How do you support your sub (and your students) in having a smooth day when you are out of the classroom? by Mrs. Prewitt

aprewitt — 2024-09-20 21:36:24 UTC

I fill out this sheet each day I'm out with my expectations, agenda, materials they might need, etc., and leave a space for the sub's feedback.

mswafford2 — 2024-09-20 22:44:31 UTC

I'll leave something along these lines! I find that the simpler, the better. I'll highlight super important things that I want to make sure they don't skip over.

I will also post assignments and plans on Google Classroom. I always make sure my students know that it is their responsibility to check Classroom if I'm going to be gone.

2024-09-23 20:33:25 UTC

Per Lisettte: what makes it easier for subs is that all teachers leave sub notes/or sub lesson plans in Google or with a follow-up email to me.

Also, if you have an appointment that you know in advance that you will need to take off periods 5-6, notifying in advance is very helpful, and it helps me prepare for the day or days in advance instead of scrambling to find coverage for you.

If one of your students has a medical issue, leaving those notes for the sub is helpful (ex. siezures) I know of a teacher that keeps folders for each period for these sorts of things.

2024-09-26 15:20:47 UTC

This is my template for sub plans. I add the plans for that day starting with the number one for each class.

2024-09-26 15:21:03 UTC

I like to give independent activities, such as test prep (Membean, Edmentum Exact Path, Quill, Khan Academy) so that I can see how much time they have been actively working during class. I also make sure assignments on sub days are due at the end of the period and we have discussions about sub expectations and consequences for a bad sub note.

2024-09-26 15:24:17 UTC

Students in my class are prepped to always look for an announcement in Google class stream from me so they know what is expected. I also leave detailed notes for the sub concerning assignments. Students are left with plenty of work to keep them busy and are required to turn something in by the end of the period. Sub work has weight so students are accountable. I offer class rewards for good reports.

2024-09-26 15:27:47 UTC

I have a saved doc with general information on it like where to find the seating chart, my bathroom/pass policy, and clean up/Chromebook procedures. That way kids keep their routine. I also have my reward/consequence listed so they could remind students and I ask the sub to leave a report for each period.

Then I add the lesson plan underneath.

2024-09-26 15:28:16 UTC

I always remind the students to check Google Classroom in case I am out of the classroom in advance.

Keep the list of things the sub needs to do to less than 3. It is already stressful to lead 30 kids, and you don't even know their names.

Don't expect the sub to lead a Socratic Seminar or solve linear equations.

Don't collect or accept any work from the student. They will get lost.

Have the sub remind students to sit in assigned seats repeatedly in order to take attendance accurately.

aprewitt — 2024-09-26 16:28:25 UTC

Choosing Preferred Subs in Frontline

2024-09-26 17:58:55 UTC

Here is a list of preferred subs that you can choose from when you are out. These individuals are very responsible and reliable, and I myself prefer them over others.

Patricia Munro=661-317-0038

Sandrine Hebman=661-361-0574

Ignacio Luna (Friday's only)-818-426-0630

Blandina Vheru- 661-965-8759

Sonia Jacobs-661-5108921

2024-09-26 21:15:55 UTC

Set up your Go Guardian class schedule so that it automatically turns on when you are out. You can have your "Blocked list" set up, as well, so thy can't access what you don't want them accessing during class.

If you are ever curious if they're on task, you can even peek in from wherever you are (not if you're sick, silly, but if you're working elsewhere). I've even done little check-ins and announcements while I'm out using GoGuardian so that they know I can see them. ;)

2024-09-27 01:44:56 UTC

I have a sub binder that I created when I started teaching while still in college. It was a requirement from CSUB. It has Lesson Plans, School Passes, Class orientation (procedures) and seating charts, medical alerts, Services (Students who have Speech, OT, or Modified P.E Services) for students who are called out of my class during the day, Emergency Plan & School maps, Substitute Report Forms/Communication Logs a composition book for the sub to right in to leave me messages, Detention Forms/OCD Forms, and Student accommodations. It also has service providers' names and phone numbers who come to the school to call students out to provide them with a service.

Here are a few links you can view. Some of the pictures are turned sideways. Sorry for that in advance.

Simple Binder I Keep At My Desk:

Link:https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ruwqKqNUUpu9lUi7FXOJw5Q4dwTWm3Yr/view?usp=sharing

Section For Only Students On My Caseload's Accommodations:

Link:https://drive.google.com/file/d/1HbpoVJfXPkUOsqCrmUz7OVgm4eBtzk9s/view?usp=sharing

Section For Accommodations sent to me from Special Education Teachers for students who are in my classes:

Link:https://drive.google.com/file/d/1sATQvefU5pPUxZBJVo-JRLC2KMI4X7FY/view?usp=sharing

The Table Of Contents:

Link:https://drive.google.com/file/d/1laDk-WKJTA-EN0amwlSGww5xprrO-9Ja/view?usp=sharing

2024-09-30 01:21:38 UTC

Gerson Zavala

I always leave a lesson plan on my desk and in subfinder. I keep the lesson plan simple in order not to confuse the substitute teacher. Keeping simple will most likely cause the teacher to follow the instructions.

At the end of each period, collect the classwork. Have a seating chart for the instructor to take roll and right the names of students that you were not following the rules.

If the substitute teacher was reliable, then request him or her next time to build rapport with my students.

aprewitt — 2025-09-26 16:10:25 UTC

Create a roster with pictures so the sub knows exactly who should be in the room...and who shouldn't. Click here for a video to see how.

aprewitt — 2025-09-26 22:02:45 UTC

A checklist to use when putting together your sub instructions. :)

aprewitt — 2026-04-15 17:46:31 UTC

If you know your sub in advance, share your sub plan with them directly. Then you can add links that are easy for them to open up. I like to add my agenda and warm-ups so they can display them for the class, and the class routine can stay in place.