Professionals of Substitute Teaching

Welcome back to the second episode in the Student Voices of ProSubs Skillful Teaching series. 👏🏼 Today’s episode is all about Module 2: Classroom Management. This module is often challenging and revealing for students. They consistently describe it as eye‑opening, perspective‑shifting, and sometimes… a little overwhelming. And honestly those comments absolutely thrill me. 🤩🥳   ✨🛣️🌟Not sure where to start? Take the ProSub Journey quiz to discover your next steps to becoming a confident skillful professional substitute teacher. Connect with Chantell:   Join the private Facebook group: Professionals of Substitute Teaching Get Chantell’s book, I’m a Professional Substitute Teacher: Now What? Visit the ProSubs website: www.prosubscourses.com  

I have been collecting feedback from the high school students who take the ProSubs Skillful Teaching course as part of their CTE Pathway in Education and Teaching. I am taking on this challenge to pull the curtain back a little bit to reveal the good, the suggestions, the real, and the surprisingly profound comments I get. The Student Voices of ProSubs Skillful Teaching Series are episodes completely built from real feedback, real reactions, and real ‘wait, what?’ moments from students who’ve taken the ProSubs Skillful Teaching course and my reactions. ✨🛣️🌟Not sure where to start? Take the ProSub Journey quiz to discover your next steps to becoming a confident skillful professional substitute teacher. Connect with Chantell:   Join the private Facebook group: Professionals of Substitute Teaching Get Chantell’s book, I’m a Professional Substitute Teacher: Now What? Visit the ProSubs website: www.prosubscourses.com

If you are like most people, when considering a new job you start thinking about the community - should I stay where I am or relocate? 🏘️ What schedule demands do I want? 📅 Do I have the skills for this position? 👷🏼👩🏼‍⚕️👨🏼‍🏭 What is the pay? 💵 Is this a viable career move or will I get laid off in a year? 🫣 Becoming a ProSubs one of the most flexible, impactful, and surprisingly competitive career paths available right now.    ✨🛣️🌟Not sure where to start? Take the ProSub Journey quiz to discover your next steps to becoming a confident skillful professional substitute teacher. Connect with Chantell:   Join the private Facebook group: Professionals of Substitute Teaching Get Chantell’s book, I’m a Professional Substitute Teacher: Now What? Visit the ProSubs website: www.prosubscourses.com

Have you ever seen a teacher come out of school carrying a massive backpack, a rolling suitcase, or four canvas totes?  Ever wonder what in the world is in there? 👜🧳🎒 In today’s episode I am going to talk about the importance of having your ProSub Backpack because no matter what assignment you accept there will be things that are essential to have, some that are handy, and some you should always carry with you just in case. 🥤✏️🗒️ It will be your survival kit for substitute teaching.  It might sound a little corny in the beginning but believe me, it will be a lifesaver for you.  I am going to give you lots of suggestions to help throughout your day, include the things that make sense to you and leave the others out.  ✨🛣️🌟Not sure where to start? Take the ProSub Journey quiz to discover your next steps to becoming a confident skillful professional substitute teacher. Connect with Chantell:   Join the private Facebook group: Professionals of Substitute Teaching Get Chantell’s book, I’m a Professional Substitute Teacher: Now What? Visit the ProSubs website: www.prosubscourses.com

I have an exciting change up in this episode, I cannot wait for you to hear this. 🥳 I interviewed my good friend who is an exceptional educator, principal, and human being - Mrs. Laura Frederick. Laura has 30 years of experience as a teacher, instructional coach, and principal that she brings to this conversation. 👩🏼‍🏫🏫 Her perspective on what the most important characteristics and skills are to be a successful professional substitute teacher is not to be missed. 💯   ✨🛣️🌟Not sure where to start? Take the ProSub Journey quiz to discover your next steps to becoming a confident skillful professional substitute teacher. Connect with Chantell:   Join the private Facebook group: Professionals of Substitute Teaching Get Chantell’s book, I’m a Professional Substitute Teacher: Now What? Visit the ProSubs website: www.prosubscourses.com

In this Part Two Episode of The Tough Class Starter Pack, I am going to give you some strategies to handle those Attention-seeking and Power-seeking behavioral patterns from the tough classroom we see the most often. These are not bad kids. They are kids that have learned predictable behavior patterns from unpredictable circumstances.   ✨🛣️🌟Not sure where to start? Take the ProSub Journey quiz to discover your next steps to becoming a confident skillful professional substitute teacher. Connect with Chantell:   Join the private Facebook group: Professionals of Substitute Teaching Get Chantell’s book, I’m a Professional Substitute Teacher: Now What? Visit the ProSubs website: www.prosubscourses.com

