The Ultimate Guide to Sub Plans: Tips, Printables, and Must-Have Resources
Whether you’re unexpectedly out with a sick kid, stuck in traffic, or planning a well-deserved day off, having solid sub plans ready can be the difference between calm and chaos. If you’ve ever scrambled to throw something together while under the weather or stressed out over what your students will do while you’re gone, this guide is for you.
Inside this post, you’ll find everything you need to create, organize, and simplify your sub plans…from helpful tips and classroom-tested printables to ready-to-go resources that can save you hours. Whether you’re a first-year teacher or a seasoned pro, this hub is designed to make sub prep a breeze.
Start Here: How to Build Better Sub Plans
- Preparing for a Substitute Teacher in 30 Minutes or Less
Discover quick-start strategies for getting emergency plans in place without stress. - Emergency Sub Plans: Print & Go Plans to Save You Time
See how ready-made activities can keep learning moving even when you’re not there. - Easy Ways to Simplify Preparing for a Substitute Teacher
Reduce the overwhelm with simple systems and smart prep tips.
Organize Like a Pro: Sub Binders & Prep Systems
- How to Prep Your Sub Binder
Learn what to include, how to format it, and tips for making it easy to update. - 5 Simple Tips for a Better Substitute Experience
Helpful tweaks that make it easier for a sub to follow your routines and keep kids on track.
Managing Behavior While You’re Away
- 5 Reasons Students Misbehave for the Substitute & How to Prevent It
Understand the “why” behind behavior and how to set your sub up for success. - 10 Things Your Substitute Teacher Wishes You Knew About Sub Plans
Straight from the source: what makes sub plans actually usable and effective.
Tools to Make Sub Planning Easier
Need something you can print today and feel good about leaving for your students?
Check out my collection of done-for-you, no-prep sub plans:
Browse the Sub Plans Category
Whether you need materials for reading, math, writing, or a mix, these resources are designed to be both meaningful and easy to implement, even if your sub walks in last-minute.
Final Thoughts
Having your sub plans prepped doesn’t just help your students; it gives you peace of mind. Bookmark this page so you can revisit it any time you need ideas, strategies, or printables to keep your class learning, even when life throws you a curveball.
