Help Is On The Way !Help Is On The Way !Help Is On The Way !Help Is On The Way !

Recruiting and Keeping Recruiting and Keeping

Substitute StaffSubstitute Staff

by by

Verda RubottomVerda Rubottom

Why a Substitute Staff?

• Emergencies• Illness• Family Crisis• Vacations• Teacher needs a leave of absence• Teacher wants to attend adult

class

Organizing a Substitute Staff

• How to Recruit

• How to Train

• How to Keep

Reasons People Hesitate to Serve

• Not enough time• Not willing to make a

commitment• Feel unqualified• Not sure what’s

expected• Spouse does not

support involvement

• Feel they have “put in their time”

• Don’t want to miss adult class or service

• Don’t feel called to children’s ministry

• Already involved in another area

1. How to Recruit “Come follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will

make you fishers of men.” Mark 1:17

Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.

Matthew 9:38

• Pray for guidance and wisdom • Be specific in your prayers• Expect God to provide the workers

you need• Be willing to wait for God’s timing• Prepare for the workers God will

send your way

Spiritual Qualifications• Born again believer• Faithful attendance for at least 6

months• Has attended pastor’s class,

membership or similar class, or has transferred from another church.

• Is in agreement with basic beliefs of your church

• Supports the mission of your church.

General Qualifications

• People who are good role models for children

• People who really care about children• People who understand the nature of

children, and their characteristics• People who are patient, kind and even

tempered.

Look for People with Irregular Schedules

• Retired people• School teachers • Military personnel• Firefighters• Hospital workers• Police officers• High school and college students

People with Special Circumstances

• Newlyweds• New parents• Earning a degree• Working two jobs• Taking care of elderly parents• Physical limitations• New Christians

Recruiting Steps1. Prepare job description. 2. Have children’s department

application forms available.3. Follow your church policy for

approving potential teachers.4. Share the need, and opportunities available.

5. Meet personally with prospective workers.

6. Invite to workers orientation meeting, or regular staff meeting.

7.Give curriculum sample for volunteer to examine.

8. Allow volunteer adequate time to make their decision.

2. How to Train • Have substitute staff meeting once or

twice a year• Invite subs to regular teacher’s meetings,

but don’t require their attendance.• Have teaching materials, resources, books

and training seminars available for your subs as well as for regular staff.

Substitute Packet• Class schedules• Curriculum sample• Children’s

department mission statement, policies

• Discipline policy

• Map of church site, classrooms, restrooms, Sunday school office, media/resource room

• Safety and security policies

• Well baby policy• Job description of

substitutes• Nametag/ID

• Bible story color sheets

• List of children’s staff & phone numbers

• Parent’s newsletter

• Games

Tips for Substitute Teachers

1. Arrive early2. Follow plans, but be

flexible3. Locate restrooms, exits,

offices, ushers4. Follow church policies5. Use nametags6. Greet with confidence7. Have something to do,

begin with prayer8. Don’t abandon rules

9. Be positive, pleasant and patient10. Share a story, or play a

game11. Have a sense of humor.12. Follow check out policy.13. Contact absent teacher14. Compliment children15. Pray for children’s

requests.16. Stay in contact with the

class.

When you Need a Sub

• Prearrange times when you can contact your sub volunteer

• Approved subs may be contacted by dept. leaders or teachers

• Keep list of phone numbers and emails of workers at home and office.

• Alternate teachers and “team” teachers, may also serve as subs

3. How to Keep Substitutes on Your Team

• Recognize subs as a vital part of your CE team. Connect them with other staff.

• Match up assignments with their ability and interests.

• Respect their decision to say ‘no’ when they aren’t able to fill in.

• Respond to concerns and needs ASAP.

Provide staff phone numbers/ email.

Keep sub-staff updated (email, letters).

Remember birthdays and send notes of appreciation.

Include in department social events.

Pray for them, and encourage them to develop their teaching gift.