Comfortable in the classroom

I'm in London, UK (having moved over from America). I'm a substitute teacher that can work a lot. I've had a few jobs that were really tough. Here are a few things I've learned. What do you think? What would you add? Thanks!<br><br>-Be prepared. Don't take a job that you know you'll be late for. Turn up on time, even early. Don't spend the whole time on your phone. This isn't a job where you can "get away" with things or get a few warnings. Your career can be over with one mistake. <br><br>-Be professional. Your LinkedIn profile is public. So is your Tik Tok account. Don't put anything up that you wouldn't want the principal or boss to see. Don't spend hours on the internet. Don't play video games on your phone. This isn't a job where you can "get away" with things or get a few warnings. Your career can be over with one mistake. <br><br>-Be ready for the kids. Charge your phone/camera. Charge the interactive whiteboard remote if necessary. Bring pens and pencils for when they inevitably forget. Bring snacks. You never know when you might be in the position to reward someone or help them out. <br><br>\-Treat the kids like people. I've noticed some teachers don't even say "hi" to their students at the door. Some don't learn their names. Some just send them to detention. You will have issues with kids. They will get upset when you correct them. But if you try to establish a connection, be kind, listen to them and be sympathetic, they will be more forgiving for when things go wrong, as they inevitably will. Please don't punish kids for being hungry or needing to go to the bathroom or being sad. That's not helping them. Also notice if a kid is being "difficult". They might be having a bad day or be in a crisis and need help. I had a kid break down about a family issue that was going on that no one knew about. I got them to the councillor and all was well. But if kids like you and trust you, they talk to you more. <br><br>-Be ready for anything. I've substituted for three classes that were supposed to have a teacher that day and be told the teacher is doing "well" but can't come in. I've had classes where half the kids can't come because of a school threat. Don't take anything for granted. Have a plan. <br><br>-Ask questions. First, establish that you're a sub. They might not remember you're there. Establish who the TA is, who the behaviour managers are, what the behaviour rules are, where kid's files and reports are kept (if you end up giving them a detention), where the first aid kit is, where the fire extinguisher is, where the fire alarm is (if there's a drill), what the rules are for allowing kids to use the bathroom, where the key to the supplies are, if there are any allergies you should know, where the phone is, if you should keep kids in class or send them to their next class, how to take attendance, where the attendance sheets are kept, etc. <br><br>-Learn the names of the kids and the staff. This makes a big difference in how they treat you. They should have lists of kids and staff somewhere. Print them out if they don't give you one. <br><br>-Listen to the kids. They can point out things you've missed. They can help you learn who's who. They can help you with school rules. They can answer questions you have for staff. They can help you get additional help if you need it. They can let you know if someone has been "screwing around". <br><br>-Take care of yourself. It's okay if you skip jobs because you don't feel like driving an hour to get there. It's okay if you skip a class because you've heard it's too difficult and you're tired. Remember, no one likes a flu Bug. Take care of yourself. <br><br>The toughest part about this job is making it through the day. It's hard. They don't tell you enough. The staff don't communicate well. The kids will test you. But if you can get through the day, you'll get paid!