They loved our instructors, gaining practical skills, and learning from their peers! Overall, they feel more prepared to make a difference in the classroom.

What is Foundations Training?

Foundations Training is where every TeachStart Fellow’s journey begins. This 5-day intensive helps Fellows build the skills and mindsets to create safe, welcoming classrooms.

Led by expert facilitators, the training is interactive and hands-on, with plenty of small group activities to work through real-world situations. At the end of the week, Fellows present a demo lesson, putting everything they’ve learned into action.

What’s TeachStart?

TeachStart is your paid pathway to becoming a lead credentialed teacher. As a TeachStart Fellow, you’ll earn a full-time salary and benefits, all while working towards your teaching career.

Without further ado, let’s hear their thoughts!

Learning in community

Fellows loved building strong connections with other teachers in their cohort. Sharing experiences, ideas, and feedback with peers creates a supportive environment where everyone grows together.

“I loved meeting the community of fellow teachers and having the same group throughout the week. Because of how familiar I became with the group, I felt more comfortable to participate and engage–especially with the demo teach.” -Los Angeles Sub, 22F, September 2024 cohort

“I love the collaboration aspect. There are so many trainings that don’t allow you to talk to a group about the content. Sharing your experiences and ideas with a group is valuable because you get to learn from each other.” -Los Angeles Sub, 27M, August 2024 cohort

“What I liked the most about Foundations Training was that I was able to formulate an example script and present it whilst also receiving feedback on some things that I may not have picked up on that could have been a possible detriment.” -Sacramento Sub,  23 M, July 2024 cohort

Practicing with purpose

Deliberate practice makes perfect! Fellows got to apply and refine everything they learned and work towards delivering a masterful final demo lesson.

“I enjoyed the opportunity to practice everything that we learned, because it is one thing to read and hear about it and another to put it into action.” -Los Angeles Sub, 22M, July 2024 cohort

“I like how everything we learned built towards our demo teaching. There was purpose to creating and revising our script. I wish I had something like this before my first time in the classroom as a substitute. I would’ve felt much more prepared if I had these strategies and techniques to succeed.” -Los Angeles Sub,  26F, July 2024 cohort

“I loved that the week was constantly geared towards improvement and reflection with lots of avenues to generate that outcome!” -Phoenix Sub, 24M, September 2024 cohort

Practical tools for first-time teachers

Fellows leave Foundations Training with a toolkit of strategies they can use from day one. Here are some tools they found useful.

“I enjoyed the opportunity to practice elevator pitches and lesson introductions.” -Los Angeles Sub, 29M, August 2024 cohort

“I learned so much about engagement and directional strategies. The practice and scrimmage set me up for a good start.” -San Francisco Sub, 41M, September 2024 cohort

“So many practical skills! My toolkit is filled to the brim. Classroom management was something I worried about the most, but now I’m feeling so much better than I was at the beginning of the week.” -Phoenix Sub, 36F, July 2024 cohort

“I liked working on a script that follows the ‘anatomy of a lesson plan’ that we can build off of in the future.” -Philadelphia Sub, October 2024 cohort

Expert instructors

Our instructors know their stuff—and it shows. Educators valued their energy, expertise, and ability to model techniques so well.

“The facilitators were so kind, patient, and informative.” -Los Angeles Sub, 22F, September 2024 cohort

“I really enjoyed my facilitator Autumn. Her teaching style is definitely a style I am going to try to mimic in my teaching.” -Los Angeles Sub, 24M, September 2024 cohort

“I enjoyed both facilitators, Cristian and Denise, for creating a most relaxing atmosphere on zoom.” -Los Angeles Sub, 60F, August 2024 cohort

“I liked the camaraderie among the Fellows and the facilitators. Everyone was very welcoming and supportive. I felt like I could ask questions openly.” -Los Angeles Sub, 48F, July 2024 cohort

A safe space to learn

We’re thankful our instructors and attendees cultivated a safe space to learn and not fear mistakes!

“It overall felt like a safe and nurturing learning environment to be a part of.” -Los Angeles Sub, 22M, July 2024 cohort

“Everyone was so nice. We’re all fish out of water in this scenario and it was very comfortable. I liked that we were checked in on at the end and given tips on how to improve. It was very thoughtful.” -Los Angeles Sub, 45M, July 2024 cohort

Equity-focused, culturally responsive teaching

Educators enjoyed learning how to support diverse learners and teach in a way that supports every student’s growth.

“Implicit bias is everywhere, and discussing what those are and how to navigate them helped me realize I have much more learning to do. This training was so hands-on and informative in such a short time, I haven’t experienced training like it before.” -Las Vegas Sub, 24F

“The training taught me to have multiple options when engaging with students. It shared ways that they may be more comfortable when it comes to learning.

It also taught that we will be facing challenges together, but how we navigate them is what’s most important when it comes to being an advocate for these kids. I learned tools to better handle classroom situations.“ -Mentone Paraprofessional, 26F

*These quotes aren’t from TeachStart Fellows, but Scoot subs who have completed similar training sessions outside of the TeachStart program. All training sessions are designed and quality-checked by our Global Head of Learning & Development, Naama Wrightman.

Final Thoughts

From hands-on practice to supportive instructors and cohort mates, it’s easy to see why Fellows loved their training. We’re proud to know they’re stepping into classrooms inspired, prepared, and ready to make a difference every day.

If you want to teach with a company that prioritizes your professional growth and gives you the flexibility to create your own work schedule, apply to Scoot!

If you’re interested in becoming a full-time teacher in less time and cost than traditional pathways, sign up to receive info emails from TeachStart.

Sign up for more info

Our TeachStart Fellows are the first among our educators to access training on this platform. We’re excited to make teacher training an even smoother, accessible experience for our educators, starting with the Spring 2025 cohort of TeachStart Fellows.

In this blog, we’ll introduce:

• What is Foundations Training?
• The benefits of Foundations Training
• What is Growth Hub?

What is Foundations Training?

Before we can explain what Foundations Training is, we have to explain our lead teacher credentialing program, TeachStart.

What is TeachStart?

TeachStart is your paid pathway to becoming a lead credentialed teacher. As a TeachStart Fellow, you’ll earn a full-time salary and benefits, all while working towards your teaching career.

What is Foundations Training?

TeachStart Fellows kick off the program by attending a 5-day intensive called Foundations Training.

Foundations Training is designed to help new substitute teachers develop the mindsets and skills needed to create safe, welcoming classrooms.

It’s facilitator-led and synchronous with multiple small group activities that require educators to collaborate through tough, real-world classroom situations.

Fellows learn crucial skills in four key areas: classroom culture & management, supporting diverse learners, lesson internalization and implementation, mindsets and self-advocacy.

The benefits of Foundations Training

Becoming a new teacher doesn’t have to be a lonely, scary experience. We created Foundations Training to provide our educators a safe space to learn and practice vital lead teacher skills in community with other educators in the same boat!

The benefits of the program include:

1. Hands-on practice

Most other substitute training programs are very resource-heavy, lecture-based, and asynchronous, leaving subs to train themselves. This falls short of adequately preparing subs for handling classroom routines and inevitable challenges.

