Substitute Teaching: Building Relationships, Not Just Maintaining Order

Managing Substitute Teaching Duties: Building Bridges with Unfamiliar Students Spanish secondary school teacher Àlex Letosa recently shared his experience covering a long-term absence in a 3rd-year ESO class. The experience, he says, was "exhausting," requiring constant vigilance. Letosa's approach, however, offers a valuable lesson. Instead of focusing on discipline, he treated the class as if he were their new tutor, aiming to build relationships and mutual understanding. "I always have introductory tutoring sessions that work very well for this mutual discovery," Letosa explains in the video. He found that creating positive dynamics through activities designed to foster connection made a significant difference. The result? Students were more cooperative, and even after 15 years, some former students still remember and greet him. This approach highlights the importance of building relationships in education, even in challenging situations like substitute teaching. Letosa's experience underscores the long-term benefits of prioritizing connection over strict control, creating a more positive learning environment for both students and teachers.