What defines a 'tough' class? A tough does not mean they are dangerous. It does not mean they are naturally disrespectful. It does mean there are some predictable patterns of behavior that have gone unaddressed for a long time. The tough classes have gotten used to behaving, and getting away with, patterns of misbehavior. There are usually some likely experiences that have created this issue. Here are the five most common: ☑️ They have had inconsistent expectations of how they are expected to work and behave given and what was given was not enforced. 🤔 ☑️ They may have had frequent teacher absences and a revolving door of adults in their classroom for an extended period of time. 🆘 ☑️ They have experienced unclear routines, meaning there has not been consistency in the routines of how the class will function on a daily basis. 😶‍🌫️ ☑️ And/or because of their given title of a ‘tough’ class they probably have a history of substitutes who came in really nervous and without a plan on how to positively and productively interact with these students. 😬   ✨🛣️🌟Not sure where to start? Take the ProSub Journey quiz to discover your next steps to becoming a confident skillful professional substitute teacher. Connect with Chantell:   Join the private Facebook group: Professionals of Substitute Teaching Get Chantell’s book, I’m a Professional Substitute Teacher: Now What? Visit the ProSubs website: www.prosubscourses.com

In today's episode I am talking about those moments when the classroom energy shifts, your confidence wobbles a bit and you think, “Oh no, here it comes.” 😨 I assure you, this is something every substitute teacher experiences at least once… or twice… or every Tuesday. 📆 You cannot avoid chaos, it happens in every classroom whether you are a master substitute or an experienced teacher. 💯 How do you go about a professional recovery of the learning environment without losing yourself to a mental spiral? The key is to know how to reset.   ✨🛣️🌟Not sure where to start? Take the ProSub Journey quiz to discover your next steps to becoming a confident skillful professional substitute teacher. Connect with Chantell:   Join the private Facebook group: Professionals of Substitute Teaching Get Chantell’s book, I’m a Professional Substitute Teacher: Now What? Visit the ProSubs website: www.prosubscourses.com

“Just one bite is all I am asking. You do not have to like it or eat it all, I am asking for one bite.” 🍝🙅🏻‍♂️ In this week’s episode I am addressing a classroom management topic that every substitute teacher bumps into sooner or later: What is the difference between bribing students and using positive reinforcement? 🤔⁉️ It’s a subtle line, but once you understand it, you can leverage the smart choice of positive reinforcement and avoid the ineffective use of bribery. 👍🏼🍭 📰 Download the Scripts for Positive Reinforcement quick guide here. ✨🛣️🌟Not sure where to start? Take the ProSub Journey quiz to discover your next steps to becoming a confident skillful professional substitute teacher. Connect with Chantell:   Get Chantell’s book, I’m a Professional Substitute Teacher: Now What? Visit the ProSubs website: www.prosubscourses.com Join the private Facebook group: Professionals of Substitute Teaching

As the foundation of this conversation, I am talking about why Enjoyment and Fulfillment as a Professional Substitute Teacher is so important. When people talk about teaching today, the loudest voices often focus on burnout, stress, and why “no one should go into education anymore.” But here’s the truth that rarely gets airtime: substitute teachers can experience real enjoyment, real fulfillment, and real purpose in the classroom—and that matters more now than ever. Download your ProSub Daily Enjoyment & Fulfillment Card ✨🛣️🌟Not sure where to start? Take the ProSub Journey quiz to discover your next steps to becoming a confident skillful professional substitute teacher. Connect with Chantell:   Get Chantell’s book, I’m a Professional Substitute Teacher: Now What? Visit the ProSubs website: www.prosubscourses.com

Respect doesn’t take weeks to build—substitute teachers need it now. We’re breaking down the fast‑track formula for substitute teachers who want to earn respect quickly—without yelling, posturing, or pretending you’re not running on caffeine and hope. You’ll learn: The “doorway advantage” that sets the tone before class even starts How to introduce yourself with confidence (even if you’re faking it) Scripts that stop chaos before it begins Why fairness matters more than firmness The one behavior students instantly respect Whether you’re brand‑new or just want smoother days, this episode gives you the practical, real‑world strategies for walking into any classroom with authority, clarity, and just enough caffeine to keep things moving. Episode PDF Download: 📘 QUICK START GUIDE: Building Respect Quickly as a Substitute Teacher   ✨🛣️🌟Not sure where to start? Take the ProSub Journey quiz to discover your next steps to becoming a confident skillful professional substitute teacher. Connect with Chantell:   Get Chantell’s weekly newsletter Get Chantell’s book, I’m a Professional Substitute Teacher: Now What? Visit the ProSubs website: www.prosubscourses.com

