Stuff That Makes My Job Easier

It's my third year of my teaching career, and I've been working as a supply teacher for over a year now. This means I've been in several different schools and classrooms, and have covered classes for the many different streams (including Life Skills). Earlier this week while covering for two different special education teachers that were very prepared for my arrival, I got to thinking about all of the things a supply appreciates when preparing to supervise a bunch of students they've (possibly) never seen before.

In the lists below "you" refers to the regular teacher I am covering for. 

Stuff We Like:

1. A list of class rules.
   This helps me make decisions that are consistent with what would normally occur in the classroom on a regular day. I don't want chaos to ensue in your absence, or for you to be angry because of a decision I made in your absence that clashes with your style/preferences.
   
2. Handouts and equipment ready-to-go when we arrive, and detailed instructions on where to find needed supplies/equipment if it cannot be set aside for me.
   I may have very little time to familiarize myself with the school and the plan the regular teacher has left, which could make things such as photocopying handouts while managing to arrive to class on time difficult/impossible. In the case of unexpected illness, it may be difficult for the teacher to prepare things in advance, but usually another teacher in your department would be willing to lend a hand with this if you contact them with the request. Unless you've managed to get on the other teachers' bad side. Then, I feel sorry for you.
   
3. An extra copy of the attendance list and a copy of the seating plan (with students' pictures if possible).
   The attendance list usually leaves the classroom at some point during the period, so having an extra list to help keep track of who is who is very useful. A few teachers have actually left me seating plans that included students' pictures, which has been awesome. It makes it so much easier for me to identify any students that I had issues with, or to let you know about any kids who were absolutely wonderful (I actually do this - I like to give credit where it is due).
   
4. Important student information.
   Some students have special needs, and can be very sensitive to changes in routine.
   I need to know about them! When it comes down to the possibility of being hit, bitten, or having a student flee the classroom, it's best if I know how to avoid such situations, and how best to deal with them should they occur. If you don't have students with IEPs or safety plans, but just a kid that may be difficult or argumentative, it is also a good idea to warn me. I really don't want to trigger an aggressive incident, and would like to carefully pick my battles, so knowing in advance that a particular student may overreact to confrontation/intervention is very helpful.

Stuff we don't like:

1. When you leave a test.
   Many students, for some reason, are under the impression that a supply teachers are all blind/deaf/stupid. I'm sure some are, but most of us are competent. But because of this belief students hold, they often try to pull stuff during tests they wouldn't normally do if you were present. It's just a hassle for  me to deal with, can cause ugly confrontations and is especially frustrating because it is difficult for us to dole out a consequence you would find appropriate (because I don't necessarily know what YOU would do in that situation). Do us all a favour and postpone the test. Your students will appreciate the extra time to study, I will appreciate a hassle-free day.
   
2. When instructions are unclear/barely existent.
   Make it easy for me to understand what you want me to do! I want to be able to find the work you have left, and have your students complete it. Otherwise they get crazy!
   
3. When you expect us to teach a lesson to a class that doesn't even listen to YOU.
   Usually teachers will just leave work for students to complete, and I'll supervise and assist whenever possible. I actually prefer to work with students - I'm not the type of supply that just sits at the teacher's desk and does nothing. If you leave me a lesson to teach for a class that will be cooperative, I am very happy to teach the lesson. If you leave me a lesson to teach for a class that barely listens on a regular day, who are you trying to kid? You know they won't learn a thing, and I'll spend the time trying to quiet the class down after every sentence I speak. It's really a waste of everyone's time.

So, there you have it. If you are a regular teacher, I hope you consider some of the above the next time you are planning for an absence. If you are a supply, I'm sure you sympathize with me. And if you are a teacher candidate, you have been warned. This is likely what  you'll be facing the first couple years of your career.