Free Substitute Teacher Plans: Emergency Sub Plans That Actually Work
Emergency sub plans that actually work — no prep, self-explanatory, and meaningful. Plus free templates for your sub binder.
Every teacher needs emergency sub plans ready to go — but most sub plans are either too vague (leaving the sub confused) or too complex (requiring materials and tech the sub can't access). The best sub plans are: no-prep, self-explanatory, meaningful (not busywork), and self-checking. This guide covers what to include in your emergency sub plans and where to find ready-made options.
What to include in your emergency sub binder
- Class rosters with seating charts
- Daily schedule with bell times
- Emergency procedures (fire drill, lockdown)
- 2-3 days of no-prep activities per subject
- Answer keys for all activities
- Behavior management info (who needs support, who can help)
- Reliable students who can assist the sub
- End-of-day feedback form for the sub
Premium sub plan bundles
We offer complete sub plan bundles for multiple subjects. Each bundle is no-prep, includes answer keys, and is designed to be used by any substitute teacher — even one who isn't a subject specialist.
Middle School ELA Sub Plans
No-prep activity bundle with answer keys covering reading comprehension, grammar, and writing prompts.
Get ELA sub plans →
High School Emergency Sub Plans
5-day no-prep bundle covering multiple subjects for high school teachers.
Get high school sub plans →
PE & Health Sub Plans
No-prep activities and answer keys for grades 6-12 — perfect when the gym is unavailable.
Get PE sub plans →
Free sub plan resources
We offer free samples of several sub plan bundles. Visit our Free Resources page to browse all free downloads — many are perfect for sub plans.
Browse free resources →
Frequently Asked Questions
How many days of sub plans should I have?
At minimum, 3 days. This covers most illnesses and emergencies. Store them in a clearly labeled binder in an obvious location, and tell a neighboring teacher where to find them.
Should sub plans introduce new material?
No! Sub plans should review and practice previously taught concepts. Substitutes (especially non-specialists) shouldn't introduce new material — it often has to be retaught anyway.
What makes a good sub plan activity?
A good sub plan activity is: no-prep (no copies, materials, or tech needed), self-explanatory (clear directions a non-specialist can follow), self-checking or easy to grade, and meaningful (not just busywork).
Are these sub plans free?
We offer free samples of our sub plan bundles. The full bundles are premium resources available on TPT. Visit our Free Resources page to see what's available for free.
