Teacher Resources

Maternity/FMLA Leave: Essential Tips for Effective Sub Plans

The Importance of Leaving Solid Sub Plans: Teaching Resources for Your Long-Term Substitute During FMLA

As I prepare to take maternity leave for the next three months, I’ve gathered the most useful resources to help create my long-term sub plans. Ideally, a substitute with a strong background in dance and dance education would step in, but that’s not always possible within the school system. In reality, your dance class might be led by someone with limited knowledge of dance education—this is my situation as well. To be honest, I’m unsure if the same person will even be in the classroom consistently from month to month or week to week. My challenge has been finding the best way to ensure my students continue receiving high-quality dance education in my absence while also setting up the substitute for success. In this article, you’ll find tips and resources to help you create the best sub plans for your extended leave.

As a dance educator preparing for a leave of absence, whether for maternity leave, personal reasons, or any other long-term absence, it’s crucial to ensure that your students continue to receive high-quality instruction in your absence. Leaving behind well-organized and comprehensive substitute plans not only supports your students’ learning but also helps your long-term substitute manage the class effectively. Here’s why solid sub plans are essential and how teaching resources like Teachers Pay Teachers, Dance Ed Tips, and Crelata can make a difference.

Why Solid Sub Plans Matter

  1. Continuity of Instruction: Solid sub plans ensure that your students experience continuity in their dance education. Well-prepared plans help maintain the flow of the curriculum and avoid disruptions in learning, allowing students to stay on track with their progress.
  2. Minimized Disruptions: Detailed plans minimize confusion and disruptions for your long-term substitute. Clear instructions and structured lesson plans make it easier for the substitute to step into your role and manage the class effectively.
  3. Support for the Substitute: A well-prepared substitute plan provides the substitute teacher with the necessary tools and guidance to deliver instruction that aligns with your teaching style and objectives. This support is crucial for maintaining the quality of education in your absence.
  4. Student Engagement: Engaging and well-thought-out plans help keep students motivated and involved. When students see that their learning is continuing smoothly, they are more likely to remain engaged and committed to their dance education.

Essential Teaching Resources

  1. Teachers Pay Teachers Teachers Pay Teachers (TPT) is a valuable resource for finding ready-made lesson plans, activities, and materials that can be tailored to your class. On TPT, you can find a variety of dance-related resources, including lesson plans, choreography guides, and classroom management tools. These resources can be particularly useful for creating detailed sub plans that are easy to follow. How to Use TPT:
  • Browse the site for dance-specific resources and materials.
  • Select resources that match your curriculum and teaching style.
  • Include links or copies of these resources in your sub plans to provide the substitute with ready-to-use materials.
  1. Dance Ed Tips Dance Ed Tips offers a wealth of advice and resources tailored specifically for dance educators. From lesson plans to classroom management strategies, Dance Ed Tips provides practical tools and insights that can help you craft effective sub plans. How to Use Dance Ed Tips:
  • Incorporate strategies and lesson ideas from Dance Ed Tips into your sub plans.
  • Use their templates and organizational tools to structure your plans clearly and comprehensively.
  • Reference specific articles or tips in your plans to guide the substitute.
  1. Crelata Crelata offers digital solutions for dance education, including lesson planning tools and curriculum resources. Their platform can help you create and organize detailed sub plans, making it easier for your substitute to follow along and execute your lessons effectively. How to Use Crelata:
  • Utilize Crelata’s planning tools to design structured and engaging lesson plans.
  • Share access to relevant Crelata resources with your substitute to ensure they have everything needed for successful instruction.
  • Include digital links or resources from Crelata in your plans for easy access.

Creating Your Substitute Plans

When preparing your substitute plans, consider the following components:

  • Detailed Lesson Plans: Outline daily activities, choreography instructions, and any specific goals for each class.
  • Classroom Management Tips: Provide guidance on managing behavior and maintaining a positive learning environment.
  • Emergency Contacts: Include contact information for school administration, fellow teachers, or other relevant personnel.
  • Student Needs: Note any individual student needs or considerations that the substitute should be aware of.

By leaving behind comprehensive and organized substitute plans, you ensure that your students continue to receive a high standard of education and that your substitute can effectively manage the class. Utilizing resources from Teachers Pay Teachers, Dance Ed Tips, and Crelata can greatly enhance the quality and effectiveness of your plans.

For insights on what maternity leave looks like for a dance teacher, check out this article: What Does Maternity Leave Look Like as a Dance Teacher?.

Explore this article for tips on how to dress for success while teaching or substituting in any dance class: How to Dress for Success in the Dance Studio.

Get everything you need to stay organized for the school year: Dance Teacher Toolkit: How to Get Ready and Stay Organized.

For more tips and resources on preparing for a leave of absence, visit myorderedsteps.co and explore additional articles on dance education and teaching strategies.

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Happy Dancing!

Taylor

[email protected]

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