I am so happy to share how I set my sub up for success whenever I need to be out of my classroom. 

Let’s face it, we teachers hate writing sub plans so we often go to work instead of taking time off that we need. Whether or not you need a mental health day or you have a family emergency, I have a tool for you that will ensure a smooth day in your classroom when you’re not there! 

The Sub Binder

I formally introduce you to my sub binder. This binder ensures I am setting my sub up for success every time I have to be out of my classroom.  Not only have my subs raved about how helpful the binder is, but I have also had several subs pick up my days immediately after putting them in the sub system. Let’s take a look inside!

You can find my sub-binder version here.

Welcoming The Sub

First things first, I always start my sub binder off by welcoming the sub to my classroom. I want them to feel welcome and valued so this is an important step to setting my sub up for success.

Detailed Class Roster

In special education, it’s important to have a detailed roster of all of my students so students are safe and accounted for at all times. My binder has a list of all of my student names and their grades. I also include if the student has a 1:1 in this area.

Student Identification

Next, to set my sub up for success, I include a photo of all of my students so they know who to expect when getting students off of the bus or when working with students at my center. 

Who Can Help?

Another important section of my sub-binder is the who can help section. In this area, I can set my sub up for success by giving detailed information about what students can do. This area includes if a student needs help with writing or cutting. I also include whether or not students need additional support with seating.

Behavior Support Plans

A huge part of teaching special education is behavior and classroom management. Now, I do include my students’ behavior support plans in my sub binder as well as other classroom management tips however, I do not expect my sub to manage difficult behaviors. Thankfully, my paraprofessionals are comfortable with handling behaviors in the classroom while I’m gone but, if a difficult behavior would arise, I recommend my sub or paras call for admin support.

Staff Information and Passwords

Let’s face it, the paras are going to run the classroom while I’m not there. Therefore, setting my sub up for success means I need to disclose the paras’ names and information in my sub-binder as well. I like to include names and what their roles/duties are for the day so the sub can see how I utilize them in the classroom.

Additionally, an area of my sub-binder that is helpful is my website passwords area. Oftentimes, I am out suddenly due to an illness or family emergency and I may not be close to my phone to answer how to log in texts. Therefore, I have included my website logins and passwords within my sub binder so that the sub can access these if technology decides to act up.

Notes to Teacher

The final section of my sub-binder is this notes page. Some subs like to leave notes to me so I have included this in my binder.

My self-contained classroom is quite organized therefore, I keep all of my student work in the files behind my desk.  I have them organized by center rotations with individual student work inside.  My subs know that each student has a file and their work for the day can be found within the file.  Thankfully, I have already prepped my Autism Helper Leveled Daily Curriculum so that is always readily available for my subs to use.  In addition, I like to use Made For Me Literacy and will sometimes use that for easy sub prep.  My students are familiar with both curriculums so it makes the work easy for the sub!

There you have my sub binder!  For my ideas about writing sub plans for your classroom visit this page. 

If you have questions or comments leave them below. Thanks for reading!