All Foundations Training sessions are both lecture- and practice-based. This ensures that educators get to quickly apply what is taught and receive immediate feedback from other educators in the session. We do this in a couple of formats:

1. Practice-based. Script & practice delivery with a partner or in small groups. Provide feedback to each other.
2. Immediate feedback. Get quick, structured feedback from other educators who are learning alongside you and the expert facilitator.
3. Discussion-based. Discuss observations about case studies. Brainstorm how to respond to scenarios in small groups.
4. Reflection questions. Answer content-related & self-reflection type questions.

When it comes time to sub for a classroom. Success comes from practicing out-loud and in-front of others. Preparing to teach a lesson in 10 minutes, introducing yourself to the kids, or responding to student behavior all require that scenario- and practice-based learning in community with other active educators.

2. Learning in community

One of the best parts of Foundations Training is learning alongside other new substitute teachers. Over the five days, you’ll join the same cohort of TeachStart Fellows on Zoom, building connections and sharing experiences as you grow together. Substitute teaching can feel isolating at times, but this training helps create a sense of community right from the start.

Through small group breakout rooms, you’ll practice skills like setting clear expectations using the B.O.S.S. criteria and giving feedback with “one grow and one glow.” You’ll get to role-play classroom scenarios, sharpen your scripts, and learn from your peers’ perspectives.

This collaborative model not only makes the training more interactive and engaging but also helps you build lasting relationships with fellow aspiring teachers. You’ll leave with fresh ideas, practical strategies, and a supportive network of peers to lean on as you begin your teaching journey.

3. Expert instructors

Our instructors are former education leaders who are passionate about training up teacher-leaders. They’ve spent years coaching new teachers on effective strategies for supporting diverse learners.

They facilitate a fun, safe Zoom environment where Fellows feel comfortable asking questions and receiving feedback.

Our instructors also teach with a wealth of classroom and curriculum experience. This allows them to share real-life examples, model teaching methods, and give practical feedback to our educators.

Their relatability and wisdom helps educators feel understood and ready to navigate their teaching assignments.

4. Equity-focused, culturally responsive teaching

All of our courses are designed to equip educators with culturally responsive teaching mindsets and skills to create inclusive classrooms that support student learning and social-emotional development.

How do we do this? We share:

• Research-based key takeaways. Teachers read quotes and principles from these neuroscientists, psychologists, and teacher educator authors.
  • Dr. Cheryl Staats research paper “Understanding Implicit Bias: What Educators Should Know” (2016)
  • Zaretta Hammond’s book Culturally Responsive Teaching and the Brain (2015)
  • Dr. Haim Ginott’s book Between Parent and Child (1965)
• Universal Design for Learning (UDL) framework and strategies.
  • Teachers learn to welcome and engage students’ various interests and identities, especially when it comes to race/ethnicity, culture, gender, language, and disability.
  • Teachers make sure information is equally perceptible to all students. This includes using diverse sensory modalities and perspectives.

• Self-reflection exercises. Teachers reflect and practice mindfulness by discussing in breakout rooms the following sorts of questions:
  • What aspects of culture might impact how I show up in the classroom and how I interact with students?
  • Share the specific strategies that you identified for welcoming interests and identities of varied learners.

Our training is designed to help educators discover and develop the skills to be more self-aware and self-regulate. Whether it comes down to giving instructions or de-escalating a crisis, a teacher can help a student feel more humanized and equally supported in their learning.

What is Growth Hub?

Growth Hub is our new learning platform for all Scoot and TeachStart educators. Educators can now log in to a single profile to review previously enrolled training and resources. They can also earn badges and digital certificates to share their achievements!

We’re excited to shout out Foundations Training, this unique opportunity for TeachStart Fellows to train alongside a community of teachers and expert instructors. And for Growth Hub to only enhance their learning experience further. Cheers to the future of TeachStart’s teacher leaders!

If you want to get your teaching credential, you’ll need to know the difference between the CBEST and CSET exams and will most likely have to take one of the tests. Luckily, we have all the answers on what these exams are, how to prepare and how to pass!

1) What is the basic skills requirement?

In order to work in a California public school, you must verify basic skills proficiency before getting a credential, certificate or permit. There are several ways to meet this requirement:

1. Pass the CBEST
2. Pass the CSET
3. Pass the CSU Early Assessment Program or the CSU Placement Examinations
4. Get a qualifying score on the SAT or the ACT
5. Get a score of 3 or higher on the College Board AP English exam, AP Calculus exam or the AP Statistics exam
6. Pass a basic skills examination from another state
7. Meet the basic skills requirement by coursework (LINK TO COURSEWORK SECTION)
8. Meet the basic skills requirement by coursework and exam

This blog will cover how to fulfill the basic skills requirement through the CBEST or CSET. However, if you can meet the requirement without the exams, then you don’t have to take them!

2) What is the CBEST test?

CBEST stands for the California Basic Educational Skills Test. As a teacher, you need to demonstrate that you have a good grasp of fundamental subjects, regardless of the grade level you’re going to teach.

Those fundamental subjects are:

• Mathematics
• Reading in English
• Writing in English

Since the CBEST exam only tests your knowledge of these subjects, you might have to take other tests showing your ability to teach other subjects.

Once you take and pass the CBEST, you’ll be eligible to earn your Multiple Subject Teaching Credential as well as your Single Subject Teaching Credential!

3) What is the CSET test?

CSET stands for the California Subject Examinations for Teachers. This exam measures your competency in certain subject areas.

The CSET has multiple categories and each category tests the skills required to teach a specific subject. You can pick and choose which ones you want to take.

The 5 categories are:

• Multiple Subjects: This test is made up of 3 subtests covering multiple subjects, like the name suggests.
• Single Subject: There are many subject areas you can choose to test in. If you pass the exam, you’ll be allowed to teach that particular subject in middle and secondary schools.
• Writing Skills: Required if you do not pass all three sections of the CBEST or all three subtests of the CSET: Multiple Subjects exam.
• Preliminary Education Technology: Used for evaluating the skills required for using computers
• Languages Other Than English(LOTE): Required to teach a language other than English

If you want to teach several subjects, you will need to take and pass the CSET: Multiple Subjects test or the corresponding CSET: Single Subject tests. Once you pass your selected exams, you’ll be able to earn your Multiple Subject Teaching Credential which allows preschool and K-12 educators to teach most subjects.

If you just want to teach one subject, you only need to take and pass the CSET: Single Subject test. Once you pass the CSET: Single Subjects test in the subject matter you want to teach, you’ll be able to earn your Single Subject Teaching Credential and teach in preschools and K-12 grades.

People who have passed the CSET vary in their evaluation of the test’s difficulty. Some say it’s a difficult test while others claim it’s not. But studying effectively and efficiently will ensure that the test is not too difficult for you.

4) CBEST vs. CSET: Which exam do I need to take?

Now that you know the differences between the two exams, you’ll need to figure out which one you’ll take to become a teacher in California.

What if I took only the CSET?

If you want to get your Multiple Subjects Teaching Credential, you’ll need to take and pass the CSET: Multiple Subjects test as well as the CSET: Writing Skills.

If you want to get your Single Subject Teaching Credential, you’ll need to only take and pass the CSET: Single Subject test.

