What this sub plan template is for
When you are out, the substitute has minutes to understand your room, your students and your lesson. A clear sub plan is the difference between a productive day and a lost one. This template covers both halves of a sub binder: page one is the lesson plan for the day, page two is the standing information (schedule, duties, emergency procedures, key contacts) you update once a semester.
The bottom of page one has a notes section the sub fills in, so you come back knowing who was absent, who worked well and how far the class got.
What's on the template
- Page 1: class, room, period, date, absent teacher, substitute, subject and topic
- Where to find lesson materials, the seating chart and attendance
- Lesson tasks table with time, task, instructions for students and where the work goes
- Students to know about (IEP / 504, medical, allergies) and helpful students
- Who to call for behavior and support, plus a notes section for the sub to complete
- Page 2 (sub binder): daily schedule, duties, attendance and dismissal, emergency procedures, backup activity, technology and key contacts
How to use it
- Fill in page two once and keep it at the front of your sub binder. Update it when your schedule or duties change.
- List the lesson tasks in order with rough timings. Write the instructions as you would say them to the class, so they can be read aloud.
- Choose work students can do independently. A sub may not know the subject, so avoid tasks that need new teaching.
- Name the students with IEPs, 504 plans, allergies or medical needs, and two or three helpful students the sub can ask.
- Write who to call for behavior or emergencies, with extension numbers, and say where finished work should go.
Example of a filled-in section
Example: an 8th grade ELA sub plan, lesson tasks.
Every task is independent, timed and tells the class where to find what they need.
Tips from the classroom
- Keep a generic 'emergency sub plan' in the binder for days you could not plan ahead: a reading task and a review worksheet for each class.
- Leave the seating chart next to the plan. Names are the single most useful thing for keeping a class settled.
- Avoid videos that need a login and anything that depends on a specific laptop or password.
- Print two copies: one for the substitute, one for the office or department lead.
Download it free
Editable Word and PDF, US Letter, ready to print. No account needed.
Fill it in automatically
Enter your topic and grade and LessonHQ writes it for you in about a minute, aligned to your standards. Edit it, then export to Word, Google Docs or PDF.
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What should be in a sub plan?
Class and room details, the lesson tasks with timings and clear instructions, where materials are, students with IEPs or medical needs, helpful students, behavior and emergency contacts, plus your daily schedule and duties for a full sub binder.
What is a sub plan binder?
A folder kept in your classroom with the information any substitute needs: daily schedule, duties, procedures, seating charts and emergency lesson plans. Page two of this template is designed to sit at the front of it.
Is the template editable?
Yes. Download the Word version to type into it, or print the PDF and fill it in by hand.
Can LessonHQ write the sub plan lesson for me?
Yes. Enter the topic and grade and the sub plan generator writes a no-prep lesson with read-aloud instructions, independent tasks and an answer key.