Scenario:

You’re running late. Traffic or issues in the corridor on the way. What do you do?

Option 1: Establish a Pre-emptive Routine

This option is about setting up the class to function when you’re delayed. This will only work with a mature and responsible class. Nominate a class captain who can remind the class what to do whilst they wait. Can they jot down some questions, read from your next chapter or just review their notes from the last lesson? This is applicable even if a colleague is able to cover you.

Lesson learnt: Anticipate the unpredictable and arm your class with proactive strategies.

Option 2: Always have a colleague on standby

Foster a culture of mutual support with neighboring teachers. Most classrooms are usually visible to a couple of teachers. Be part of a culture in your school that encourages teachers to look out for other rooms to check all is as expected. That way, if you need it, there’ll be someone on standby to help. Make Sure you have the numbers of your ‘neighbour’ teachers and that they have yours.

Lesson learnt: A supportive network of colleagues is an invaluable resource in navigating unexpected challenges.

Option 3: Call it in

Depending on your school system and your class, you may have no other option but to call it in and have a colleague allocated to your class. Sometimes, being ‘found out’ stops you using this option. There are a lot of things worse than this that may result from an unsupervised class (e.g. a fight, bullying, theft) so don’t let this hold you back. A school system that can’t forgive a late teacher once is not worth your commitment.

Lesson learnt: Use the system, that’s what it’s there for!

Scenario:

You're teaching and come across a question you can't answer. Oops… what do you do?

Option 1: Pass the question to a student

The teacher does not always have to have all the answers, just most of it! Asking a student to answer the question or rephrasing the question to either reduce or increase the challenge may be a good way to model how it could be answered. Always ask students to justify or show working and ask if the others agree as it'll give you some confidence too if you're completely clueless.

'Let's see if Janet can answer this…' Using this technique works well when you know the answer too, so ensure you use it regularly regardless.

Lesson learnt: Students are sometimes great teachers.

Option 2: Buy time

Sometimes, you just need time. You can ask the student to wait whilst you resolve another issue or support another student. You may want to do some research within the lesson or let them know that you'll come back to them by the following lesson.

Acknowledge the quality of a question that has you stomped! 'Wow, that's a great question. Let's review that next lesson and we'll go through it thoroughly then'.

Lesson learnt: It's okay to delay.

Option 3: Be open, Tell them

Depending on your own confidence level and relationship with the class, be open. Letting them know that even teachers get stuck but will persevere can be of great comfort to students. You can frame it as a teaching moment, 'I am really struggling with this, how can we work through this together?' Don't use this option too much as students may perceive you don't prepare sufficiently for your lessons or that there's a fundamental issue with your content knowledge. Whenever you use this option, resolve to not have to use it in the same context again.

Lesson learnt: Once you know, address the issue!

Scenario:

Fights break out from time to time. What happens if you're on duty and you see one?

Option 1: Amplify Your Authority

A robust, "Hey, Stop!" in your most commanding 'teacher voice' could quell the conflict and disperse onlookers or alert nearby adults. Even if it doesn't, it's a necessary immediate action while you evaluate other options.

Lesson learnt: Your voice is a powerful deterrent. Harness it, utilize it, and protect it.

Option 2: Enlist Reinforcements

There are usually only two sides in a fight. By recruiting a student or another teacher, you can address each side separately, effectively defusing the situation. Be mindful of child protection issues and the physical capabilities of any student helpers.

Lesson learnt: Students can be invaluable allies when it comes to maintaining peace.

Option 3: Go! Intervene or Seek Assistance

This last combination of options are also both potentially the worst case options. The time it takes to get help may be the difference between minor or major injuries. It could also be that things disperse before you return. Jumping in between the two fighters could be dangerous. Read the situation well before you take either option. It may not be safe or effective if it's not the appropriate option.

Scenario:

It's the flu season and a transport strike is in full swing. Cover lessons are plentiful and you've been asked to take two classes at once. What to do?