What if I took only the CBEST?

If you only take the CBEST exam, you’ll be eligible to apply for both the Multiple Subject Teaching Credential and Single Subject Teaching Credential.

As noted previously, there are three subtests on the CBEST. Luckily, you don’t have to pass all three sections in the same testing session, nor do you have to even take all three at the same time.

So, which option should you choose?

Passing either the CBEST or the CSET: Multiple Subjects and CSET: Writing Skills will ensure that you cover the basic skills requirement of California teaching credentials so, ultimately, the choice is yours.

However, if you’re planning to take any other categories of the CSET such as:

• Preliminary Education Technology
• Languages Other Than English

Then you’ll have to also plan to take the CBEST as well.

One thing to note is that a benefit of taking the CSET math compared to the CBEST math, is that the CSET allows the use of a basic calculator while the CBEST does not. Keep in mind that the CSET combines science with the math section, so if you feel confident in your math and science abilities, you might find the CSET easier.

Now that you know this, you can make the decision that is right for you!

5) Why do I need to take an exam?

We get it, standardized tests aren’t for everyone! But in order for you to become a teacher in the state of California, you need to prove that you have mastery over essential subject matters.

Passing either the CSET or CBEST exams shows that you have what it takes to be a Californian teacher!

What about using your coursework to fulfill the basic skills requirement? Keep reading to see if your college-level classes can help you meet this!

6) Other ways to fulfill the basic skills requirement – new California bill

For the longest time, the only way to check off the basic skills requirement for all teachers was to take and pass either the CBEST or CSET exams.

However, Governor Newsom signed the TK-12 Education Trailer Bill (AB 130) in July of 2021. This bill gives aspiring teachers new ways to meet the basic skills requirement.

Now, you can prove competency by completing full-credit, college-level coursework with a grade of a B or higher in the following subject areas:

• Reading (including courses in critical thinking, literature, philosophy, reading, rhetoric or textual analysis)
• Writing (including courses in composition, English, rhetoric, written communications or writing)
• Mathematics (including courses in geometry, mathematics, quantitative reasoning or statistics)
• Classes from closely related fields may also be used to satisfy this requirement

This new measure also allows incoming teachers to meet the CSET requirements if they have received a Bachelor’s degree in the subject they will teach.

7) How to pass the CBEST? How to pass the CSET?

As you take this next step toward your teaching career, you’ll need to know what a passing grade is for these exams. Keeping these numbers in mind will help you set and reach goals during your study process.

CBEST passing scores

Each section of the CBEST exam is scaled from 20 to 80 points, with the reading subtest and mathematics subtest being scored based on how many multiple-choice questions you get right:

• 61-80: You answered most of the questions correctly
• 41-60: You answered many of the questions correctly
• 31-40: You answered some of the questions correctly
• 20-30: You answered few or none of the questions correctly

Luckily, wrong answers are not counted against you on the test so you should make sure to fill in all the answers instead of leaving anything blank. Hopefully, this makes test day a little less stressful!

The written section

Since the written section of this exam is scaled based on the quality of 2 essays you write, it’s scored a little differently than the other sections. Your essays will be scored from 1 to 4, with 1 being the lowest score and 4 being the highest:

• 4: Your writing is well-formed with effective communication
• 3: Your writing is adequate with some communication
• 2: Your writing is partially-formed with an attempt at communication
• 1: Your writing is inadequately-formed with little to no communication

These essays are scored twice, so an essay’s score can range from 2 to 8. The scores of these essays will then be added together, so you can earn between 4 to 16 points on this section. Finally, this grade will be converted to a 20 to 80 point scale and added to your final CBEST score.

What is a passing score?

In all, you must receive a total score of at least 123 in order to pass the CBEST exam, with no section’s score dropping below a 37. You should aim for at least a 41 on each section, but a score between 37 and 41 is acceptable if you make up for the loss of points in another section.

CSET passing scores

To pass a CSET subtest, you must earn a passing rate of 70% or better. Like with the CBEST, wrong answers won’t count against you so it’s best to just guess instead of leaving an answer blank.

The CSET subtests usually have between 30 to 50 multiple choice questions, however, some tests can have up to 100 questions. The number of questions you’ll get will vary depending on the subtest you take.

8) How do I study for the CBEST and CSET exams?

Just like with any standardized testing, you’ll need to study if you want to pass.

Take a practice test

To understand where you’re starting from, you should take a practice test to assess your knowledge.

Test-guide.com has practice tests that you can take and review for free:

• CSET practice tests
• CBEST practice tests

Remember: You need to simulate test-day conditions. Sit in a quiet place, remove any distractions, set your phone to Do Not Disturb, and only check the answers when you’ve finished taking the entire test. Treat these practice test questions as if they were the real deal!

Once you’ve taken and scored your practice exam, you can create a study plan for yourself.

Make a study plan

Now that you’ve evaluated your test readiness, you can come up with a study plan. Study plans are extremely helpful for keeping you on track and holding you accountable.

If you’ve been out of school for a while or are a little rusty on the subjects, you should plan to study for about an hour a day for a few weeks to a few months. For those who feel confident that they have a good grasp of the subject matters, you may study for less time.

Study plans will look different from person to person so don’t compare yourself to others as you’re preparing for these exams.

Be realistic

You don’t want to create a study plan that has you burnt out within the first week of studying.

A few questions you should ask yourself are:

• What days of the week can you study? If you have no free time during the weekend, don’t say that you’ll study for 2 hours during that time. Instead, find times that work best with your current schedule.
• What time of day works best for you? If you know that you don’t like waking up early in the mornings, schedule your study time to be for the afternoons or evenings. And if you’re a morning bird, set your study time for the mornings!
• How much do you need to study? This answer depends on how you performed on your practice tests. If you have a lot to review, you’ll need to allocate enough time to study everything.
• How do you prefer to learn? Can you study virtually or do you need a physical textbook in front of you? Do you need to make flashcards or do virtual flashcards work for you? These are some things to consider as you begin your studies.

Once you have a good idea of a schedule that works for you and won’t burn you out, you should write down your study plan. Put it into your calendar or write it in your agenda – just make sure you can easily reference it whenever.

Things to include in your study plan

You should be scheduling practice tests once every 2 weeks or once a month. Taking practice tests will help you track how well you’re doing and how much more you need to study.

Write down your scores every time so you can visibly see your progress!

Also, you don’t have to take a full practice exam every time. You can take one or two sections at a time and review them fully in the following days.

• Be sure to include this review time into your study plan!
• For questions you got wrong, look over your answer and figure out why you chose it. Then, look at the right answer and find out why that one is correct and why the answer you chose is wrong. Don’t move on until you fully understand the correct answer and the mistake you made.

Next, include a tentative test date! Not only should you have a goal of getting a passing grade, you should also set a date that you plan to take the test.

Finally, make sure to include breaks in your study plan. Don’t study every single day or you risk burn out.

Maybe you don’t study over the weekends, or maybe you don’t study on Mondays and Thursdays – it all depends on you. Choose what works for you and create a sustainable study plan.

9) CBEST registration and CSET registration

You can quickly and easily register for either test on the CTC website.

