Stepping into someone else’s classroom can feel overwhelming — but it doesn’t have to.

Substitute Teacher Training: The Complete Guide to Confidence, Control, and Classroom Success is a comprehensive, self-paced course designed to give you the clarity, skills, and confidence you need to thrive in any classroom, on any day.  Whether you’re brand new to substitute teaching or looking to strengthen your current practice, this course equips you with the tools, strategies, and mindset shifts that help great substitutes stand out.

Foundations of Substitute Teaching

Learn exactly what schools and classroom teachers expect of you — from instructional responsibilities to student supervision, professionalism, and ethical conduct. You’ll walk in prepared, not guessing.

Master Practical, Real-World Classroom Management

Discover proven strategies for gaining student attention, de-escalating challenging behaviors, maintaining structure, and creating a calm, productive learning environment — even when plans are missing or the class is energetic.

Communicate Effectively with Students & Staff

Build confidence in giving directions, resolving misunderstandings, connecting with students quickly, and collaborating with front office staff, administrators, and fellow teachers.

Strengthen Your Mindset & Presence

Develop the calm, resilient, flexible mindset that makes substitute teaching less stressful and more fulfilling. Learn how to project confidence, stay adaptable, and set the tone for a successful day.

Gain Tools & Templates You Can Use Immediately

Access printable classroom forms, management tools, emergency lesson plans, reflection guides, and ready-to-use templates designed to save you time and elevate your professionalism.

Grow Professionally & Stand Out

Learn how to build your reputation, communicate effectively with schools, and demonstrate reliability — all essential for getting consistent bookings and long-term opportunities.

Curriculum

8 Chapters · 71 Lessons

  1. 1

    Welcome to Certified Sub

    1. Welcome!! Free preview
    2. (Included in full purchase)

      Discussion: Getting to Know You

  2. 2

    Module 1: Foundations of Substitute Teaching

    1. Introduction to Module 1 Free preview
    2. Lesson 1: Stepping into the Role - What Makes a Great Substitute Teacher Free preview
    3. (Included in full purchase)

      Quiz: Stepping into the Role

    4. (Included in full purchase)

      Lesson 2: Legal and Ethical Responsibilities — What Every Substitute Should Know

    5. (Included in full purchase)

      Quiz: Legal and Ethical Responsibilities

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      Lesson 3: Navigating School Policies and Procedures

    7. (Included in full purchase)

      Quiz: Navigating School Policies and Procedures

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      Lesson 4: Creating a Safe and Supportive Classroom Environment

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      Quiz: Creating a Safe and Supportive Classroom Environment

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      Lesson 5: Inclusive Classrooms - Supporting Every Learner

    11. (Included in full purchase)

      Quiz: Inclusive Classrooms

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      Reflection Activity: Stepping into the Role

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      Assessment: Module 1

  3. 3

    Module 2: Setting Yourself Up for Success

    1. (Included in full purchase)

      Introduction to Module 2

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      Lesson 6: Mastering the Sub Binder — Your Classroom Roadmap

    3. (Included in full purchase)

      Quiz: Mastering the Sub Binder

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      Lesson 7: Setting the Stage — How to Prepare Before the Bell Rings

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      Your Morning Game Plan: The Substitute Arrival Checklist

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      Quiz: Setting the Stage

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      Lesson 8: Navigating the Day - Strategies for Success in Every Assignment

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      Quiz: Navigating the Day

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      Lesson 9: Commanding the Room with Confidence

    10. (Included in full purchase)

      Discussion Activity (Optional): “Fake It ’Til You Make It” in Action

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      Quiz: Commanding the Room with Confidence

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      Lesson 10: Beyond the Classroom — Confident Supervision Throughout the Day

    13. (Included in full purchase)

      Quiz: Beyond the Classroom

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      Reflection Activity: Preparation, Presence, and Professionalism

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      Assessment: Module 2

  4. 4

    Module 3: Classroom Management Part I - Strategies

    1. (Included in full purchase)

      Introduction to Module 3

    2. (Included in full purchase)

      Lesson 11: Setting the Tone — Clear Expectations and Consistent Follow-Through

    3. (Included in full purchase)

      Quiz: Setting the Tone

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      Lesson 12: Staying Ahead — Proactive and Positive Management Strategies

    5. (Included in full purchase)

      Quiz: Staying Ahead

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      Lesson 13: Maintain Order Through Structure and Presence

    7. (Included in full purchase)

      Effective Time & Transition Management Strategies

    8. (Included in full purchase)

      Quiz: Maintaining Order Through Structure and Presence

    9. (Included in full purchase)

      Lesson 14: Handling Misbehaviour with Confidence and Calm

    10. (Included in full purchase)

      Quiz: Handling Misbehaviours

    11. (Included in full purchase)

      Lesson 15: Bringing Lesson Plans to Life

    12. (Included in full purchase)

      Quiz: Bringing Lesson Plans to Life

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      Lesson 16: Sparking Student Motivation and Engagement

    14. (Included in full purchase)

      Quiz: Sparking Student Motivation and Engagement

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      Activity: Your Classroom Management Plan

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      Assessment: Module 3

  5. 5

    Module 4: Classroom Management Part II - Resources and Tools

    1. (Included in full purchase)

      Introduction to Module 4

    2. (Included in full purchase)

      Lesson 17: Mastering Student Names Quickly

    3. (Included in full purchase)

