I am so lucky. My co-teacher and I joke about the benefits of co-teaching. I may have a million extra meetings, BUT if I need a sub, I have nothing to worry about! And it is true. If I need a sub, I put in for one and call her and then I have nothing to worry about. I know she does the same for me. Now, in the event BOTH of us are out it could be a catastrophic event, but we are prepared.
Our school mandates emergency sub plans for each classroom. The principal actually walks around and checks to make sure they are completed and easily accessible. It may seem like a bit much (and overwhelming to get them done in the beginning of the year), BUT it is WELL worth it when an emergency occurs.
I thought I would share how we organized it this year. I am so much happier with it this year. In years past I have had a big basket of materials and I would throw things into it as needed. I still have the basket and it is buried under my desk in the very back. Now we use a binder and keep it in a plastic “wall pocket” that every classroom in the school has for emergency procedures. Perfect, right?
In the front of the binder I made a simple cover sheet. I was in a hurry- rumor had it plans were being checked that day and we hadn’t put ours together yet! Eek!
Inside the divider are these sections: Important information, class list, attendance, students schedules, and how do I go home?
This packet is provided by the school as a Word Document and the teachers are required to fill it out and keep it in the sub binder. It does have LOTS of good stuff. Our classroom also has a few students with severe allergies and there is clear information and expectations for the subs to prevent any unnecessary health issues.
Class List: This is just that, a class list. We also include a check list for subs to use as needed with several boxes to check like this one (but without the multiplication stuff at the top!).
I purchased the third grade emergency sub plans pack from the Teachers Clubhouse for $8.99 and have never regretted it! I am REALLY picky about what I buy and have felt this is worth every penny. The plans are a mixture of my own stuff and things from the Teacher Clubhouse pack. The plans are relatively detailed. After the plans are all the materials, including books. I only keep ONE day of plans in there because of space.
A class set of all the worksheets (the lessons use worksheets, if anything at all just because it is easier) are already made. Each worksheet gets its own page protector, paper clipped together with a post it labeling it to help the sub realize what it matches in the lesson plans.
And there it is! My easy to reference and find sub binder! How do you organize your sub information and plans?
Mandy Gregory is a 2007 and 2012 Teacher of the Year. She has taught Kindergarten- 4th grades in both the general education and inclusion settings. She is currently a 1st grade Special Education teacher. She is the owner and creator of Mandy’s Tips for Teachers website (www.mandystipsforteachers.com) and has over 13 years of teaching experience. She is married with two beautiful children.
As a sub, I love this binder!
Emergency plans are amazing. I was in a class last week and she had emergency plans that were so perfect, the day went off without a hitch.
Journey of a Substitute Teacher
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Thanks for all your great ideas!
Teaching with a Smile
Thanks for sharing! I've been meaning to do something similar now I have a guide! I'm sure the teacher's clubhouse was a good buy. The one thing I have purchased was amazing – templates for newsletter and open house. Love it!
Laura
Mrs. Castro's Class 2nd Grade…Spanglish Style
What a great guide and sub binder! Thank you for sharing!
Misty
Think, Wonder, & Teach
That is very similar to how I organize my substitute materials too. It is so helpful to have it all ready when an emergency comes up.
✿April✿
✿Grade School Giggles✿