CBEST registration

Online registration for the CBEST is available 24 hours a day and 7 days a week.

Follow these steps to ensure a smooth signup:

1. Sign into your CTC Exams account or, if you don’t have an account, create one.
2. Answer the question verifying that you’re registering yourself for the exam.
3. Select the option “California Basic Education Skills Test (CBEST)” on the Program Selection page.
4. Decide if you want to take a computer-based test or a paper-based test. If you want more CBEST test date options, select the computer-based test.
5. Alternative testing arrangements are on the next page. If you don’t need them, select “No”.
6. You’ll be notified on the next page that you have a year to schedule your test from the time that you’re registering.
7. Most applicants will not have to choose “Institution to receive test results” on the next page. You should just have your scores mailed to you.
8. Answer questions about yourself.
9. Review your registration, add to your cart and pay.
10. Once you sign the agreement form on the next page, you’ll be registered for the CBEST exam!

After you’ve registered, you can schedule your test and you’re set!

CSET registration

Online registration for the CSET is available 24 hours a day and 7 days a week.

Follow these steps to ensure a smooth signup:

1. Visit the CTC Exams website and navigate to the drop-down menu that says “Select an assessment…”.
2. Select the CSET test you want to take and hit “Go”.
3. Sign into your CTC Exams account or, if you don’t have an account, create one.
4. Answer the question verifying that you’re registering yourself for the exam.
5. Select the option “California Subject Examinations for Teachers (CSET)” on the Program Selection page.
6. Decide if you want to take a computer-based test or a paper-based test. If you want more CSET test date options, select the computer-based test.
7. Alternative testing arrangements are on the next page. If you don’t need them, select “No”.
8. You’ll be notified on the next page that you have a year to schedule your test from the time that you’re registering.
9. Most applicants will not have to choose “Institution to receive test results” on the next page. You should just have your scores mailed to you.
10. Answer questions about yourself.
11. Review your registration, add to your cart and pay.
12. Once you sign the agreement form on the next page, you’ll be registered for the CSET exam!

After you’ve registered, you can schedule your test and you’re set!

10) Resources to study for the CBEST and CSET exams

Now that you know everything about these exams, all you have to do now is start preparing!

Luckily, there are many free CSET and CBEST prep online to help you.

• Study.com has many free test prep study guides to help you as you begin studying.
• Test-guide.com has plenty of free practice tests along with the correct answer choices at the end.
• The California Educator Credentialing Assessments also has a lot of free resources to choose from:
  • CBEST test prep materials
  • CSET test prep materials – under the drop-down menu titled “California Subject Examinations for Teachers (CSET)

You’re ready!

Now, you’re ready to tackle and pass the CSET and CBEST exams!

Once you pass either exam (because we know you will!), you will have fulfilled the basic skills requirement of the California teaching credentials and you can get the rest of your application together. You can also become a substitute teacher if you pass either the CBEST or the CSET: Multiple Subjects and CSET: Writing Skills exams!

Thinking about joining a teacher credentialing program?

Did you know that many teacher credentialing programs require that you pass either one or both of these exams in order to begin your credentialing journey?

Luckily, TeachStart doesn’t require that! As long as you meet the basic skills requirement, you’re eligible to join.

There might be times that studying gets difficult but keep working hard, stick to your study plan and you’ll soon see the results you want. All that time studying will ensure that you will earn a passing grade on whichever test you decide to take!

If you answered “Yes” to these questions, you might be needing a career change!

Fun fact! About half of the United States’ workforce changes jobs every 1 to 5 years. If you’re thinking of making the switch, just know that you’re not alone.

If you’re considering a job change, try a teaching career! As an educator, you’ll get the opportunity to positively impact the lives of every student you meet and work in a job where no two days are the same.

Starting a new teaching career isn’t scary

In fact, a career change into education can and should be exciting! If you love the thought of becoming a teacher and working closely with students, then it sounds like a teaching career is right for you.

With Scoot Education, transitioning into a teaching job is painless. When you become a substitute with Scoot, we’ll make sure you feel completely supported in your new position with the support of your very own education consultant.

The best part of subbing with Scoot is that you’ll build a personal connection with your consultant, so you never feel like you’re doing this alone. Your consultant is always open to hearing about your teaching preferences so they can find a placement that fits you best!

Substitutes love working with Scoot for many different reasons! From free professional development to competitive pay, we’ve got it all!

We’ve got part-time options!

It’s normal to have reservations about moving over to full-time teaching. If you want to keep another part-time job or you have other responsibilities in your life, then consider part-time substitute teaching.

The ability to choose your own schedule is a huge benefit to many substitute teachers. As a part-time sub, you can control how much or how little you work every week.

As a part-time substitute with Scoot Education, you can make your own schedule with our app Scoot 2 Work. Control your availability down to the hour, all with the touch of a button!

Working with an agency can also expand the range of schools that you can work at. Instead of subbing in just one place, you have the option of subbing across the city!

Answering all your questions about teaching

Whether you’re moving from the corporate world into education, or have some experience with tutoring or teaching, you may have a lot of questions about this new job.

Luckily, we’ve got all the answers you need and more!

1) Will I like teaching?

Teaching is an extremely rewarding job and educators are often the unsung heroes of society. As an educator, you’ll play a large role in shaping the next generation of leaders.

If working with children and students sounds amazing, then odds are you’ll like this job! If you’re looking for a career that requires you to be creative, flexible, and analytical, then you’re looking in the right place.

And if you want to wake up every morning feeling passionate and thrilled to take on the day, then this career change is perfect for you.

It’s difficult to know if you’ll truly enjoy teaching without trying it out for yourself. If you’re still hesitant about fully entering a teaching career, try part-time teaching! Then you can get a taste of teaching without having to quit your other jobs! Sub with Scoot and get access to our app Scoot 2 Work, where you can create a schedule that fits you best.

2) What is a teaching career like?

Great educators do everything and their job isn’t limited to just standing in front of the classroom (though that’s definitely a large part of it). Through this job, you’ll become students’ role model, confidant, supporter, and motivator.

You’ll see students when they’re having good days and bad days. Sometimes they just won’t want to learn. Great teachers find ways to help these students get through these tough times and finish their school days strong.

It’s not an easy job, but your students will notice the care and attention you give them, even if they don’t say anything.

New adventures everyday

While it may not be easy, it’s certainly exciting. Arguably the best thing about teaching is that every day is a new adventure! You never know what a new day will bring and what fun things your students will say or do.

This is a career of lifelong learning and growing, you’ll always be picking up new skills and meeting new people. Even veteran teachers find themselves surprised by their students!

Sharing your passion

Do you love math? Reading? A specific moment in history? As a substitute, you can share this love with a classroom full of students!

One of the greatest parts of teaching is that you can share your hobbies and enthusiasm with your students!

Meeting new people

As a substitute, you’ll have the opportunity to meet dozens of new students every day. Their laughter, joys, and smiles all become part of your day and you’ll never forget when you meet a student who just makes you laugh.

Meeting you could be the best part of someone’s day and it can cement your place as the number one sub at the school you’re at! The best part is hearing the cheers when you walk into a room because you’re everyone’s favorite substitute teacher.

3) What if my degree is in one subject but I want to teach a different one?

