Sometimes students who do not normally create problems in class will misbehave with substitutes. Therefore, it is very important that students understand you have high standards for their behavior. When you come back from your absence, make sure you do not ignore any behavioral problems that occurred while you were out.

Make Your Expectations Clear

You should hold your students to a high standard when you are absent. When a substitute is in your classroom, you want him to have a great day. For one thing, if he is a quality substitute, you will want him to return. For another, students need to understand that being rude to anyone is wrong. Students should realize that they will be punished if they misbehave.

Discipline and Rewards

When you state your expectations, you should make it clear what the consequences of misbehavior will be. You could choose to have students serve detention or write letters of apology to the substitute teacher. On the flip side, you should also provide rewards for exceptional behavior. Do this often at the beginning of the year and then periodically as the year progresses as a means of reinforcement.