Take Good Care of Yourself

Be Proactive in Planning for Self Care as a Substitute Teacher

It is important to be very deliberate in your planning to make sure your personal needs are met while you prepare for and go to your assignments. I do have lists and checklists that I use to make sure I cover the bases. I have addressed many of these items in a previous post but it bears repeating. You do not want to report to an assignment rushing and flustered. You do not want to go through the day hungry and/or tired. So, this is what I recommend:

1. Chart your course - this includes figuring out how you are getting there, whether by car or public transportation. I use google maps.
2. Survey your area - I have used google maps to get a visual of the school and surrounding area if it is available. 
3. Arrive early so you can finalize your logistics. One great advantage you arrive early is that you will have time to acclimate yourself and ask questions. Where do you sign in? Where is the bathroom? Where do you pick up the students? If the classroom is locked, who will let you in? Can you buy food at the school cafeteria?
4. If you like to carry lunch, then you need to find a fridge if there is not one in the room. I prefer to carry containers that I do not have to bring home if I do not want to. That way, if I leave my lunch bag by accident, there is no problem. That is also why I use a brown paper or plastic bag. The only accept is a school that I visit often or if there is a long term assignment.
5. I lay out my clothes and pack my briefcase the night before as well as my lunch. I try to get a good night's sleep and eat a low sugar breakfast. I usually have emergency food in my briefcase in the event I forget or am unable to buy lunch.
6. I make sure I look nice and at least wear lip stick or a nice lip gloss. I dress business casual in clothes that are comfortable yet stylish. If the teacher's wear jeans, I dress down a little, but make sure I look nice. I do not wear blue jeans to work under any circumstances. I may wear black or gray colored jeans that fit nicely and sure I am wearing a very attractive top with an accent scarf.
7. I do not tolerate disrespect from staff members and avoid assignments where the administration or other teachers are disrespectful. This is a part of self care. I also let the students know I do not tolerate disrespect and let them know that am prepared to send a note home or call a parent. I model the behaviors I expect from students and staff.
8. I do not return to schools where I feel unsafe or mistreated. I continue to look for schools and assignments where I am appreciated and that there is a swift response to violent or abuse behavior by the staff and security.

Have a wonderful day.