That’s not a problem! Regardless of their majors and degrees, substitute teachers can still fill in for an absent teacher.

There are many substitutes that sub for subjects they didn’t major in – this is just one of the many joys of education!

If there is a subject you know you don’t want to substitute for as a Scoot sub, you can let your consultant know. They’ll make sure to not assign you to any of those classes.

4) How do I know if teaching is right for me?

Teaching doesn’t have just one job description and educators can find their way to this career for a variety of reasons.

Some educators knew that they’ve wanted to be teachers all their lives while others found that their strong writing skills, strong communication skills, or other strengths were well suited for this role. Regardless of what your current employment is, you’ll have a wealth of transferable skills.

There are also some who part-time teach on the side of their primary jobs in order to earn extra money.

Regardless of the reason, if you feel that pull of a teaching career, then the best thing you can do is try it out for yourself! If you substitute teach with Scoot, you’ll have the option to substitute teach part-time on a schedule that works for you. You’ll get the chance to bolster your teaching skills while seeing whether a career in education is the right one for you.

5) Is it hard managing a lot of students?

The short answer to this question is yes.

The long answer is that teaching will test the strength of your memory and multitasking abilities all while you direct a full classroom.

On tough days when a class is particularly rowdy, you may wonder if this was really the right decision. Just know that many teachers and substitutes have been in the same position as you!

Managing and motivating a class is a skill that can be learned. Nobody started their teaching career as the perfect educator. Just like every other incredible teacher and sub you’ve met, you will also learn how to handle the responsibility of a class.

6) How do I become the best educator possible?

Most people can remember a teacher or substitute that changed their lives and shaped them into the person they are today. If you’re wondering about how you can be that educator for your students, it’s a sign you’re on the right track!

There are several qualities that all great, life-changing educators have:

Patient

Great educators are patient with students. Even if you’ve repeated yourself a dozen times, remain patient and understand that your students are trying their best.

Be extra patient with the student who just doesn’t understand the lesson or is struggling to follow along in class, and they will remember your kindness throughout their time with you and beyond.

Great listeners

As an educator, your job isn’t just about lesson planning. Sometimes students need a shoulder to lean on and someone to listen to them talk about their problems. Or sometimes they just want to share something funny that happened recently.

Actively listen to your students, even if they’ve told you this story a million times!

Respectful

This goes along with the previous point about being a great listener. As an adult, you might feel like a student’s problems are childish. Don’t express this to your student or you’ll guarantee that they’ll never say a thing to you again!

Instead, respect their feelings and the story they’re telling you. The issue that seems small to you is huge to them and it means a lot to be treated with respect. The chances are that the teacher that you appreciated the most was respectful to you, even if they didn’t understand what you were going through.

I’m interested in a teaching career! Where do I start?

So you’re changing careers into teaching – that’s great!

This is a career in which you can contribute to your community and leave behind a positive legacy. Nothing is more rewarding than knowing that you’ve played a part in shaping a student’s life for the better.

The steps to start your teaching career can vary depending on your location and what subject and grade level you want to teach. Generally, most states and school districts require that you meet a minimum education requirement.

Becoming a substitute teacher

The requirements to become a sub can vary greatly depending on the state and even the city you’re located in. However, most locations require a minimum of a Bachelor’s degree.

We have detailed blog posts about how to become a substitute depending on your location that you can check out below!

• California
• Arizona
• Texas
• Colorado
• New Jersey

Becoming a teacher

Teachers must have a teaching credential that can be obtained through completing a teacher certification program.

These different programs are often expensive but fortunately, TeachStart makes it affordable and easy. You’ll get hands-on teaching experience at reputable schools, all while earning a salary and paid holidays!

Launch your teaching career today and join TeachStart to get paid to get your teaching credential!

Change lives and begin your teaching career

People are changing careers into teaching all over the country!

If you’ve decided to leave the corporate world, want to transition into a more full-time teaching position, or just want to try something new, teaching can offer you a new career option!

You’ll be able to work closely with students and get the opportunity to talk to them, help them and see the “lightbulb” go off when they finally grasp a concept they’ve been struggling with. What could be better than that?

Teaching with an agency can make your life easier

The rules and requirements to becoming an educator can be confusing to navigate, especially if you’ve never taught before.

Fortunately, Scoot guides all our educators through these confusing processes!

Substitute teaching career

Get started on changing careers into education! Sign up to substitute teach with Scoot and you’ll:

• Get your own education consultant, an experienced expert who can answer all your questions. Whether you need help becoming an educator or need advice while teaching, your Scoot consultant has your back!
• Receive exclusive access to Scoot Camp, our voluntary teacher preparation program that helps educators feel prepared for success in the classroom. This free professional development covers three important subjects:
  • Behavior management
  • Special education
  • Trauma-informed teaching
• Be in full control over your schedule with our app Scoot 2 Work. We have no availability minimum so you can work as much or as little as you want!
• Enjoy weekly pay every Friday via direct deposit, straight to your bank account!

Educators are in high demand everywhere, making this the perfect field to start working in immediately.

Apply to Scoot now

Full-time Teaching Career

If you know you want to become a full-time teacher, then you’re in the right place!

We’ll pay you to get your teaching credential and gain valuable teaching experience through our unique teacher credentialing program, TeachStart!

Apply to TeachStart now

Your past search history, email or message notifications, personal bookmarks, and that Instagram tab you still have open too!

You might feel that there’s nothing to be worried about but students who end up seeing something inappropriate or your private information may notify their families and other teachers. Then you’ll be in the hot seat.

It’s better to be safe than sorry!

Let’s go over the best screen-sharing practices in the virtual classroom to avoid students from seeing any of your personal and private information.

Below you’ll find a video tutorial as well as a step-by-step guide.

Video tutorial on how to share your screen

https://youtu.be/Z03B5ZQWgAk

1) Be prepared before class

All because you’re teaching an online class doesn’t mean you should start preparing for class right when it begins.

Maintain professionalism by having all of your necessary files and windows open and ready to share for class.

Don’t let students wait for you to find things.

Searching for files can take up a lot of valuable learning time! You might also lose time due to unforeseen technical issues too.

2) Share your browser, not your desktop

Screen share only a browser and not your whole desktop.

When you share your desktop, your students will see any unexpected email or message notification that can appear on your desktop. You never know if something unexpected can get you in trouble with the school.

Keep your notifications private by sharing only a browser!

3) Have a teaching-only browser

The browser you typically use contains all of your personal bookmarks and search history. It’s better to not expose your personal life to your students.

We recommend downloading a new browser (e.g., Safari, Firefox, Google Chrome) that is ONLY used when teaching and using Private Browsing mode in this browser. This ensures that your students won’t accidentally see your Instagram or Facebook, past search history, and personal bookmarks that appear in your main browser.

Some potential alternative browsers you can download are:

• Safari
• Firefox
• Google Chrome
• Internet Explorer
• Opera
• Microsoft Edge

4) Use private or incognito browsing

When using a browser only meant for teaching, we further recommend that you use a private or incognito window.

You can open a private window by going to the upper right-hand corner of your browser. You’ll see either 3 bars or 3 dots.

Click for a menu to drop down.

