How to Write Sub Plans That Actually Work

Your Sub Plans Reflect Your Planning

A substitute teacher can only be as effective as the plans they are given. Detailed, clear sub plans lead to productive days. Vague plans lead to chaos.

Essential Information

Class Schedule -- Every minute accounted for: arrival, subjects, specials, lunch, recess, dismissal. Include room numbers for specials.

Seating Chart -- Current and legible. Include pronunciation guides for difficult names.

Procedures -- How students enter, how to take attendance, lunch count process, bathroom procedures, how to get the class's attention, dismissal procedures.

Student Information -- Medical needs (allergies, seizure protocols), behavior plans, students who leave for services (speech, gifted, resource), and students who are helpful.

Emergency Information -- Nearest teacher for help, office phone number, fire drill procedures, lockdown procedures.

Contact -- Your phone number or email in case the sub has questions.

The Actual Plans

Be Specific -- Not "do math" but "Students complete page 47 in their math workbook, problems 1-20. The answer key is in the red folder on my desk."

Include Timing -- How long each activity should take. What to do if students finish early. What to skip if time runs short.

Materials Location -- Exactly where everything is. "The worksheets are in the blue folder on the round table" not "the worksheets are on my desk" (which desk?).

Backup Plan -- What to do if the technology fails, if materials are missing, or if activities take less time than planned.

Formatting

• Use large, clear font
• Number steps
• Bold key information
• Keep it to 2-3 pages
• Leave the plans on your desk in a clearly labeled folder

Building a Sub Folder

Keep a permanent sub folder with:

• Class roster and seating chart
• Daily schedule
• General procedures
• Emergency information
• 1-2 days of emergency plans

Update it monthly. Use the sub plan generator to create detailed, clear plans quickly.