Substitute Teacher Lesson Plan Template: What to Include

What Your Sub Actually Needs

A substitute teacher is walking into your classroom with no context. They do not know your routines, your students, or your content. Good sub plans bridge that gap completely. Here is what to include.

Essential Information

Schedule -- Period-by-period or block-by-block breakdown with exact times, subjects, and locations (including specials, lunch, and recess).

Class Lists -- Printed rosters for every class with pronunciation guides for tricky names.

Seating Charts -- Current seating charts so the sub can call students by name and manage the room.

Student Notes -- Students who leave for services (speech, OT, resource room) and when. Students with medical needs. Students with behavior plans and what strategies to use.

Emergency Procedures -- Fire drill route, lockdown procedure, and who to call for help.

Lesson Plans

Detailed Instructions -- Write step-by-step instructions for every activity. Assume the sub has no background in your subject. "Students will work on the worksheet" is not enough. "Hand out the blue worksheet from the top drawer. Read the directions aloud. Students work independently for 15 minutes. Review answers using the key in the red folder."

Materials Location -- Where to find everything: worksheets, supplies, technology, and answer keys.

Backup Activities -- Extra activities in case lessons go faster than expected: silent reading, educational game, review packet.

Timing -- Estimated time for each activity. Subs cannot pace themselves if they do not know how long things should take.

Classroom Management

Expectations -- Your top three to five expectations, stated simply.

Positive Strategies -- How to reward good behavior: class points, compliments, privileges.

Consequences -- What to do if students misbehave. Keep it simple and clear.

Helpful Students -- Name two to three reliable students the sub can ask for help with routines.

Use the AI sub plan generator to create detailed plans quickly when you need to be absent.