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

1. Make sure that the substitute authority figure is familiar with the behavioral support system used in the classroom (e.g., rules, point system, reinforcers, etc.).

2. Connect directly with the substitute authority figure, if possible, to disseminate information that will contribute to the learner’s success.

3. Select a learner(s) to be an assistant to the substitute authority figure during the day’s learning activities (e.g., the learner(s) gives accurate information about the schedule of learning activities, behavioral support system, etc.).

4. Give the substitute authority figure detailed information on the learning activities and tasks.

5. Make sure the substitute authority figure follows all procedures indicated by the classroom teacher (e.g., academic learning activities, behavioral support system, etc.).

6. Get the substitute authority figure to give a written review of the day as feedback for the classroom teacher (e.g., learning activities finished, learner behavior, absences, incidents about individual students, etc.).

7. Designate special or unique duties to be performed by other staff members in the school building (e.g., administering medication, feeding, toileting, etc.).

8. Get the learner to record their behavior when a substitute authority figure is in the classroom.

9. Select a peer to work with the learner to model appropriate behavior and to give information appropriate for success for the learner.

10. If an aide works in the classroom, have the aide monitor the learner’s behavior, give reinforcement, deliver instructions, etc.

11. If there is an aide in the classroom, have the aide work with the learner on a one-to-one basis throughout the day.

12. Give the learner an individualized schedule of daily activities. The schedule should be attached to the learner’s desk or carried with them at all times.

13. Train the substitute authority figure to interact with the learner regularly to give reinforcement, deliver instructions, give encouragement, etc.

14. Get the substitute authority figure to keep visibility to and from the learner. The substitute authority figure should be able to see the learner; the learner should be able to see the substitute authority figure. Make eye contact possible at all times.

15. Give the learner as many high interest learning activities as possible.

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

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

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

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