Classroom Management for High School Substitute Teachers
Practical strategies and tips for mastering classroom management in high school classrooms as a substitute teacher.
5
Strategies
3
Quick Tips
High School
Grade Level
Why Classroom Management Matters for High School Subs
Classroom Management is one of the most important skills for substitute teachers in high school settings. Without the established relationships that regular teachers have, substitutes must rely on strong classroom management techniques from the very first minute.
Practical Strategies
Treat students as young adults by explaining the reasoning behind expectations
Enforce phone and earbud policies consistently from the start of class
Use bell-ringer activities so students are engaged the moment they sit down
Maintain a calm, confident tone — high schoolers can sense uncertainty immediately
Allow brief, structured social time as a reward for on-task behavior
Common Challenges in High School
Students leaving class without permission or arriving excessively late
Widespread phone use and refusal to put devices away
Students claiming the sub has no authority and refusing to engage with assignments
Quick Tips
Introduce yourself briefly and show genuine interest — high schoolers respect authenticity
Do not confiscate phones; instead, state the expectation and document non-compliance
If a student escalates, stay calm and say 'I hear you — let's figure this out after class'
Frequently Asked Questions
Related Resources
Master Classroom Management in the Classroom
Our training courses cover classroom management and other essential skills for high school substitute teachers.