In this episode I am talking about something I think every substitute has wrestled with at some point in their career: Having confidence in their teaching ability, I’m talking about Instructional Confidence.  🧑🏼‍🏫 The HOW to teach part of being a substitute teacher. 💪🏻 Conquer all those thoughts of; What if I’m not good enough?             🤨 Your doubt about content matter knowledge (Peer Teaching)            🥸 Your doubt about the ability to “teach like the real teacher” (Quality                         Questioning) 💥Here’s the truth bomb for you today: You’re not supposed to be the real teacher.  You’re supposed to be the real you. 🫵🏻🫶🏻 💫 A capable, prepared, adaptable educator who can guide learning even without knowing every detail. Want more support? ✨🛣️🌟Not sure where to start? Take the ProSub Journey quiz to discover your next steps to becoming a confident skillful professional substitute teacher. Connect with Chantell: Get Chantell’s book, I’m a Professional Substitute Teacher: Now What? Visit the ProSubs website: www.prosubscourses.com E-mail me at [email protected]

In today’s episode we’re diving into the hard stuff and answering all those big What Ifs about classroom management. 🌟I understand how the very thought of managing students can be so overwhelming it can stop you from ever being in a classroom.  🫣And that is NOT what you want, it is NOT what students need, and I absolutely know I can help you reach that place of confidence to achieve what you are truly capable of.   ✨🛣️🌟Not sure where to start? Take the ProSub Journey quiz to discover your next steps to becoming a confident skillful professional substitute teacher. Want more support?   Get Chantell’s book, I’m a Professional Substitute Teacher: Now What? Visit the ProSubs website: www.prosubscourses.com Explore online individual learning modules Get one-on-one support in the Skillful Teaching coaching program  

The kids didn’t listen. The lesson plan pulled a disappearing act. Lunch? Missing in action. The water fountain? A biohazard. The teachers? Not exactly lining up to welcome you with a parade. And then — the grand finale — you were late picking up your own kid. Have you ever walked out of a classroom like this thinking, “I can’t do this anymore,” I want you to know something important: That feeling isn’t failure. The urge to give up is a signal, not a truth. It’s your nervous system waving a giant red flag. It means you’re temporarily overloaded and overwhelmed — not incapable. ✨🌟Not sure where to start? Take the ProSub Journey quiz to discover your next steps to becoming a confident skillful professional substitute teacher. 🛣️ Connect with Chantell:   Get Chantell’s book, I’m a Professional Substitute Teacher: Now What? Visit the ProSubs website: www.prosubscourses.com Want more support? Explore online individual learning modules Get one-on-one support in the Skillful Teaching coaching program

Substitute teaching can really make you feel like you are constantly being put on the spot. Even though it is to be expected given the parameters of the job, it can still be uncomfortable, especially if you don't have a few tricks to calm the anxiety and nervousness until you find your groove. In this episode I share a recent experience I had that made me feel EXACTLY like I was back in an unfamiliar classroom. I relied on some tricks I learned over the years as a teacher to boost my confidence in new situations, in this case to deliver an on-the-spot speech.   I talk about the five strategies I used - and like every good educator - you should steal them. Try them out and see if they instantly boost your confidence in any classroom situation you face this week. Because let’s be honest — confidence isn’t something you magically wake up with. It’s something you build, one small moment at a time. And these five things can make all the difference for you. ✨🌟Not sure where to start? Take the ProSub Journey quiz to discover your next steps to becoming a confident skillful professional substitute teacher. 🛣️ Connect with Chantell:   Get Chantell’s book, I’m a Professional Substitute Teacher: Now What? Visit the ProSubs website: www.prosubscourses.com Want more support? Explore online individual learning modules Get one-on-one support in the Skillful Teaching coaching program

