a long time. The tough classes have gotten used to behaving, and getting away with, patterns of misbehavior. There are usually some likely experiences that have created this issue. Here...

In today's episode I am talking about those moments when the classroom energy shifts, your confidence wobbles a bit and you think, “Oh no, here it comes.” 😨 I assure you, this is something every substitute teacher experiences at least once… or twice… or every Tuesday. 📆 You cannot avoid chaos, it happens in every classroom whether you are a master substitute or an experienced teacher. 💯 How do...

“Just one bite is all I am asking. You do not have to like it or eat it all, I am asking for one bite.” 🍝🙅🏻‍♂️ In this week’s episode I am addressing a classroom management topic that every substitute teacher bumps into sooner or later: What is the difference between bribing students and using positive reinforcement? 🤔⁉️ It’s a subtle line, but once you understand it, you can leverage the smar...

As the foundation of this conversation, I am talking about why Enjoyment and Fulfillment as a Professional Substitute Teacher is so important. When people talk about teaching today, the loudest voices often focus on burnout, stress, and why “no one should go into education anymore.” But here’s the truth that rarely gets airtime: substitute teachers can experience real enjoyment, real fulfillment,...

Respect doesn’t take weeks to build—substitute teachers need it now. We’re breaking down the fast‑track formula for substitute teachers who want to earn respect quickly—without yelling, posturing, or pretending you’re not running on caffeine and hope. You’ll learn: The “doorway advantage” that sets the tone before class even starts How to introduce yourself with confidence (even if you’re faking i...

In this episode I am talking about something I think every substitute has wrestled with at some point in their career: Having confidence in their teaching ability, I’m talking about Instructional Confidence.  🧑🏼‍🏫 The HOW to teach part of being a substitute teacher. 💪🏻 Conquer all those thoughts of; What if I’m not good enough?             🤨 Your doubt about content matter knowledge (Peer Te...

In today’s episode we’re diving into the hard stuff and answering all those big What Ifs about classroom management. 🌟I understand how the very thought of managing students can be so overwhelming it can stop you from ever being in a classroom.  🫣And that is NOT what you want, it is NOT what students need, and I absolutely know I can help you reach that place of confidence to achieve what you are...

The kids didn’t listen. The lesson plan pulled a disappearing act. Lunch? Missing in action. The water fountain? A biohazard. The teachers? Not exactly lining up to welcome you with a parade. And then — the grand finale — you were late picking up your own kid. Have you ever walked out of a classroom like this thinking, “I can’t do this anymore,” I want you to know something important: That feeling...

Substitute teaching can really make you feel like you are constantly being put on the spot. Even though it is to be expected given the parameters of the job, it can still be uncomfortable, especially if you don't have a few tricks to calm the anxiety and nervousness until you find your groove. In this episode I share a recent experience I had that made me feel EXACTLY like I was back in an unfamil...

How many times have you been in a classroom or are thinking about going into a classroom and in the back of your mind there is this tape running saying “I should know how to do this?”  But ... you Don't know how to do it? I assure you, just because you have gone through school does not mean you have been equipped with the skills to teach school. It is completely different being a student and being...

Have you ever been in a room with a group or in an online group chat and someone says or posts something and your immediate reaction is TMI TMI!!!  Too much information!!!  There are absolutely times when this is the case, and when it comes to communicating in schools there is a difference between overcommunicating information for clarity and breaching confidentiality. In this episode we are talki...

I promised the full ABCs of Professionalism so today we are talking about B — Behavior. Learn four basic behaviors every substitute teacher needs to build a strong, reliable reputation: Be Prepared, Be Punctual, Be Prudent, and Be Discerning. Prepare confidently for any grade level, know why punctuality matters in schools, what professional (and practical) wardrobe choices look like for different...

Have you ever wondered how you could set yourself apart from other substitute teachers?  What would it take for you to be called in regularly or to even be asked to fill a long-term position? Today we’re talking about the Essentials for ProSub Success. something that sets the great ProSub apart from the rest: professionalism. You, my friend, are pursuing a calling that requires the specialized ski...

So many aspiring ProSubs complete their training… and then freeze. They never apply, never step into a classroom, and never discover the career that could change their lives. Why? Because their questions go unanswered—and unanswered questions grow into uncertainty, confusion, and fear. In this episode of Professionals of Substitute Teaching (POST), I’m pulling back the curtain on the real concerns...

Chantell is a 30+ year experienced education administrator and teacher.  In the Professionals of Substitute Teaching podcast her mission is to inspire, motivate, and empower you with practical skills, professional strategies and real talk that builds your confidence to become the absolute best professional substitute teacher you can be.