      Quiz: Mastering Student Names

    4. (Included in full purchase)

      Lesson 18: Quick and Effective Movement Breaks

    5. (Included in full purchase)

      Quiz: Quick and Effective Movement Breaks

    6. (Included in full purchase)

      Lesson 19: Back-up Games and Time Filler Activities

    7. (Included in full purchase)

      Quiz: Back-up Games and Time-Filler Activities

    8. (Included in full purchase)

      Lesson 20: Clever Cues to Quiet a Classroom

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      Quiz: Clever Cues to Quiet a Classroom

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      Lesson 21: What to Pack in Your Sub Bag

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      Quiz: What to Pack in Your Sub Bag

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      Lesson 22: Navigating the Smartboard

    13. (Included in full purchase)

      Quiz: Navigating and Operating a Smart Board

    14. (Included in full purchase)

      Activity: Your Emergency Lesson Plan Kit

    15. (Included in full purchase)

      Assessment: Module 4

  6. 6

    Module 5: Leading Through Communication - Strategies for Connecting

    1. (Included in full purchase)

      Introduction to Module 5

    2. (Included in full purchase)

      Lesson 23: How to Connect with Students - Calm, Clear and Confident Communication

    3. (Included in full purchase)

      Lesson 24: Building Professional Relationships with Staff and Administrators

    4. (Included in full purchase)

      Lesson 25: Communicating with Parents — Building Trust and Professional Boundaries

    5. (Included in full purchase)

      Assessment: Module 5

  7. 7

    Module 6: Growing as a Substitute Teacher

    1. (Included in full purchase)

      Lesson 26: The Power of Reflection - Learning From Every Classroom Experience

    2. (Included in full purchase)

      Lesson 27: Investing in Your Growth - Professional Development for Substitute Teachers

    3. (Included in full purchase)

      Lesson 28: Building Your Professional Reputation

  8. 8

    Almost There!

    1. (Included in full purchase)

      I’m So Proud of You — Congratulations on Completing the Program!

    2. (Included in full purchase)

      FINAL ASSESSMENT

Elevate your substitute teaching career today

Learn everything you need to know about managing classrooms, delivering lessons, communicating effectively, and thriving as a professional substitute teacher.

Enroll now Free preview

Meet Your Instructor

Bobbie-Jo Fimrite is a certified educator and founder of Certified Sub, with over a decade of experience teaching United States, Canadian and Australian curriculums, including seven years in the classroom and four as a substitute.  Seeing how much smoother school days run when substitutes are prepared, Bobbie-Jo created Certified Sub to give educators the confidence, skills, and practical tools to manage classrooms effectively, communicate clearly, and represent schools professionally. Her mission is to help substitutes thrive while keeping every classroom safe, productive, and engaging.

Testimonials

Hear from substitutes and administrators who have experienced Certified Sub firsthand.

”
I read this course before I subbed for the first time, and it made a huge difference in how prepared I felt. Instead of just guessing what to do, I had a clear idea of how to start the day, manage behavior, and handle those awkward moments when plans change or there's extra time. Now that I've subbed three times, I can see how practical the strategies really are. They match what actually happens in the classroom. Id definitely recommend this course to anyone starting out as a classroom supervisor or substitute.
Rory DeSmet

Classroom Supervisor

”
Bobbie-Jo has a wide range of knowledge and expertise in many areas. Her classroom management skills were extremely strong because of the positive rapport she developed with students and parents.
Andrew Lojczyc

Principal, GPPSD

”
"I have the true pleasure of working with Bobbie-Jo as her principal. She brings her ideas, leadership skills, strong work ethic and passion for teaching. She excels in the areas of lesson planning, reliability, flexibility, parent to teacher and teacher to student relationships and classroom management. She has truly enriched the lives of her students and peers.
Paige Wilson

Principal, Academy del Sol

”
Bobbie-Jo is firmly in control of her classroom and each student knows his or her limits. She does not have to raise her voice often because she consistently maintains an even level of control. I am impressed with the atmosphere of her classroom. It is very evident that the children respect and care for their teacher and that she respects their individual differences.
Ivan Crabbe

Principal, GPPSD

”
In reflection of Bobbie-Jo's teaching, she possessed all the qualities you would want in an expert teacher.
Andrew Lojczyc

Principal, GPPSD

”
Highly competent in her knowledge of students and how they learn, combined with her deep knowledge of critical content, Bobbie–Jo achieves strong relative gain in student learning. She possesses a strong pedagogical ability to engage students in learning, applying her skill set throughout the diverse range of key learning areas within a primary school setting.
Jason Ball

Principal, SCSS

”
Bobbie-Jo brings enthusiasm and energy into her lessons. She has a natural ability… and teaches with a visual, sound, and hands-on approach which clearly addresses each students’ needs.
Merilie O'Connell

Educational Assistant, GPPSD

”
It is without exaggeration when I say Bobbie-Jo will benefit the lives of all the students, co-workers and parents that are lucky enough to cross her path. She is a remarkable teacher and person. Academy del Sol Nosara has improved greatly because of her involvement and I am so glad to know she will continue to bring her gifts to children in the future.
Paige Wilson

Principal, Academy del Sol

Ready to Transform Your Teaching Skills?

Enroll now and gain access to a comprehensive training program that will elevate your substitute teaching career.

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