How many times have you been in a classroom or are thinking about going into a classroom and in the back of your mind there is this tape running saying “I should know how to do this?”  But ... you Don't know how to do it? I assure you, just because you have gone through school does not mean you have been equipped with the skills to teach school. It is completely different being a student and being the teacher. Honestly, how are you supposed to learn what to do without the training? That’s a major confidence buster. Questions to ask yourself: Have I been provided consistent training for this critical role? Did my substitute training address all essential competencies? Am I expected to maintain instructional continuity without being provided the tools to do so? You cannot be expected to have classroom management, teach a lesson, keep students safe, and ensure there is no disruption in their learning without being taught how to do it.  And not just one time. No one is capable of hearing something one time then going forth and doing it.  It takes repetition, support, and feedback from your experiences in with students. Connect with Chantell:   Get Chantell’s newsletter, packed with tools, coaching, and inspiration. Get Chantell’s book, I’m a Professional Substitute Teacher: Now What? Follow Chantell on Instagram Visit the ProSubs website: www.prosubscourses.com Subscribe to Chantell’s podcast on Apple or Spotify Want more support? Explore online individual learning modules Get one-on-one support in the Skillful Teaching coaching program Online article at www.eschoolnews.com: Rethinking Substitute Teacher Preparation

Have you ever been in a room with a group or in an online group chat and someone says or posts something and your immediate reaction is TMI TMI!!!  Too much information!!!  There are absolutely times when this is the case, and when it comes to communicating in schools there is a difference between overcommunicating information for clarity and breaching confidentiality. In this episode we are talking about our final ABCs of Professionalism, the How, the What, and the Who of letter C - Communication. You need to know how you are communicating information, what information should be communicated, and who you should be communicating it with. Even more important is knowing what should and should not be communicated. Connect with Chantell:   Get Chantell’s newsletter, packed with tools, coaching, and inspiration. Get Chantell’s book, I’m a Professional Substitute Teacher: Now What? Follow Chantell on Instagram  Check out ProSubs Teach on Instagram Visit the ProSubs website: www.prosubscourses.com Subscribe to Chantell’s podcast on Apple or Spotify Want more support? Explore individual learning modules Take the full ProSubs Skillful Teaching course Get one-on-one support in the Skillful Teaching Coaching program

I promised the full ABCs of Professionalism so today we are talking about B — Behavior. Learn four basic behaviors every substitute teacher needs to build a strong, reliable reputation: Be Prepared, Be Punctual, Be Prudent, and Be Discerning. Prepare confidently for any grade level, know why punctuality matters in schools, what professional (and practical) wardrobe choices look like for different age groups, and how to set healthy conversational boundaries with students using lighthearted redirect responses. Don’t forget to subscribe and share this episode with a fellow substitute teacher who wants to level up their classroom confidence. Want to dive into more in-depth tip, tools, and guidance?  Buy  Chantell's book - "I'm a Professional Substitute Teacher; Now What? "Available on Amazon.

Have you ever wondered how you could set yourself apart from other substitute teachers?  What would it take for you to be called in regularly or to even be asked to fill a long-term position? Today we’re talking about the Essentials for ProSub Success. something that sets the great ProSub apart from the rest: professionalism. You, my friend, are pursuing a calling that requires the specialized skills and knowledge of teaching.  That is the difference between being a substitute teacher and being a Professional Substitute Teacher. Key Question: “How can I present myself in the most professional way?” By consistently emulating the behaviors of your favorite teacher, the one you most respected - you will establish your reputation as a trusted, reliable, professional, go-to substitute. The first step: A - Attitude is everything! A positive attitude is an essential component of professionalism. Seems obvious but there is more to it than you may think.

So many aspiring ProSubs complete their training… and then freeze. They never apply, never step into a classroom, and never discover the career that could change their lives. Why? Because their questions go unanswered—and unanswered questions grow into uncertainty, confusion, and fear. In this episode of Professionals of Substitute Teaching (POST), I’m pulling back the curtain on the real concerns future ProSubs are carrying and the surprising benefits they often never hear about.  I’ll show you why now is an incredible time to step confidently into this profession. From choosing assignments that match your strengths, to enjoying true schedule flexibility, to becoming a respected member of the school community, to discovering hidden long‑term pay opportunities, to accessing free professional development—this episode is packed with the reassurance and clarity you’ve been craving. If you’ve ever wondered, “Can I really do this?” or “Will I be supported?” this conversation is your turning point. Let's replace fear with facts, doubt with confidence, and hesitation with action.  

Chantell is a 30+ year experienced education administrator and teacher.  In the Professionals of Substitute Teaching podcast her mission is to inspire, motivate, and empower you with practical skills, professional strategies and real talk that builds your confidence to become the absolute best professional substitute teacher you can be.