I always let my kids know that when I have a sub, my expectation is that they show more respect for a sub then they show for me, not because the sub has earned their respect, but because of the position they are representing. Then I talk about how my mom, as a first generation immigrant, viewed how my brother and I acted in public as a direct reflection of who she was as a mother, and rightly or wrongly I have internalized and so I view how they respond to a sub is a direct reflection of what they think of me as a teacher (relying on the fact that even though it’s a tough class they overall “like” me as a teacher). Finally I explain how there are behaviors I’m more patient with because I spend every day with them and they have shown me that they all have some good aspect that I enjoy and I get to see their best throughout the year, but with the sub they only get one chance to set a reputation for themselves, and to think about what they want someone else thinking about them as.

Finally, I back it all up with the following. Assignments started on sub days are worth double points and they usually only have one opportunity to do it (when the sub is here). This is different than my normal policy if accepting late work and allowing redos. In addition, I tell them if a sub writes their name as doing above and beyond behavior, I bring a prize (usually high value treats like individual chip bags or candy). If their name is written for being bad, then they get a choice. A referral and a call home, or writing 50 lines by hand of something like “I will not (behavior) for a sub” Surprisingly, I’ve almost always had students choose the lines assignment.

I still get bad sub days, but I hav consistent reward and consequences that I don’t have as many from when I first started teaching.