Secondary Substitute Teacher Plans That Actually Work (Grades 6-12)

Secondary sub plans are harder to write than elementary ones. Your students know more content than the substitute, the periods are shorter, and a disengaged 9th grader is fundamentally different from a disengaged 3rd grader. Here is what actually works.

The Core Problem with Secondary Sub Plans

Most secondary sub plans fail for one of three reasons:

1. Too dependent on content knowledge: "Continue the notes on chapter 7" requires the sub to know the content
2. Under-structured: "Work on your project" invites chaos
3. Zero accountability: If no grade is attached, most secondary students will not engage

Strong secondary sub plans are self-contained, clearly structured, and have a product the sub can collect.

Template 1: The Read-and-Respond

Works for: ELA, social studies, science, health, any content area with reading materials

Required materials (keep in a labeled folder at your desk):

• A grade-level article or excerpt related to your current unit
• A structured response sheet with exactly these questions:

2. What is one piece of evidence the author uses to support their claim?

3. What is one question you have about this topic?

4. Personal connection or reaction (3-4 sentences)

Sub instructions:

• Students read independently (15 min)
• Students complete response sheet (20 min)
• Optional: pairs share their question from #3 (10 min)
• Collect response sheets before students leave

Why it works: Every student can access a grade-level reading. The structured response prevents "I don't know what to write." The collection provides accountability.

Template 2: The Review Game

Works for: Any content area, most effective before unit tests

Jeopardy or Kahoot alternatives that subs can run:

Whiteboard Races: Sub reads a review question (provided list of 20-25 questions). Students write answers on whiteboards or paper, hold up on cue. Teams score points for correct answers. No content knowledge required from sub — they just read the question and check the answer key.

Four Corners: Questions with 4 answer choices are projected or written on the board. Students physically move to corners labeled A, B, C, D. Sub reads the question, students move, correct answer is revealed.

What to leave: 25 review questions with answer key. Directions in bullet points on a separate sheet. Scoring system.

Template 3: The Independent Project Day

Works for: Classes currently in a project unit, approximately 40% through

Structure:

• First 5 minutes: Sub reads the project requirements and rubric aloud
• Middle 35 minutes: Students work independently on project components
• Last 10 minutes: Students complete a status update form

Status update form (fills the accountability gap):

• What did you accomplish today?
• Where are you in the project (percentage done)?
• What is your next step?
• One thing you need help with when your teacher returns

Sub collects these. You review them when you return — they give you a more accurate picture of where students are than you would get on a normal day.

Emergency Sub Folder

Never be caught without sub plans. Build an emergency sub folder on Day 1 of the school year.

Contents:

• Seating chart (updated monthly)
• Class list with any health/behavioral notes (allergy-level important items only)
• 3 self-running lessons (one per class period format you teach)
• School-specific emergency procedures (fire drill, lockdown)
• Who to call if there is a problem (department chair? Office?)

Label everything: "Do this first." "Do this second." Assume the substitute has never been in a high school before. The more explicit your directions, the better the day goes.

Student Expectations Document

Post or leave a document with clear expectations for sub days:

• "On sub days, this class operates with the same expectations as when I am here."
• "The work you do today will be collected and graded."
• "The substitute has my full authority. Treat them as you would treat me."

For classes with chronic sub-day behavior issues, a "sub day behavior grade" (included in participation or classwork grade) can shift the dynamic. Students know that the substitute will complete a brief form about the class's behavior.

Templates in LessonDraft

The best time to write sub plans is before you need them. The second best time is right now.