Planning to be out is pretty much on every teacher’s list of things she would rather NOT do. It’s hard to put into words every little thing that we do for every single minute of the day. Follow along below to learn how to plan for a substitute teacher.
Please note, that I realize that some schools refer to substitutes as guest teachers. For the purpose of this post, I will use “sub” or “substitute” but mean absolutely no disrespect.
I hate being out of my classroom. Don’t get me wrong, depending on the reason, I might be thrilled to have a day where I get to use the bathroom whenever I want, but the idea of planning for a sub it positively daunting.
And, if we’re being honest, I probably spend the majority of my day not at school wondering or worrying about what’s going on, and what I’m going to see, hear, and read when I return to school.
Throughout this post, you’ll find Amazon Affiliate links. This means I receive a small commission if you purchase something through that link, at no extra cost to you, that helps keep my blog running and helps fund giveaways!
How to Plan for a Substitute Teacher
Prep Students
If I know I’m going to be out, I tell my students in advance.
Do I have to? No, but in my experience this typically results in a better behaved class. There’s no surprise when they walk through the door, and I’m not waiting for them.
This is the first step in learning how to plan for a substitute teacher so that a day without you doesn’t start with any surprises.
Leave a Note for Students
Leave a visible note for students to remind them of your expectations. This is also helpful for the substitute to refer to throughout the day, as review/reminders.
Keep it Simple
When learning tips and tricks for how to plan for a substitute teacher, my policy is keep it simple.
Overly complicated lessons, or activities don’t tend to go over very well, and often result in a hot mess of a room.
Overplan
- When I was in college, I spent a few months as a sub. My very first assignment was in a first grade classroom, and we finished the work the teacher left in about an hour and a half. Yep. We managed, but it wasn’t my favorite.
- I add in extra brain breaks and read alouds.
“Extras”
- I plan out our “normal” day, but I also leave a stack of “extras” with a sticky note on top that says “Use as needed.”
- I also leave extra read alouds just in case.
- Seriously, too much is never really too much.
Review Only
- I NEVER, EVER leave brand new content for a sub.
- And, I’ve learned the hard way to not leave an assessment.
- If I have to be out for whatever reason, it’s a review day.
- Leaving brand new material spells disaster.
- Students will absolutely tell the sub they don’t know how to do the work, or that you’ve never taught them that. The sub will be confused, perhaps frustrated, and will make a decision to either teach it their way, or will skip the lesson. Or you’ll have students who finished successfully, while others completed it entirely wrong.
Classroom Procedures/Routines/Hacks
- Helpful students
- Helpful colleagues
- Bathroom procedure/policy
- How to line up
- What order students should line up in
- Supply policies
- Pencil Sharpening, Off-Limit Supplies, etc.
- Behavior routines/procedures and positive reinforcements
Include Student Incentives
This can be as simple as stickers. I think the simpler, the easier.
Have each student grab a sticky note, write their name at the top, and then they can collect stickers on the sticky note.
You can set a goal ahead of time. Students can trade stickers for classroom money, Dojo points, or they can just take them home at the end of the day to share with their families.
I like to leave these little super student awards. They’re already copied, and cut. All the substitute needs to do is write the student’s name, and sign (if they want to).
Important Sub Info
Leave information about what the ADULTS in your school do. For example:
- Teacher’s lounge
- Lunch policies
- Teacher bathrooms
- Recess (does the teacher stay with the class or just drop students off)
- Vending Machines
- Duty Assignments
- Who to ask for help
Explain Everything
This sounds like, duh. But don’t assume that your sub will know what math rotations look like in your classroom. Explain every little thing. Your sub will thank you.
Be Detailed and Specific
For example, if students have PE from 10-10:40, I literally write the time students need to line up.
You know how long it takes your class to walk to a different location on campus, you sub may not realize that art is a 10 minute walk to a portable.
How to Plan for a Substitute Teacher
The first few times I type up sub plans, it can definitely take some time.
But, once I have a “template” it’s really just a matter of changing activities.
In other words, type directions for each part of your day. Type directions for helpful students, helpful teachers, tech instructions, procedures and routines, etc. It will make planning faster, and less stressful.
You Might Also Like:
- How to Have Meaningful Classroom Conversations
- How to Set Up a Classroom Token Economy
- 100th Day Freebies
- 12 Must Read Books for Elementary Teachers
Let’s connect!
Instagram // Pinterest // Facebook // Teachers Pay Teachers