Jubilee Academies CTE Department

You Need a Sub Binder

No matter how well behaved your students are for you (or not), they will test the limits and push the boundaries with a substitute teacher. This is especially true if the sub lacks instructions and lesson plans. Take the time to ensure that your class runs as smoothly as possible when you can't be there by preparing a carefully planned and complete sub binder.

Below is a guide on how to create an effective sub binder. If you need any assistance in creating your sub binder, please email Ted McCormick or Irma Sarmiento.

theodore.mccormick@jubileeacademic.org

irma.sarmiento@jubileeacademic.org

Substitute Binder.mp4

Organization is Essential

Substitutes have difficult jobs. Among the many challenges they face is very limited time before students arrive to find the information they need.

Keep your information clearly organized with a table of contents, dividers, and labels.

Section 1: Classroom Rules and Expectations

This is the most important document your substitute needs to read. Placing it as the very first document in your binder gives you the best chance of having it read.

Your sub cannot enforce your classroom expectations and rules if they don't know what they are. Make sure you provide them to your sub along with instructions on what to do if a student is being difficult.

Keep it as simple as possible. I would not recommend copying your entire, full-length discipline plan and placing it here.

Example Substitute Classroom Expectations

Section 2: Bell Schedule

Having this in the front will make it easier to find. The substitute will likely need to reference it many times throughout the day.

Example Bell Schedule

Section 3: Emergency Lesson Plans

If you know in advance that you are going to be out for an extended period of time, it is best to continue with the planned scope and sequence for your courses. You can prepare ahead of time and place your specific sub lesson plans here.

However, when emergencies arise, it is best to have a collection of student activities that follow a format familiar to your students. The class is more likely to run smoothly if the activity doesn't require instruction on new material. Use the opportunity to reinforce previously taught concepts.

If you have multiple preps, clearly separate each set of emergency lesson plans with dividers and labels. It's also a good idea to have instructions for students that finish tasks early.

Example Emergency Substitute Lesson Plan

Example Emergency Substitute Lesson Plan 2

Example Emergency Substitute Lesson Plan 3

Example Emergency Substitute Lesson Plan 4

Example Early Finishers

Section 4: Policies and Procedures

Most campuses have a set of policies and procedures that need to be followed. Make sure to include them here. Like everything else in this binder, keep explanations as simple as possible.

Example School Procedures

Example Substitute Attendance Procedures

Example Student Restroom Policy

Example Office Referral Procedure

Fire Drill Procedure

Lockdown Procedure

Other Emergency Procedures

Section 5: Phone Directory

Your substitute may need to call someone in the school during the day. Leaving them a phone directory could be very helpful.

Example Phone Directory

Section 6: Substitute Note

Leave a section for your subs to communicate with you. Ask them to leave you any notes that they feel are important for you to know.

Example Substitute Notes