SUBINSTITUTE: Instructional Strategies- Learning Activities
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      3. SUBINSTITUTE: Instructional Strategies- Learning Activities

      Special Education - Best Practices

      Here's how you can be the best sub possible when you are selected for a special education assignment.

      Expectations and policies have already been discussed in your Sub Teacher Source Orientation. These slides are to provide additional resources to guest teachers for specific content areas.


      If you need to review the New Sub Orientation post, please click here.

      Be Prepared

      • Check your assignment details for any notes or instructions left from the teacher
      • Arrive ON TIME to your assignment in order to review any notes or instructions before class begins

      Stick to the Plan

      • Read the lesson plan or any notes left thoroughly and follow them.
      • If you are to read certain directions for a lesson, be sure to do so. Some students require this support to complete assignments.
      • The teacher may leave directions for students to work independently or in groups/partners.

      Special Education Classrooms - Best Practices

      • Accommodations allow modifications to students to allow a fair education.
      • As a guest teacher, you may not have access to accommodations for specific students. 
      • Be sure to read any notes for your assignment provided by your teacher for any insight regarding support for certain students.

      • When working an assignment in a Special Education classroom, you may be assigned:

        • As the lead Special Education Teacher:
          • You will teach class independently.
        • As support to a classroom teacher:
          • You will be an additional teacher in the classroom who supports students while the main teacher leads class.
          • You could be assigned to help one student at a time or multiple students.

      Common Learning Difficulties

      • ADHD - Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder.
      • Dysgraphia - distorted or incorrect writing.
      • Dyscalculia - learning difficulty understanding numbers.
      • Dyslexia - learning difficulty in reading and spelling.

      Common Accommodations

      • Behavior supports
      • Reduced work 
      • Preferred seating
      • Extra time on assignments or tests
      • Verbal instructions for assignments/tests
      • Teacher copy of notes (while other students copy the notes themselves)
      • One-on-One (There may be another support teacher assigned to certain students.)

      What if I Don’t Know the Answer?

      As a guest teacher, you may not be able to answer every question a student may have. We understand that not everyone has experience with Special Education classrooms.

      School Policies

      In this case, don’t panic. Use your resources. Here are a few things to do in this instance:

      • Check the lesson plan and notes from the teacher. They may have left notes of important school policies to follow.
      • Ask your school office or admin. Check for a contact to reach out to them for clarification.
      • Ask another teacher nearby. NEVER leave your class unattended. This could be during passing periods or lunch. 
      • Ask another student. Feel free to ask around the class. Often, teachers will leave names of trusted students. Of course, always use your best judgement.
      • Use these moments as an opportunity to demonstrate to students how to problem solve. 
      • Modeling your thinking will teach students we don’t need to know all the answers, but that we can use our resources to find answers.

      Other Accommodations


      Accommodations may also include medical plans. Medical plans are not just for Special Education classrooms. Keep this in mind for your other assignments!

      Some examples include but are not limited to:

      •  Anxiety
      •  OCD
      • Emotional or Behavioral Disability

      It is essential that you know if a student has a plan to follow.

      Follow The Plan and Be Prepared!

      Again, If you are provided notes about a class or certain students for an assignment, it is essential that you read and follow instructions given.

      Be Supportive

      • It’s essential as a guest teacher to create a structured and supportive classroom.
      • Never assume students should just “know” something.
      • Students will look to you as their leader. Be professional and encouraging.
      • Do not talk about students accommodations in front of the class. Some students may want to speak privately about them, and that’s okay!