Maintaining control and managing the classroom are important in all teaching situations, but particularly important to substitute teachers. Since you are only with students for one day or a short period of time, it is different than when you have several months to get to know your students and develop a relationship with them. So, roll up your sleeves and see how you can incorporate some strategies that can help you be successful in managing your class. Thousands of substitute teachers have had wonderful, productive days with students and you can, too. A discipline plan is one of the first items you will need to think about. In most instances, the regular classroom teacher will leave information for you about the school plan and/or the classroom plan in place. However, it is important that you have a firm idea of what your own expectations are. It is certainly acceptable, and even advisable, that you have a few rules of your own that reflect your particular style of teaching. Just make sure that your rules are not in direct conflict with the established rules of the regular teacher. For example, you may not feel comfortable with students speaking out without raising their hands and identifying themselves. Even if that is acceptable to the regular teacher (or at least the students tell you it is), you can certainly explain to students that just for today, you would like them to raise their hands. After you call on them, tell them you would like them to state their name before answering or asking a question. Call it the "(your last name) Rule." You can reinforce this by re-stating their name when you thank them for their contribution. When developing your plan or rules, check with a colleague, other teachers or an administrator to make sure your rules make sense for the situation and the students you are working with. Keep your plan simple. You might even create a laminated poster highlighting three or four things you feel are important. As you share your rules with the class, also share the rewards for maintaining the rules and the consequences for breaking the rules. Check here for additional tips for managing your classroom.