Alright, teacher friends, let’s dive into the uncharted territory they conveniently forget to mention in teacher credential programs: the exhilarating art of substitute teacher plans! Insert eye roll. Let’s face it, being absent can sometimes feel like more work than actually going in. But fear not, because I’ve got your back! Buckle up and get ready for 5 simple tips that will transform setting up for a sub from a daunting task to a breeze.
5 Tips for Substitute Teacher Plans
1. Substitute Teacher Plans Template
When you have to be absent, the last thing you will feel like doing is painstakingly start substitute plans from scratch. Enter the substitute teacher plans template to the rescue! Imagine having a tailor-made template ready to go. Once you know your schedule and when your specials will be, you can make a sub plan template for each day of the week. Be sure to enter in all of the daily information that is repeated each day such as recess and lunch times, morning meeting information, what time you teach certain subjects, dismissal procedures, etc.
Then, when you need to be out, you can quickly pull up your trusty template and just fill in the necessary information needed. Ta-da! You will never have to begin sub plans from scratch again! You’ll be the master of efficiency, effortlessly breezing through those substitute days like a seasoned pro.
2. Sub Links Hyperdoc
If your day is powered by a whirlwind of slides, from morning meetings, to math slides, or using teaching videos, I’ve got a secret weapon just for you: the hyperdoc! Picture this: a magical creation stored in your Google Drive that saves the day when you’re away. With a hyperdoc, you can unleash the power of links, resources, and engaging activities for your substitute teacher, all neatly packed in a reusable template. It’s like having a trusty sidekick by your side, ready to take over whenever you need it. Best of all, if you use a Google Doc, you can create the hyperdoc from the comfort of your own home.
3. Substitute Teacher Binder
A sub binder can be your trusted sidekick. You can fill it with everything a substitute needs to navigate the daily adventures of your classroom. It’s a handy tool that houses your lesson plans, class procedures, emergency procedures, and helpful tips such as how to use the technology in your classroom that ensures a smooth experience in your absence. From attendance procedures to behavior management strategies, it’s all there, beautifully organized and easily accessible.
The sub binder holds important student info as well. For example, in a sub binder you can include a roster, seating chart, allergy information, student login information, and important student details. It’s like a personalized guide allowing the substitute to connect and engage with your class on a deeper level. Having a substitute binder can save you precious time and alleviate the anxiety of leaving your classroom behind.
4. Sub Tub
Let us not overlook the marvelous companion to the sub binder – the sub tub! As a dynamic duo, they join forces to help make sure everything your sub may need is available at their fingertips.
Things to include in a sub tub are:
-Copies of extra work/ additional activities if needed
-Emergency Sub Plans
-Read Alouds
-Learning games
-Brain break activities
The sub tub is the ultimate treasure trove of substitute plans! So, gather your supplies and assemble your sub tub. With it by your side, you’ll conquer any absence with style.
5. Management Plan for Students
The last tip for setting up substitute teacher plans with ease is to have a special management plan. This can supercharge your regular classroom management plan with an extra boost. For example, you can have special tickets that the sub can give to students who are behaving well. If you have something in place such as a super improver chart, you can leave stickers for the sub to hand out to students. You can also consider a class-wide reward that ignites a spark of togetherness. Imagine a scoreboard, brimming with happy face points. The whole class can work together towards a special reward that awaits them if they amass more happy face points than ever before.
If you know you are going to be absent, it helps to prepare your students ahead of time. Tell them that it’s their secret mission to make sure the sub wants to come back! You can also tell them about the special management plan that will be in place. If it’s an unplanned absence, include the details of this special management plan in your morning message. You can also film a short announcement video for your sub to play to your students first thing in the morning.
Having a substitute plan template, a trusty sub binder, a hyperdoc brimming with helpful links, a sub tub, and a captivating student management plan, the substitute becomes a mighty ally in upholding your classroom rules and expectations. With these powerful tools in your teaching arsenal, setting up substitute teacher plans becomes a breeze. Together, these elements help you to be prepared, ensuring smooth transitions and successful substitute days. So, teacher friends, embrace these tools and witness the magic unfold as your substitute teacher experiences become effortless and enjoyable for all.
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