Seriously? Did you just try to "high five" the principal?!

My Mom always said, "You never get a second chance to make a first impression. Cliché? Yes, but Mom is always right.

When a school secretary lays eyes on you as a substitute teacher, for the first time, she or he usually has about 5 seconds to size you up. There are three main categories they can put you in:

1. Good sub. (Phew! Now I can worry about other stuff.)
2. Potential flake. (Ask principal to check in frequently.)
3. Definite flake. (Send this one home now!)

Just to be clear, you want to make it into category #1. In that first moment, they need to feel confident that they can leave their students under your supervision and that you will be able to successfully lead those students through their lessons and through their day.

As covered in our blog post earlier in the week, adhering to the school dress code is an important way to make the right impression. It shows that you respect their environment and take your job seriously.

Making that good impression works for every single person you meet! Everyone, from parents to janitors to principals, is a part of the environment of that school and every one of them deserves respect and the best, most professional version of you! Make eye contact, be polite, listen and be respectful. These are just a few of the ways that one can make a good first impression.  A positive impression is the first step to getting on that school’s preferred or requested teacher list and the first step in getting more work for you!

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