Within the drop-down menu, click the option “New Private Window” or “New Incognito Window.” A new browser should appear.

The private browser will erase all search history whenever you close it. So whatever you look at in the private browser will disappear when you’re done.

This ensures that each class you teach will not see what you were looking at for a different class or school.

5) Ensure you stopped sharing

Double-check that you actually stopped sharing your screen. The class may be over, but your students are still watching you navigate your screen.

When you’re using Zoom, you’ll see a toolbar that has a green button and a red button.

The green tells you that you’re still recording.

Clicking the red button that says “Stop Share” will end the recording.

Use these tips when screen sharing to be a stellar virtual teacher and avoid epic screen share fails. Happy teaching!

While Halloween candy is a huge part of traditional trick-or-treating excitement, some students may have allergies or dietary sensitivities that might leave them out of the celebrations.

Don’t let that stop you!

We’ve compiled the best spooky activities and alternative goodies to candy to have your kids howling with excitement!

The most exciting Halloween activities

All of these spooky Halloween games and activities can be done in the classroom while social distancing or even at a virtual Halloween party!

Halloween themed bingo

The best part of this fun Halloween game is that all you need is a printer and some pencils to play!

What you’ll need:

1. Download The Incremental Mama’s PDF of free Halloween-themed bingo sheets with unique calling cards!
2. Pens or pencils for students to mark their sheet
   1. If you don’t want students to write on the printed sheets, you can use store-bought pumpkin seeds as markers instead!

How to play:

1. Give every player a card (if you are virtual, you can mail them a card or have them print it out at home).
2. Have each player grab a handful of pumpkin seeds, or have them bring out a pen or pencil.
3. Everyone can put a marker on the FREE space!
4. Put all the calling cards into a bowl or bag.
5. Randomly select a card to announce to your class. If a player has the same image on their bingo sheet, they can mark it off with their markers.
6. Repeat this until someone calls, “Trick or treat!”
7. Give the winner a prize and play again!

Great pumpkin math investigation

This is a great way to combine teaching and celebrating Halloween with kids!

What you’ll need:

1. Enough small pumpkins for each small group in your class and an extra for yourself
   1. OR if it’s too messy to carve pumpkins to scoop out the seeds, you can replace each pumpkin with a brown bag full of store-bought seeds).
2. Next, print out these free activity sheets!

How to play:

1. First, do a demonstration of the activity. Get your own pumpkin or brown bag. Have them guess and record the number of pumpkin seeds.
2. Take out the pumpkin seeds on a plate, and have your kids estimate the number of seeds on their plates.
3. Then, count the number of seeds using the different grouping mats.
   1. Model how you can use the number mats and add leftovers.
4. Record the total number of seeds on the provided chart. Have a discussion by comparing the estimations and the total amount of counted seeds.
   1. Ex. 10 + 10 + 10 + 10 + 10 + 10 + 10 + 10 + 10 + 10 +10 + 10 + 7 = 127 OR 100 + 20 + 7 = 127
5. Now, it’s time for your students to do the same thing in small groups! Give around 4-5 kids a pumpkin or bag and have them repeat everything you did.

Geometric bats:

Have your students learn about rectangles, squares, and triangles while crafting bats!

What you’ll need:

1. Black and orange construction paper
2. Scissors
3. Glue
4. Googly eyes
5. The Geometric Bat for Younger Kids downloadable template.
6. The template is free to download but you’ll need to make an account on Teachers Pay Teachers first.

How to construct the bat:

1. Use the template shapes to cut out the pieces from black construction paper.
2. Follow the design on the download to glue the pieces onto the orange piece of construction paper.
3. Glue on googly eyes.
4. Hang your bats around the class.
5. Let the discussion questions be the beginning of a great conversation about sizes, angles, and decomposition of shapes!

Decorate these bats around the classroom to add to the Halloween flare or have your students take them home to tape to their front doors.

Halloween themed movies for all ages

When finding something for your class to watch, it might be hard to find a movie that won’t scare the easily-spooked kids too badly yet will also grab the attention of the ones who like scary things.

We’ve got just the list of family-friendly movies to make sure your Halloween parties go smoothly without any crying or bored kids!

Spookley the Square Pumpkin (2004) – Rated G

This fun animated movie is about Spookley, a square pumpkin who gets teased and bullied for his shape. This is the perfect movie for young children and teaches them how to deal with bullying and how to accept and love themselves.Spookley: The Square Pumpkin is free with a Netflix subscription.

The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993) – Rated PG

When Jack Skellington from Halloween Town accidentally stumbles into Christmas Town, he begins to fall in love with Christmas. So much so that he kidnaps Santa Claus!The Nightmare Before Christmas can be rented on Amazon Prime for $3.99.

Coraline (2009) – Rated PG

Bring the haunted house to your classroom with this spooky stop-motion movie! After moving to a new home, Coraline discovers a portal to a parallel world of her current life. But she soon discovers that the mother of this world has a dark and terrible secret.

Coraline is one of the scarier movies on our list so if your students are younger or easily scared, we suggest skipping this one.

Amazon Prime is currently having a sale so you can rent Coraline for just $2.99 today!

Corpse Bride (2005) – Rated PG

A nervous man named Victor accidentally finds himself married to a corpse-woman named Emily after practicing his wedding vows in a forest. It’s up to his living fiancee to face Emily and get Victor back.

You can rent Corpse Bride on Amazon Prime for $3.99.

5 great alternatives to candy that your students will love

Luckily, Amazon has a vast selection of treats that aren’t candy that you can pass out in class.

The great part about having these candy alternatives is that you can take whatever you have leftover at the end of the day and hand it out to trick or treaters at night.

1) Spooky stickers

What kid doesn’t love stickers? Amazon has a great selection of different stickers that you can pass around for some more Halloween fun.

Our favorite spooky sticker set has over 1000 stickers and is less than $15 if you have Amazon Prime.

2) Halloween erasers

Erasers are always in demand for students and can make for a good bingo reward. Our favorite Amazon pack comes with 60 erasers, including cute black cats, shouting ghosts, and great pumpkins, all for $22.

3) Glow in the dark temporary tattoos

Choosing and putting on temporary tattoos is a guaranteed way to excite any kid, even the ones who are disappointed for not getting candy! We promise that these non-toxic glow-in-the-dark tattoos will be a huge hit for all your students.

You can find a stack of 20 temporary tattoo sheets with 200 assorted styles for less than $8. What a spooky steal!

Sticking on these fun tattoo stickers is easy:

1. Cut out the design you want.
2. Remove the clear film.
3. Stick it on any clean and smooth surface on the body.
4. Wet the tattoo sticker with water and wait for 10-20 seconds before slowly peeling off the sticker.
5. Tip: don’t touch the design as it dries! This will help it last longer.

Did you know that these temporary tattoos can last up to 5 days? These fun designs will make your kids popular with all their friends and can spice up their trick or treating costumes!

4) Glow sticks

This pack of 100 vibrant glowing sticks is the perfect Halloween party accessory and is only $13. Students can wear them around their necks or their wrists and the glow lasts for up to 12 hours, long enough for them to go out trick or treating at night!

