Supervision of students- The substitute teacher who has physical control of a classroom has a duty to keep students safe and orderly. Release of students- Due to possible restraints on who may have custody of a child, students should not be allowed to leave the building during the school day without express consent of the office. Students must also be supervised at all times by the substitute teacher. This includes recess and breaks.
Confidentiality- It is unprofessional and against the law to disclose confidential information about your students. As a Substitute teacher, you should avoid comments about individual students that convey private information: grades, medical condition, learning or discipline problems, etc.
Anecdotal Records- Maintaining notes on particular incidents in the classroom can protect you in problematic situations. If you feel a classroom occurrence might be in question, note the date and time, the individuals involved, the choices for action considered, and the actions taken. It is a good idea to leave a copy of this with the principal.
Discipline Policies- Each school will have a differing discipline model. In some schools the discipline is handled by the principal, in others it is handled by another designated individual. If in doubt sending students to the principal is the best option. When sending a student to the office, the Substitute teacher maintains the duties of supervision and due care of both individual student and the remainder of the class.
Corporal Punishment Utah Code (Section 53A-11-802), and Nebo School District Board of Education policies and procedures specifically prohibit corporal punishment by any school employee. Corporal punishment is defined as the intentional infliction of physical pain upon the body of a minor child as a disciplinary measure. School employees may not inflict or cause the infliction of corporal punishment upon a child who is receiving services from the school. This policy does not prohibit the use of reasonable and necessary physical restraint or force in self-defense or otherwise appropriate circumstances to: a. Obtain possession of a weapon, other dangerous objects, or controlled substances in the possession or under the control of a child. b. Protect the child or another person from physical injury. c. Remove from a situation a child who is violent or disruptive. d. Protect property from being damaged. ` Individuals who report alleged violations to the school are subject to the same requirements of confidentiality as provided under child abuse reporting. ` The principal or designee shall investigate all reports of corporal punishment committed by school employees assigned to his/her school. ` If a violation is confirmed, the school administrator shall take prompt actions to report the punishment to legal authorities, parents, and school district officials, and to take steps to ensure against a repetition of the violation.
Dangerous Situations- A substitute teacher is responsible for making sure the learning environment is safe. For example, desks or other obstacles should not block exits and proper supervision would be given when potentially dangerous classroom equipment is being used. A teacher must also consider the potential for problems in certain kinds of classes. Planned activities in a physical education, science, shop, or home economics class may make you feel uncomfortable. In such cases, you may choose to do an alternative activity which you feel you can safely conduct.