| Benchmark Overview |
All Subs
Grades K–6 |
Benchmark Advance is our comprehensive reading program. Take this course to learn about the platform, components of a lesson, and how to access curriculum in the classroom. |
| Communication |
All Subs
All grade levels |
Strategies for communicating with Parents, Admin, Classroom Teachers. |
| CPI Training* |
Veteran Subs
SPED focus – All grade levels |
Crisis Prevention Institute – Recognize, Prevent and Respond training for subs who long term in TISS, Mod/Severe and AUT programs.
* Must complete full day course |
| CPI Training* |
Veteran Subs
Gen Ed focus – All grade levels |
Crisis Prevention Institute – Recognize, Prevent and Respond training for subs who long term in general education classes.
* Must complete full day course |
| ECE-Preschool Classrooms |
All Preschool Substitute Teachers |
Stepping into an Early Childhood Education (ECE) setting requires a unique blend of vigilance, routine, and warmth. Designed specifically for substitute teachers, this compact training equips you with the essential tools to step into any three- to four-year-old classroom with confidence.
We will break down critical state licensing requirements, including active supervision and strict staff-to-child ratios, and show you how to implement pre-planned curricula and learning centers seamlessly. Finally, you will master ECE best practices, focusing on smooth transitions and Conscious Discipline practices, helping you cultivate emotional safety and use connection to manage behavior effectively until the permanent teacher returns. |
| ECE-UTK Classrooms |
Subs that work in TK Classrooms |
Universal Transitional Kindergarten (UTK) classrooms require navigating a unique hybrid environment—bridging early childhood play with public school elementary structures. Designed for substitute teachers, this concise training prepares you to successfully manage classrooms of four-year-olds.
We will cover critical UTK compliance rules, including active supervision and strict staff-to-child ratios. You will get an overview of the UTK curriculum and how the teacher team partners effectively. Finally, you will master ECE best practices, focusing on smooth transitions and Conscious Discipline practices, helping you cultivate emotional safety and use connection to manage behavior effectively until the permanent teacher returns. |
| Emergency Services / Incident Response |
All Subs
All grade levels |
Effective emergency planning in schools involves creating comprehensive emergency operations plans (EOPs), conducting regular drills, and fostering collaboration with local authorities to ensure the safety of students and staff during emergencies. |
| Foster Youth |
All Subs
All Grade Levels |
You will take a peek at the world of foster youth enrolled in the district, including the realities and unique challenges of foster youth, quick basics of foster youth rights, and small reminders of the do’s and don’ts with foster youth that can be helpful in the classroom.
For a foster youth, a change in routine or a new face in the classroom can bring unexpected anxiety. Be the substitute that totally gets it and understands! |
| How to Work with Classroom Assistants |
All Subs
All Grade Levels |
Understanding the role of paraprofessionals, appropriate student supervision, collaborating with paras. |
| Integrated & Designated ELD |
All Subs |
Participants will gain insights into Multilingual Typologies to better support diverse language acquisition needs. Then, review California legal requirements with respect to Multilingual learners to foster an equitable educational experience and learn effective strategies for creating compelling comprehensible input to give our multilingual learners equitable access to grade level content. |
| Instructional Technology |
All Subs |
This training will cover essential protocols for substitute account access, including how to log into accounts and access digital curriculum resources and online platforms. It will also detail proper Chromebook care and troubleshooting, along with instructions on how to contact technology support for any issues encountered during the school day. |
| K-5 Math Amplify Desmos |
Kindergarten–5th Grade Subs |
By the end of this session, participants will feel confident and prepared for their first days teaching with Amplify Desmos Math. They will be able to clearly describe the program's unique approach to teaching and learning, as well as explain the core mathematical concepts of their very first unit. |
| Master the Room: Classroom Management for Substitute Teachers (CHAMPS) |
All Subs – Primary/Intermediate Grades |
If you are looking for ways to enhance your classroom management while being a guest teacher, then this session is for you. Come join us and learn how to reduce disruptive behavior, increase student on-task time, and establish a positive environment where students understand your expectations for the day. You will leave with quick effective strategies that can be implemented as you step into a classroom. |
| Mental Health Referrals and Services for Students |
All Subs
All grade levels |
How SUSD Students can receive mental health services at school. |
| Mid School Math (New Math Program) |
6th–8th Grade Subs |
This training introduces educators to the structure, design, and instructional routines of the program while providing hands-on opportunities to explore materials and practice key strategies. |
| SIPPS General Session |
All Subs
Grade Level K–3 |
SIPPS provides a structured-literacy approach to instruction through explicit routines focused on phonological awareness, spelling-sounds, and high-frequency words. This session will walk you through a lesson and where to locate important resources. |
| Students with IEPs |
All Subs
All Grade Levels |
Tips and strategies to support students with IEPs in mainstream and SPED classrooms: understanding the IEP, collaborating with Special Education professionals, differentiated instruction, accessible classroom materials, and establishing a structured learning environment. |
| Substitute Teaching 101 |
Newly Hired Subs
All Grade Levels |
This session provides new substitute teachers with the essential knowledge and resources needed for a successful assignment. This session will cover the Substitute Handbook, navigating the Absence Management system, taking accurate student attendance, completing timesheets and understanding payroll procedures, substitute evaluations, and practical classroom do's and don'ts. Participants will leave with the confidence and tools to effectively support students and schools from day one. |
| Understanding Student Behavior |
All Subs
All Grade Levels |
Come and learn to take a proactive approach to creating a safer and more responsive learning environment and boost your professional skills and effectiveness as an educator.
Our Workshop on Understanding Student Behavior offers valuable insights into recognizing and managing student escalation, understanding how your behavior affects situations, and implementing practical de-escalation techniques. |