These guides cover the practical side of substitute teaching in grades 6-12, for substitutes who are stepping into a classroom and for teachers getting their plans ready. Every guide pairs with the free lesson library, so you can go from reading to a printed plan in a few minutes.
Sub plans by subject
- Science Sub Plans – 70 lessons, grades 6-12.
- Math Sub Plans – 60 lessons, 6th grade through Precalculus and Statistics.
- Social Studies Sub Plans – 62 lessons in history, civics, economics and more.
- ELA Sub Plans – 68 lessons in English and creative writing.
- Art, Music and Theater Sub Plans – 50 lessons.
- PE and Health Sub Plans – 28 lessons.
- Spanish, French and German Sub Plans – 32 lessons.
- Technology and Computer Science Sub Plans – 24 lessons.
- Business and Personal Finance Sub Plans – 24 lessons.
- CTE Sub Plans – 44 lessons in career and technical education.
- Speech, Journalism and Media Sub Plans – 14 lessons.
- Advisory and Study Hall Sub Plans – 24 lessons.
For teachers preparing for an absence
- Emergency Sub Plans: What to Include – Build a packet that works with no notice.
- Free Printable Emergency Sub Plans (PDF) – Turn free lesson PDFs into a backup packet.
- Free Sub Plans Template for Teachers – A copy-and-paste layout for any day.
- Easy Sub Plans for Middle and High School – Simple plans that are hard to get wrong.
- Substitute Teacher Binder: What to Include – Sections to build and what to leave out.
- Sub Tub Ideas for Grades 6-12 – Organize a grab-and-go bin.
For substitute teachers
- First-Time Substitute Teacher Tips – Before, during, and after your first day.
- What to Do as a Substitute Teacher – A step-by-step day, including what to do without plans.
- A Substitute Teacher’s First Five Minutes – A calm, minute-by-minute start to every class.
- Substitute Teacher Classroom Management – Calm, respectful strategies for older students.
- Substitute Teacher Survival Kit Checklist – What to pack for any assignment.
- Substitute Teacher Interview Questions – What to expect and how to prepare.
Games and activities
- Substitute Teacher Games for Grades 6-12 – Seven quick review games.
- Substitute Teacher Activities, Grades 6-12 – Full-period ideas with little prep.
More from Substitute Plans
Read new articles in the staff room or browse the lesson library by subject, grade, class time, and technology. Curious how the materials are made and checked? Read our editorial standards and corrections policy.