A NEA Today advice column describes a lesson binder with daily plans, step-by-step directions, answer keys and copies already made, labeled by date. An article in STEDI's SubJournal by Steve Hardman and Zachary Tippetts says poorly prepared plans leave instruction lacking, however well the sub manages the room.
Costs nothing but the teacher's time.
Watch for Plans take time to write; for sudden absences, the SubJournal article suggests keeping skill-based lessons that fit any topic.
What we read: the source for this entry.
The SubJournal article names the roll and a seating chart first in a sub's folder, since they let the sub call students by name and keep them accountable. It notes that a sub without one has to make a chart in the opening minutes, when the class is won or lost. Leander ISD's sub folder list and the NSTA blog ask for both too.
Costs nothing but the teacher's time.
Watch for Charts go out of date when seats change, so date it and swap in a new copy after each move.
What we read: the source for this entry.
The NEA Today column suggests the regular schedule plus the half-day and early-dismissal ones. Leander ISD's sub folder list asks for the class schedule and the attendance procedure, and the SubJournal article adds pull-out times for special education services, assemblies and any bus or recess duty the sub covers.
Costs nothing but the teacher's time.
Watch for Schedules change for testing days and events, so the office may still need to fill in that day's changes.
What we read: the source for this entry.
The SubJournal article says a sub alone behind a closed door can feel isolated, and a list of teachers in nearby rooms gives them a support system all day. Leander ISD asks for teachers to contact with their room and extension, plus aides and co-teachers, and the NSTA blog asks for a nearby colleague's name.
Costs nothing but the teacher's time.
Watch for Tell that colleague you named them, so they expect the sub's questions.
What we read: the source for this entry.
NEA mentor teacher Tracy Monroe says to write out your routines, since students may test a sub by claiming you do things differently. The SubJournal article lists class rules, the attention signal you use, and how students line up, go to lunch and leave, so the sub can keep the day the way the class knows it.
Costs nothing but the teacher's time.
Watch for A long rules page won't get read in a rush; a short list of the few routines that matter most is easier to use.
What we read: the source for this entry.
Tracy Monroe's NEA tips suggest naming two students to show the sub around and answer questions, one reliable and one who often struggles with behavior, since responsibility can help. The NEA Today column and Leander ISD's list also ask for helper students the sub can count on.
Costs nothing but the teacher's time.
Watch for Helpers can be out sick too, so name a second choice for each.
What we read: the source for this entry.
Tracy Monroe's NEA tips say to leave more work than the sub will probably use, and to tell students what to do when they finish early, such as reading a book of their choice. Leander ISD asks for extra activities to fill time, and the NSTA blog suggests generic review lessons for days off you can't plan.
Costs nothing but the teacher's time.
Watch for Say which work is extra, so the sub doesn't feel the whole stack must be done.
What we read: the source for this entry.
Tracy Monroe's NEA tips ask for a backup plan for when a video or other technology won't play. The NSTA blog asks for directions for any device the sub should use, and the NEA Today column describes a desktop folder for the sub with the day's files ready.
Costs nothing but the teacher's time.
Watch for Sub logins and what a sub may access are set by the school, so ask the office before you leave any account details.
What we read: the source for this entry.
Leander ISD's sub folder list asks for fire, tornado and lockdown procedures and a school map that shows where specials are held. The NSTA blog asks for emergency procedures and a map that marks your room and the main office, and the SubJournal article lists emergency procedures too.
Costs nothing but the teacher's time.
Watch for Emergency steps belong to the school, so copy the office's current version rather than writing your own.
What we read: the source for this entry.
The SubJournal article suggests a list of what is required and what is only helpful, such as whether to grade papers and how to leave the room. Leander ISD asks for a feedback form for the sub's notes, and the NSTA blog asks for a form where the sub reports how the day went.
Costs nothing but the teacher's time.
Watch for A long form takes the sub's time at the end of the day; a few short questions get filled in more often.
What we read: the source for this entry.