August 06, 2024

Empowering and Preparing Substitute Teachers for Success through the Substitute University Model with April Sinkhorn

24 minutes

"The foundation of a successful school day often relies on how well our substitute teachers are prepared and supported."— Jenny Copeland

On this episode of the Teacher Edition podcast, we explore some very practical ways to help substitute teachers be prepared, informed, and empowered to lead the classroom successfully. Unfortunately, substitute teachers often have a negative connotation. We have visions of out-of-control classrooms in various less-than-ideal situations. Often, we point to the substitute as the determiner of the failure or success of the classroom; however, we as administrators or teachers are the key to ensuring the classroom runs at normal levels on those days.

Join Jenny and our guest, April Sinkhorn, creator of Substitute University, to discuss several aspects of supporting substitute teachers:

The importance of a comprehensive manual for substitute teachers to refer to

Creating a connection between parents and substitute teachers through social media and accolades

Develop a strategic onboarding process including hour-by-hour schedules and feedback tools

Through these insights, April encourages administrators and teachers that investing in the development of substitute teachers can help foster a smoother and more reliable educational experience for students and educators alike. Additionally, they discuss how to find qualified candidates and how to navigate unqualified substitutes while helping them contribute to the school in other areas.

Proper training and support can have a profound impact on the daily operations of a school and the experience of the student body. Substitutes may be on the backburner of many schools, but it doesn’t have to be that way. Substitute University is a very creative and doable model for schools to help prepare substitute teachers. In the words of April (borrowed from Subway), “Be a sub above,” and elevate the approach to substitute teaching while bringing your classrooms to a new level of learning.

Every day in the classroom is YOUR day to impact and inspire through God's power and grace working in you.

Go do what God has called you to do!

“The idea of creating a manual with all necessary information for substitutes is more than just handy—it's empowering. It provides them with the confidence to tackle any situation."— Jenny Copeland

"It's incredible how much peace of mind proper training can bring, not just to the substitutes themselves, but also to the regular teachers and the entire school staff."— April Sinkhorn

About the Guest

April grew up in a Christian home and has lived in NC the majority of her life. She attended Christian school Pr-K through 12th grade. She received her undergraduate degree in Elementary Education & post-grad in Educational Leadership from BJU. She just finished her 25th year in Christian Education! Seventeen of those years have been as Elementary Principal at Jacksonville Christian Academy in Jacksonville, NC.

Her hobbies include singing, playing piano, and spending time with family and friends.