Are you looking for tactics to motivate students to behave appropriately in the presence of other educators? If so, keep reading.

1. Get the substitute authority figure to help the learner begin tasks, check their work, give instant feedback, etc.

2. Get the learner to keep a record of their academic performance while a substitute authority figure is in the classroom.

3. Notify the students in advance when it will be appropriate for a substitute authority figure to be in the classroom. Create expectations for behavior and academic performance.

4. Give the substitute authority figure with instructions for action to be taken if the learner becomes abusive or menacing.

5. Teach the learner to think before acting (e.g., they should ask themselves, “What is happening?” “What am I doing?” “What should I do?” “What will be best for me?”).

6. Get the learner to question any directions, explanations, or instructions not grasped.

7. Assess the appropriateness of the task to ascertain (a) if the task is too easy, (b) if the task is too complicated, and (c) if the duration of time scheduled to finish the task is sufficient.

8. Connect with parents (e.g., notes home, phone calls, etc.) to disseminate information about the learner’s progress. The parents may reinforce the learner at home for demonstrating appropriate behavior in the presence of a substitute authority figure.

9. Draft an agreement with the learner stipulating what behavior is required (e.g., following the substitute authority figure’s instructions) and which reinforcement will be implemented when the agreement has been met.

10. Praise those students in the classroom who demonstrate appropriate behavior in the presence of a substitute authority figure.

11. Create classroom rules: • Complete every assignment. • Remain in your seat. • Finish tasks. • Meet task expectations. • Raise your hand. Examine rules often. Praise students for following the rules.

12. Converse with the learner to explain (a) what the learner is doing wrong (e.g., not following the substitute authority figure’s instructions, not following classroom rules, etc.) and (b) what the learner should be doing (e.g., following the substitute authority figure’s instructions, following classroom rules, etc.).

13. Let the learner voice their opinion in a situation to hear their side of the story.

14. Praise the learner for demonstrating appropriate behavior in the presence of a substitute authority figure: (a) give the learner a concrete reward (e.g., privileges such as leading the line, handing out learning materials, 10 minutes of free time, etc.) or (b) give the learner an informal reward (e.g., praise, handshake, smile, etc.).

15. Consider using a classroom management app. Click here to view a list of apps that we recommend.

16. Consider using an adaptive behavior management app. Click here to view a list of apps that we recommend.

17. Consider using Alexa to help the student learn to behave appropriately. Click here to read an article that we wrote on the subject.

18. Click here to learn about six bonus strategies for challenging problem behaviors and mastering classroom management.