Lesson Plans

Lesson Plans

When teachers are absent from school, they will leave lesson plans for the substitute teachers to follow to maintain continuity of instruction. Substitute teachers are to implement the lesson plans exactly as the teachers indicate. Substitute teachers are expected to adhere to the scope and sequence of instruction documented in the teachers’ lesson plans. Any deviation from the lesson plans must be substantiated with sound reasoning and be based on established curriculum and instruction.  Substitute teachers should leave detailed notes for the teachers if there was a need to deviate from the lesson plans. If there are any questions about the lesson plan, substitute teachers should consult a teacher from the same grade level or department or a school administrator.

Most of the time, teachers anticipate their absences when due to scheduled appointments or staff development requirements. Most schools have emergency lesson plans in the main office. Substitute teachers can ask the school secretary if there are any lesson plans available. However, if a teacher is absent due to an emergency or illness, the substitute may not have lesson plans provided by the teacher. When this occurs, help is available from other teachers and support staff in the school. Teachers from the same grade level or field of study should be able to help with missing lesson plans. It is also recommended that substitute teachers arrive on time to prepare and have a “plan B” in case no lesson plans are available.