Top 5 Challenges of Substitute Teaching — and How to Overcome Them

Substitute teaching is a vital role in education—but it comes with unique challenges. Whether you’re new to subbing or an experienced substitute teacher, here are five of the most common hurdles, and practical ways to address them.

1. Classroom Management & Student Behavior

One of the most frequently cited struggles for substitute teachers is managing behavior in a classroom where students may test boundaries. 

Why this happens:

  • Students may see a substitute as less authoritative or as someone they can “get away” with more. 
  • You may be unfamiliar with the students, their routines, or the classroom norms. 

Actionable Steps:

  1. Set expectations early. Start the day by clearly outlining class rules, behavior expectations, and consequences.
  2. Use nonverbal cues. Positioning yourself close to off-task students, making eye contact, or using simple gestures or hand signals can redirect behavior without interrupting the flow of teaching.
  3. Build rapport quickly. Take a few minutes at the start to learn students’ names, ask about their interests, or let them ask you questions — this builds respect and trust. 
  4. Create backup plans. Have a set of quick activities (bell-ringers, discussion prompts) ready if the class isn’t engaging with the provided lesson.
2. Lack of Detailed Lesson Plans or No Plan at All

Many substitutes walk into classrooms where the plans are vague, incomplete, or missing altogether.

Why this is problematic:

  • Maintaining instructional continuity becomes difficult.
  • You may need to improvise without knowing the class’s academic level or previous progress.

Actionable Steps:

  1. Build your own substitute toolkit. Keep flexible lesson ideas, discussion topics, reading passages, or basic activities on hand.
  2. Ask for more info ahead of time. When you get your assignment, reach out to the school or teacher for lesson plans or student notes.
  3. Use students’ prior knowledge. Ask students what they learned yesterday or last week — their answers can guide your improvised lesson.
  4. Leave detailed notes. Share what you taught, which students needed support, and any behavior issues. This builds trust and future opportunities.
3. Entering an Unfamiliar Classroom Environment

Every classroom has its own routines, rituals, and procedures — and substitutes often have to learn them on the fly.

Why it’s challenging:

  • You may not know how this teacher handles transitions or behavior systems.
  • Students may expect you to follow established routines you’ve never seen.

Actionable Steps:

  1. Observe before acting. Watch how students line up, turn in work, ask questions, or move around the room.
  2. Ask a reliable student for help. Upper elementary and secondary students can be great guides for classroom norms.
  3. Stay flexible. If something isn’t working, make a quick adjustment — substitutes must balance classroom norms with their own style.
  4. Document what you learned. Save notes about routines for future assignments in the same classroom or school.
4. Managing Transitions and Downtime

Transitions are the moments most likely to become chaotic — even with the best-behaved students.

Why this happens:

  • Students thrive on routine and may become restless when the schedule feels unpredictable.
  • Substitutes may not know the usual transition procedures, leading to confusion.

Actionable Steps:

  1. Plan ‘time-fillers.’ Have 2–3 one-minute tasks ready (mental math, vocabulary challenges, quick stretches).
  2. Give pre-transition warnings. Announce, “In two minutes, we’ll clean up and move to reading stations.”Post the schedule. Writing even a simple agenda on the board gives structure and reduces anxiety.
  3. Use countdowns or attention signals. Consistent cues help students shift gears quickly.
5. Establishing Credibility Quickly

Substitutes often have minutes — not weeks — to establish authority, trust, and leadership.

Why this matters:

  • Students respond better when they feel their substitute is confident and prepared.
  • Without credibility, classroom management becomes significantly more difficult.

Actionable Steps:

  1. State who you are and what you expect with confidence.
  2. Use calm, consistent routines. Even simple versions of routines signal that you are in control.
  3. Follow through on stated expectations. Consistency builds trust — fast.
  4. Model professionalism. The more prepared and positive you appear, the smoother your day will go.

Substitute teaching is unpredictable — but with preparation, adaptability, and confidence, these challenges can become opportunities to shine. Every classroom is different, but each assignment is a chance to grow your skills and make a meaningful impact on students.

If you’re looking to level up your substitute teaching skills, check out the resources at Certified Sub for training, tools, and support designed specifically for substitute teachers.