Creating Plans for Substitute Teachers

Preparation for a Sub Makes the Day Easier for Everyone

Sep 17, 2008

Not all absences are planned, but preparing for them is essential. Teachers can take steps in advance to make a missed day easier on themselves and their substitutes.

It can be difficult to enter a classroom as a stranger and be in charge of a group of relatively unknown students, but that is what is asked of a substitute teacher. Add to the situation that many students view a sub as someone without authority and the potential for a day of chaos looms. Taking time in advance of an absence to prepare lessons that are engaging and easy to present is a valuable way to reduce the stress and keep students on task.

Sub Folder

A folder that contains all of the documents a substitute might need is ideal. Documents such as class lists, seating charts, names of any aides or assistants and their responsibilities, daily schedule and any duties performed are useful and help reduce any chaos. Also include specific policies or procedures for the school as well as the classroom. If available, print the class list with pictures so the sub has an easier time identifying students.

Expected Absence

It is easiest to prepare for a sub when a teacher knows in advance that he or she will miss time in the classroom. Informing the class about the absence and what will be expected of them can reduce the amount of difficulty presented to the substitute. Finding out who will be substituting and telling the class who it is shows students that the teacher and sub are working together. This also presents the sub as having authority in the room and reduces the confusion students might have about what work should be done and that the work cannot be avoided.

Unexpected Absence

Not all absences are known in advance, so it is crucial to keep emergency plans available in the sub folder. These plans can take a variety of forms, from worksheets to projects, and may need to be updated weekly or bi-weekly to keep pace with the lessons in the classroom. Keeping students active and engaged is important as well as making the lesson plans simple and easy to understand so the substitute does not become confused.

Whether expected or unexpected, a well maintained sub folder is a worthwhile investment of time. Worksheets can be valuable, but do not use them for an entire class period since many students view them as busy work. As with any instructional time with the teacher, the sub should be given a plan that is engaging and interesting to the students.

Instructional videos, research projects, simple activities and even quiet reading of related material can be easy for a sub to implement and engaging for students to do. When engaged and interested with a sub who appears to know what the teacher wants, students are less likely to be disruptive and the substitute will be in a less stressful situation.

The copyright of the article Creating Plans for Substitute Teachers in Classroom Management Tips is owned by Tammy Andrew. Permission to republish Creating Plans for Substitute Teachers in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.