Want to set up a substitute teacher binder but not sure where to start? Read on to find out exactly what you should include!
Having a substitute teacher binder ready to go in your classroom will be one of the best things you can do. If you’re anything like me, this might be a job you keep putting off, but trust me…you’ll be so glad you’ve done it when you’re not having to write sub plans at 6am!!
In this post, you are going to learn exactly how to set up your substitute teacher binder to help your sub teacher’s day run as smoothly as possible.
This post is all about setting up a substitute teacher binder.
Substitute Teacher Binder
Sub Binder Checklist:
I bet one of the reasons you haven’t set up your substitute teacher binder yet is that you’re not 100% sure what to include and how to organize it. That and not having enough time of course, because as a teacher myself, I know just how busy you are!
Here is everything you will need to set up your substitute teacher binder:
- ringbinder folders – these white ones from Amazon are great because it is so easy to add a cover to
- plastic wallets to protect your emergency sub plans
- emergency sub plans and class information
- cover page for the front of your substitute teacher binder
- file dividers to keep your information organized
What should I include in a sub binder?
This is the million dollar question! The best way to make sure you include everything you need to is to try and imagine yourself as a substitute teacher. What information would you like to know? What school timings and procedures do they need to be aware of? Is there anything specific to your class that someone else would need to know? As well, of course, what they will be teaching!
1. Substitute teacher binder cover
Including a substitute teacher binder cover is really important step. Not only will it make your sub binder look super cute but it will also help the sub teacher locate it.
You can check out the adorable safari themed ones in the photo of this blog post here. It is editable so you can add your own text and print easily at home.
2. An introductory letter
Writing a quick letter welcoming the sub teacher into your classroom is a nice touch. Chances are, the sub might be feeling a little nervous, especially if they are new to the school.
Sub teachers do SUCH an amazing job and we wouldn’t be able to manage without them. Make sure they know they are appreciated!
Just introduce yourself and thank them for covering your class – it doesn’t need to be long! You don’t have the time to write an essay and they don’t have time to read it! This is also a great place to give a quick summary about what is included in the substitute teacher binder.
3. School information
Next, make sure you include important information about the school, such as:
- who the headteacher is
- who your partner teacher is and where they are located
- where the first aid kit or school nurse is
- what to do in case of fire and other emergency procedures
- timings of the school day
- how to take attendance
- a map of the school or at least where they can find the toilets and the teacher’s lounge
Remember, your sub could be totally new to the school and so it is useful for them to have all of this information.
4. Class information
You should also include detailed information about your class. We want to make the sub’s life as easy as possible and for your students to have the best day with as little disruption and possible, so the more information you can supply, the better!
You should include:
- arrival and dismissal procedures
- lesson timings
- seating plans
- a class list (I like to put a little star next to reliable students that the sub can ask for help or send to run an errand if needed)
- any details about medical conditions
- any details about students who have additional needs
- where to find supplies in your classroom (or around school)
- the names of any students who will need additional support during lessons
- what to do if it is indoor recess
- how they should mark the work
- where the technology is in your classroom and how/if it should be used
- how to work any technology the sub will need to use, e.g. projectors
5. Lesson plans and resources
Be sure to include a clear run down of the day so the sub teacher knows the exact timings they have for each lesson. If this is a planned absence, you can include the lesson plans and worksheets of the unit you are currently working on. When I know I am going to be absent, I also like to talk the class through exactly what is going to be happening the next day so they can help the sub teacher out if needed.
If this is an unplanned absence, it is always useful to have an emergency sub plan that the sub teacher can just pick up and go. Take the time to plan out a stand-alone day of activities for your kids that will be easy for a sub teacher to manage and requires no prep time. Grammar, times table activities and art are always my first choice of emergency sub plans.
You could also check out TPT for ready made lesson plans you can just print off.
6. Positive behavior management
Make sure you include a section in your substitute teacher binder where you explain what your classroom management strategies are. This way, the sub teacher can continue to do what the kids are used to and this can help minimize the disruption.
Be sure to include:
- your choice of attention grabber
- how you transition children from one activity to the other
- classroom rules that the students should be following
- how you reward the students doing the right thing
- what to do if a student is making the wrong choices
- who the sub can call for if they need more support with any particular behaviors
You could also include a whole class reward if the children behave well for the sub that you will deliver when you are back. This can be a great carrot for the sub to dangle to encourage your class to behave well!
7. Feedback form
Some way for the sub to communicate with you about how the day went is crucial. I always like to include a simple feedback form in my substitute teacher binder, that includes sections on how each lesson went, any students who struggled, how behavior was and any other notes.
I always make sure to tell my class that the sub will be leaving me a detailed report to try and encourage them to make the right choices whilst I’m away!
Extra substitute teacher binder ideas:
1. Make a sub tub
The main aim when setting up for a sub is to make their life as easy as possible – they have a hard enough job to do as it is without looking all over your classroom to find what they need. That’s why a sub tub is a great idea as everything they need will be right in one place.
Include your substitute teacher binder, marking pens, dry erase pens and any other stationery they might need. You could also have a drawer dedicated to sub essentials in your drawer unit, if you have one.
Be sure to tell the students where this is so that they can give it to the substitute if they don’t spot it straight away!
2. Leave a sweet treat!
Say thank you to your sub teacher by leaving them a little sweet treat to help them get through the day! This is a nice touch and will leave your sub teacher feeling appreciated. This is a test of will-power for you not to eat the sub teacher’s chocolate when you’re having one of those days 😉
3. Have an emergency sub and planned sub folder
This one may be a bit extra but this is what I like to do…have an emergency sub folder and a planned sub folder. I think there is such a difference between a planned absence and emergency absence cover. If I know I am going to be off, I like to prep the kids for the following day and the sub teacher can teach the next lessons in the sequence because I can get all the resources ready for them. Versus an unplanned absence like sickness, where you frankly don’t really care what the kids do as long as it keeps them busy!! In this case, having some fun activities that are not part of your teaching unit are super handy.
You could keep these in separate folders or have different sections in your sub binder. Just make it really clear to the substitute that is teaching your class which binder they should be looking at.
This post was all about setting up the best substitute teacher binder.
