Face facts. Youre not going to be at school every day. This is the ideal time to begin planning for a substitute since he or she will have a lot of questions.

 

Substitutes will do a great job if you make sure all the information, tools and materials they need are handy.

Label a file folder or notebook Substitute and keep it in a place anyone would logically look. If you move around a lot, jot a note in your plan or grade book as to the location of the file. Here are suggestions about things to include:

 

        Your schedule of classes, including regular classes, special classes (day and time) and an alternate plan in case of special classes are cancelled;

        Names and schedules of students who leave the classroom for special reasons such as medication, remedial or gifted programs, speech, etc.;

        Class roll, including your seating chart for regular activities and special work groups;

        Opening activities: absentee report, procedures for reporting lunch count, etc.;

        Lesson plans or where to find the plan book (include alternate plans in case the lesson depends on resources only you have);

        Classroom rules and discipline procedures (include any district policies and notes about special cases);

        Location of all manuals and materials to be used;

        Procedures for regular and early dismissal;

        Floor plan of building, including emergency drill routes and procedures;

        Prepare your students. Younger students need to be reassured that you will return. Older ones need to know that you will be in possession of information about their behavior and progress.

 

From For StartersThe Washington Education Associations Handbook for New Teachers

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