5) Halloween themed masks

Masks are still a common sight but we know just the way to turn these masks into the perfect fashion statement with Halloween-themed protective masks! Run and get a 50 pack of these disposable, holiday-themed face masks for only $18.

You don’t need candy to have a spook-tacular Halloween!

There are a number of great ways educators can bring Halloween to the classroom without candy and trick or treating! Whether it is playing Halloween bingo in costumes or laughing over glowing tattoos as they watch a movie, we know your students will have a lot of fun!

Even for experienced, certified educators, finding new and creative ways to keep students engaged can be daunting.

But the key to running an orderly, disciplined classroom is to be prepared.

Follow these classroom management tips to help you keep your students from squirming in their seats and actually working on their assignments.

Classroom management tip 1: Walk around the room

Good classroom management involves being active and engaged.

Many teachers use this simple, but effective classroom management tip to get students back on track. More will stay engaged if you’re also an engaged educator.

So don’t just sit at your desk!

Make rounds around the entire class to regularly check on students during blocks when they need to quietly work. The class is more likely to stay on task if they know you’re going to be coming around.

Walking by is also a helpful tactic to address that one disruptive student in a non-confrontational way. You can make eye contact and give a non-verbal gesture like raising your eyebrows to remind the student that they should be working on the assignment. Make sure the students you’re trying to address actually see you.

If they’re too distracted, you can quietly check in to see how far along they are in the assignment and if they need help with anything.

Maybe the students that don’t seem to be working are actually fast finishers that need something else to do! If that’s the case, it’s always handy to have extra activities in your substitute bag just in case.

The subtlety of roaming the room is a wonderful way to “control” the class without becoming the tyrant.

Classroom management tip 2: Give students roles

Substitute teachers can build rapport by entrusting students with tasks.

Kids love feeling important.

Build relationships by asking them to help in the classroom. This can involve passing out or collecting papers.

You can also ask your students to deliver a message to other teachers or take a note to the office if need be.

These tasks can act as behavior management strategies because they help students build a sense of self-worth while providing an opportunity to stretch their legs and move around.

You might find that antsy students love helping around the classroom. Even the especially disruptive student might be much more capable than you think. They’ll start feeling responsible and want to meet those expectations of being the teacher’s helper.

Classroom management tip 3: Shake it out

Common classroom management tips involve getting your students to be active.

Faithfully following the regular teacher’s lesson plan is necessary, but not always fun for the class. Most of the time, students will need to stay in their seats for the whole school day. That gets tiring very quickly.

To prevent losing the class’s attention, spend a few minutes to take a break and get everyone out of their seats. Do a few arm circles, yoga moves, jumping jacks, or share your sense of (or lack of) rhythm with dance moves in the above visual!

When you arrive early to the school, you can usually find good places within the lesson plans to have small breaks. Or you can also take a spontaneous break if you notice that too many students seem to be wondering when the bell rings.

Classroom management tip 4: Keep it short

Engaging students is easier when lessons are shorter and more digestible.

One of the most effective substitute teacher tips is to keep your lessons short. This doesn’t mean substitute teachers should be chopping up the regular teacher’s plans. That’s a huge no! But you can strategically present the plan in small amounts so students don’t feel overwhelmed.

Here are a few ways you can make the lesson plan more digestible:

• Be clear and straightforward when you provide instructions. Don’t give too many options or else that will confuse the class. For example, if you want everyone to work on an assignment. Make sure to let them know if they’re working in groups or by themselves and what to do if they finish early. Set clear expectations.
• Tell the class that they’ll be focusing on 1 task or a handful of questions. Have them quietly work and then when they’re finished, you can introduce the next section of the class.
• Follow the Pomodoro technique; 25 minutes on then 5 minutes off. This way your students feel like it isn’t all endless work and have time to rest their brains. Bonus: this also gives them time management and awareness skills.

Classroom management tip 5: Require students to review the lesson

Asking students to write down what they’ve learned is a great tool to help them remember the lesson content.

Before students rush out of the classroom for recess or lunch, ask them to write down a few things summarizing what they just learned.

Younger students can write or draw 1 interesting point about the lesson.

Older students can write 2 or 3 thoughts, ideas, or questions they have about the lesson.

Only after the mini-review sheet is completed can the student leave the class. Make sure you leave extra time for this activity so students are not leaving late.

Not only does the class get a quick refresher of what they just learned, but you can also check the papers to see whether students absorbed the content.

You can leave those notes in the classroom for the regular teacher so they know how much of the lesson plans you were able to cover while substitute teaching. You might get extra brownie points with the school for being detailed.

Classroom management tip 6: Encourage students to present

The class is more likely to stay focused when they might have to present.

Divide the classroom into small groups and have them briefly talk about the main points of what they just learned.

Students can listen to what their peers learned and they’ll be able to ask each other questions that they were too shy to ask the teacher.

After discussing for about 5 to 10 minutes, ask each small group to give one contribution. The group would nominate a “spokesperson” to speak up for the group.

The spokesperson can either share their own insight or one of their peer’s insights.

To keep things casual and less stressful, allow kids to present while sitting down.

There will be classes that find presenting way more challenging than it is fun, so be ready to give a lot of positive encouragement for students to use their voices!

We hope these classroom management tips help you to keep your class focused. No matter which you choose to use, remember to act confident. It’s no secret that many kids think a substitute teacher day means a free day to do nothing.

Whether you’re subbing for younger students or older students, utilize your authority as the adult in the room and you’ll be dealing with fewer behavior problems.

Need more tips for substitute teachers like how to introduce yourself or what to do when class is over? Check out our other blogs:

• 7 Common Substitute Teacher Problems And How To Tackle Them
• 10 Tips For Stellar Subs

Ready to become a substitute teacher?

Becoming a substitute teacher is simple. Especially with an educational staffing company like Scoot Education. We want to support you throughout your application process and beyond.

Subbing with Scoot means access to more opportunities, more school districts, and more excitement!

Apply to substitute teach with Scoot!

You’ll have the elements of drama: tools, plot, structure, setting, cast of characters all in one sheet! Your kids will be able to increase imagination and confidence in their drama building skills.

Download PDF

How do you teach the elements of drama in your classroom?

Shoot us a message on Instagram @scooteducation or email us your favorite techniques at us@scoot.education!

If you find a way to form a bond with them, the overall classroom experience becomes more productive and enjoyable. Students are more active listeners and engage with learning better.

Regardless of how long you’re with the class, these 5 relationship-building tips help you establish rapport with students right away.

If you want your own physical copy of rapport-building tips, check outour free infographic!

Download these tips for later

1) Special greetings

Think about how you feel when you’re greeted by someone who is truly excited to see you!

You also get excited and happy, right? You feel welcomed.

Use this same excitement with your students. Make it a habit to bring the energy and actually greet your students-no mumbling or side glances! Address them with your full attention, look them in the eye, and speak confidently.

Older students, especially, will size you up, so your first impression is critical.

You can also make the greeting more interactive with a high five, a fist bump, or a special handshake.

This positive interaction helps set the tone for the rest of your experience with the students.

2) Check-in

Take less than 1 minute to get a gauge of how your students are doing by asking them: “How are you?”

There are many ways for your class to communicate their feelings.

