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What should I do if the teacher left no plans?

Tell the office right away. San Ramon Valley Unified's substitute handbook says to let the site administrator know at once, because they may find the plans or give you plans from another teacher. If no emergency plans turn up, the same handbook says it helps to have your own age-appropriate activities ready.

Checked October 30, 2026 against the sources below.

Wicomico County Public Schools in Maryland says the regular teacher leaves plans for at least two days. If none are found, the sub should contact the principal or assistant principal for direction on what to teach. Many schools keep an emergency folder in the office or in the teacher's desk, so ask about it before you start inventing a day.

If you end up running the day yourself, keep to review rather than new material, and keep the class's normal schedule. Write down what you did, in order, so the teacher can pick up the next morning without guessing.

Long assignments are different. Wicomico's handbook says a sub in a job longer than two days makes daily plans with clear objectives from the curriculum. If that is you, ask the office who you check those plans with.

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This answers a common question in general. Your district, school and state may differ, and their word wins. Up: All questions · Substitute teachers

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