How to Prepare Sub Plans as a
Special Ed Teacher
As a special education teacher for a self-contained classroom, you are (nearly) always there for your students. But, there are times when the unexpected happens, and you need a substitute!
To be prepared is to lower your stress by having a handy 10-Tip Substitute Teacher Plan.
10 Tips for Planning as a SPED
Substitute Teacher
Prepare Ahead of Time
To make things easier when you need to take the day off, prepare your materials way before your absence. At the start of the school year, get your sub binder ready!
By setting up a substitute binder right at the beginning of the school year, you won’t have to rush when it’s time to plan for a substitute teacher.
What should your sub binder contain?
- Daily schedule
- Classroom rules & expectations
- Emergency plans
- Student profiles
- School personnel contact information
- Map of school
- Location of classroom materials for the day(s)
- Feedback form
That’s it! This binder is your substitute teacher’s handy guide to make sure everything runs smoothly even when you’re not in class.
#2. Stick to your Routine
Special education classrooms often have a daily routine that students rely on.
To increase your students’ comfort level, stay with your regular routine, such as the same morning routine. Consistency can help ease the transition for your students.
The substitute teacher will appreciate your routine – that is a given!
#3. Promote Student Autonomy
Teach your students how to be self-sufficient. Do they know what to do when they come in? Are they aware of how to navigate their schedules and how to find materials?
This preparation is very important during the first few months of school so that your students can handle your absence confidently.
This helps not only the students, but also the substitute teacher!
#4: Prepare Your Students for Your Absence
At the beginning of the school year, it’s a good idea to talk to your students about what should happen when a substitute teacher is in the room. Let them know what you expect from them.
Social narratives or stories are often an effective way to show situations your students might come across, like your absence.
You and your students can even role-play the scenario if that would help them.
#5: Communicate
If possible, contact administrators, department heads and your paraprofessionals. Don’t just rely on the school’s calling-out system. Doing this in writing, according to your contract, is helpful when absent.
Clear communication sets the stage for a successful day with a substitute.
#6: Leave Plans Digitally or on Paper
Digital and paper plans each have their perks. Digital is great because you can update these last minute or when you remember something at 10PM you forgot to add.
If you need a digital teacher organizer to share schedules and information with your substitute teacher, this is a free template to get you organized.
However, not all substitutes have credentials to access digital plans and information. They may not even have a device to use, depending on the school. So, it may also be helpful to print your plans (or have a colleague print a plan).
#7: Provide Simple Lesson Plans
Prepare lesson plans that are easy to write, explain, and follow. Keep in mind that your substitute teacher may not know the subject well, so don’t involve anything too tricky.
If you have weekly class routines already set in place, even better. If your students have done the activity before, they’ll benefit from the familiarity and repetition even though you are not there.
Consider using ready-made substitute lesson ideas and have both printed materials and digital options in a Google Drive folder for convenience.
#8: Provide IEP Snapshots
Share what you are able to share! This may include your students’ individualized education plans (IEPs).
Know the sub will stick to your requirements for accommodations and services to the best of the sub’s ability.
You can provide IEP snapshots or summaries that detail accommodations and services your students require. This IEP Snapshot Template is a handy tool to view everything in one place.
#9: Include Emergency Information and Health Info
Safety always comes first. That’s why it’s important that you leave essential emergency and health info of your students to your substitute teacher.
Note any significant medical concerns like allergies and mobility or sensory issues. You can do this by printing allergy signs, class lists, and medical info in advance. Having this information readily available ensures that your students’ well-being is a top priority.
#10: Share Your Classroom Management Plan
If you teach, then you have a classroom behavior management plan. This may be stored in your brain and not written down anywhere. Make sure that you write it out so someone else can follow your lead!
You want to ensure a structured, positive classroom environment, even when you’re not there.
Final notes . . .
While there might not be a one-size-fits-all approach to preparing for a substitute teacher, these tips can help you create a smoother experience for both your students and the sub.
Remember, taking care of yourself is important! Having plans in place will give you peace of mind.
Exploring what to teach your transition students, and overwhelmed by the endless ideas?
Remember that your units of focus will depend on your students’ needs; you can build your own curriculum map for the year by using this guide in conjunction with your students’ IEP goals.
Use the free Transition Roadmap Scope & Sequence here!