One way is to just have everyone either give a thumbs-up or thumbs-down. Another way to check-in is to ask students to show a number between 1-5 on their hand, 5 being “My day is great!” and 1 being “My day can only go up from here.”

If there are students who aren’t feeling as well as the others, keep an eye on them.

You can also check-in regularly throughout the school day. Don’t be the substitute teacher who sits at their desk all day! You’ll appear disinterested or disengaged and likely not invited to teach in the classroom again.

Instead, give a positive impression to students. Show that you’re engaged and actively, move around the room to check-in with students on their progress.

3) Incentivize positive behavior

As you go around and check-in with students, reward any positive behavior with praise.

Openly praising good behavior encourages other students to do better, and fosters a cultural wealth model instead of a deficit model.

You’re a teacher, not a military sergeant. You’re not a disciplinarian, you’re an inspiring role model!

So, while you might occasionally need to address negative behavior, the most effective tactic to build trust with your students lies in empowering them, not scolding them.

Find ways to encourage more good behavior, like:

• Tell the class that you’ll write down the names of exceptional students to report back to their teacher.
• Ask each student to take out a piece of paper and make a name card. Then explain they’ll get a hole punch/sticker/stamp for everytime they did well and a special mention to their teacher on their great behavior
• Write the names on a white board for the whole class to see.

4) Listen

Let your students talk to you about something important to them.

Give them 2 minutes of your undivided attention where they can talk about anything.

Students love being heard and respected. If they see that you’re 100% present, they’ll also feel more relaxed and comfortable around you.

If you’re a long-term substitute, try incorporating 1-on-1 meetings with all of your students throughout your placement. Children often feel pressured to perform in front of their peers, so meeting them personally will help them calm down.

If you’re a substitute teacher, you likely won’t have time to meet with everyone, but definitely start addressing students individually instead of a whole group. And whenever a student wants to tell you something, give 100% of your attention.

5) Make mistakes

We teach our students that it’s okay to make mistakes and ask for help. But how willing are we to do the same?

When students make mistakes in front of their peers, they often feel very embarrassed. This can cause them to react negatively.

They may refuse to address the mistake and ask for help. When the whole class gets into this habit, it’s difficult to manage the class effectively.

Teach by example, if they see you, an authority figure, making a mistake and asking for help; that’s powerful!

Whether you’re a full-time teacher or substitute teacher, establishing successful teacher-student relationships is critical for any age group.

Not only will classroom management get much easier, you’ll also feel empowered to lead awesome learning days.

Try out any combination of the 5 rapport-building tips and let us know in the comments which is your favorite tip!

Ready to sub with Scoot?

Become a Scoot Education substitute teacher today and start making a difference in schools near you!
Apply to substitute teach with Scoot!

Educate your class about important terms, definitions, the Pride Movement, and LGBTQ+ stories!

Teach the history of Pride Month

Learning more about how Pride Month started is a good way to start celebrating LGBTQ+ communities.

Pride Month is commemorated each year in June to honor the 1969 Stonewall uprising in New York City.

Supporters of the Stonewall Inn, a gay club in Greenwich Village, had staged a resistance against a police raid that was targeting LGBTQ+ Americans.

Protestors demanded that safe havens be established where LGBTQ+ people can be safely open about their sexual orientation without fear of arrest.

The Stonewall Riots paved the way for the modern fight to outlaw discriminatory laws against the LGBTQ+ community.

While the fight continues, Pride Month also includes celebratory parades, parties, workshops, concerts, and more.
You can structure a lesson on the Stonewall Uprisings just like you do with any important event or see how this high school lesson plan is built.

Highlight LGBTQ+ history

Many people questioned and broke the societal expectations of gender and sexuality yet are often hidden from traditionally taught history.

Utilize The Hidden Voices LGBTQ+ Project to teach students about individuals who influenced the social, political, artistic, and economic landscape in significant ways. It also includes an overview of U.S. LGBTQ+ history, sample focus questions, and comprehensive profiles of historical figures.

Unheard Voices is another amazing resource to use in middle school or high school. It’s an oral history and curriculum project that explores broad themes including silence vs. invisibility, and inclusion vs. exclusion.

Teach about all of the pride flags

‘

The rainbow flag that you might be familiar with first started with Harvey Milk.

Milk was the first openly gay person to hold a high public office in a major American city, in this case, San Francisco. His campaigning emphasized hope for young gay people, so he asked the artist Gilbert Baker to design a unifying symbol.

That symbol turned out to be the rainbow flag, which first debuted at the San Francisco Pride Parade in 1978.
In addition to the rainbow flag, there are flags for a wide range of sexual orientations and gender identities just like how different states have their own state flag.

Know the difference between sex, gender, and sexuality

Gender, sex, and sexuality are not interchangeable terms, so it’s important to know what each mean.

Gender: Refers to socially constructed characteristics of females and males, such as roles, behaviors, and norms.

Sex: “Refers to a person’s anatomy, physical attributes such as external sex organs, sex chromosomes and internal reproductive structures” (Learning For Justice).

Sexuality/ Sexual Orientation: “Our physical, emotional and/or romantic attractions to others” (Learning For Justice).

Gender Identity: “A person’s gender-related identity, whether or not that gender-related identity, appearance or behavior is different from that traditionally associated with the person’s physiology or assigned sex at birth. Everyone has a gender identity. Gender Identity is a person’s inner sense of being a man or a woman, some combination of both, or neither” (PBS Learning Media).

Learning For Justice has K-12 lesson plans to help teachers navigate the complex topics of gender and sexual identity with their class. The lessons cover topics such as privilege tied to certain identities and figuring out how to express your own identity.

To break away from girl/boy labels, use this lesson toolkit to host a gender-neutral day and have students question gendered spaces present throughout their time in school.

Be aware of pride definitions

LGBTQ+ is a common abbreviation for lesbian, gay, bisexual, queer or questioning. The term is often used to encompass all of the communities in LGBTTQQIAAP:

• Lesbian
• Gay
• Bisexual
• Transgender
• Transsexual
• Queer
• Questioning
• Intersex
• Asexual/ Ace
• Ally
• Pansexual

LGBTQ+ is often used because it’s user friendly.

For common terminology used to address sexual identity, gender expression, and gender identity, check out this list.

You can also view this Toolkit for Educators for more terms and resources to help educators promote understanding, awareness, and self-esteem in the classroom.

There are a LOT of terms and terms that are always evolving. Don’t stress about memorizing the entire list.

The most important thing is to be respectful of everyone’s identities and use the terms that people prefer.

Share the stories of LGBTQ+ people

A critical way to highlight underrepresented communities is to showcase individual voices. Celebrate Pride Month by sharing LGBTQ+ stories with your students.

We Are The Youth is an ongoing photojournalism project that shares the stories of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer youth in the United States.

I’m From Driftwood aims to help LGBTQ+ people learn more about their community through the power of sharing stories.

You can also include LGBTQ+ inclusive books into your curriculum. Getting Smart created a list of great books from preschool to high school.

We hope you utilize these suggestions and resources to celebrate LGBTQ+ Pride with your students.

Helping students gain a better understanding of different communities builds empathy and allows LGBTQ+ students to feel safer and more affirmed in your classroom.