Option 1: Embrace the power of group work

Taking two classes at once invariably means that there'll be a higher than normal 'class size' so a large space will be required. Supervision could be challenging so put them into groups, appoint a leader or captain for each group and set a group a task. Keep the task set simple, for example it could be about getting them to teach each other a skill or content based on recent lessons.

Lesson learnt: Flexibility can transform chaos into opportunity.

Option 2: Seek refuge in the school library

Most schools have a library/reading room space. With larger than usual numbers, the library can be used to get students to complete work independently and quietly. This could be catch up work, a head start on homework or just reading. Some schools have a 'drop everything and read' (DEAR) slot throughout the school day or week so students always have a book handy. With the library, you may have the additional bonus of extra adult eyes too.

Lesson learnt: Quiet time is a valuable tool in a teacher's kit.

Option 3: Rally support from other staff members

Chances are that there is at least one suitable non-teaching support staff member ready to help. As is likely (though not always the case), student numbers may even be down at such a time and you can manage in a standard room. Ask students to get in with their own work whilst you both supervise. If you're really adventurous, team teach a topic of shared interest or do mock interviews to get to know each other.

Lesson learnt: Not all superheroes are teachers!

Scenario:

The school trip is canceled! Your day with no (or less!) teaching has suddenly become jam-packed. What to do?

Option 1: Create connections with the cancelled excursion

Cancelled trips aren't necessarily missed learning opportunities. In fact, they could serve as a jumping-off point for a creative classroom session. Whether or not the cancelled trip directly ties to your subject or current topic, use this time to find unexpected connections. Perhaps the most exciting part of teaching is how much we learn from our students. So, invite them to forge these educational links. With any luck, this "surprise" lesson will add value to the rescheduled trip.

Lesson learnt: Surprising connections often lead to memorable learning experiences.

Option 2: Have a mini excursion of your own

Did someone say, "field trip"? Just because your original plans fell through doesn't mean your students can't embark on a mini adventure. If circumstances allow, take your students on an impromptu tour of the school grounds or nearby locations. It could be as simple as conducting your lesson in the playground or walking to a local park. The change of environment can spark creativity and engagement.

Lesson learnt: Exploration isn't confined to official field trips; there's much to appreciate in the spaces around us.

Option 3: Give them a 'free' lesson/time

It's possible that students were kitted out for the trip and can't get their minds off it. Let them have an entirely free lesson where they can do whatever they want, within reason. Even better if done quietly so you can get on with other things or just get to know them better. The lure of free time may also be used as an incentive if they get a set amount of work done. It's amazing how fast students can work with such incentives.

Lesson learnt: Every now and then, it's good to give, and take, a break.

All in all, unexpected twists and cancelled excursions aren't calamities; instead, they serve as impromptu gateways to spontaneous learning adventures. So, the next time your meticulously planned school trip hits a snag, keep these stratagems in mind. You'll discover that even when the field trip bus stays parked, the whole school - not just the classroom - still radiates with educational opportunities.

Scenario:

You get into class and the whiteboard/projector is not working. You had all these slides and images prepared for sharing, what do you do?

Option 1: Turn the lesson into a review lesson

Turn it into an unplanned opportunity to check if students have really mastered key content or skills so far. Have students (in groups or individually) prepare limited time summaries on different aspects of the topic so far. They could also prepare revision posters of pages.

Lesson learnt: Be ready to take a pause.

Option 2: Go old school - write on the board if possible!

Most schools have boards that can be written onto. Writing helps you to empathize more with the student experience when we ask them to take notes. Are we, as teachers, able to present the content in a concise and well-organized manner without the aid of technology? Now is the time to find out!

Lesson learnt: Be adaptable.

Option 3: Report it to IT and move rooms!

There is usually one teacher close by who is doing a lesson that does not require the whiteboard or projector.

Lesson learnt: Collegiality pays.