Knowing what to do as a substitute teacher comes down to a few repeatable steps. This guide follows a typical day in a middle or high school, from walking in the door to leaving the room ready for the teacher.
Before class
- Check in at the office. Ask for room access, the day’s schedule, a map, and emergency procedures.
- Read the plans completely. Note the order of classes, the materials, and anything that depends on timing.
- Find your helpers. Identify a nearby teacher and any student helpers named in the plans.
- Write the day on the board. Your name, the date, and the first task.
The first five minutes
Greet students at the door and point to the board. Let them begin a simple task while you take attendance the way the school requires. For a more detailed routine, read A Substitute Teacher’s First Five Minutes.
During class
- Give clear directions. Say them once, show them on the board, and check that students have what they need.
- Circulate. Walk the room, answer questions, and watch for students who are stuck or off task.
- Keep the teacher’s routines. Use the same passes, signals, and procedures if they are listed.
- Take notes. Jot down who was helpful and anything unusual, using names and facts.
For problems with behavior, see our guide to substitute teacher classroom management.
What to do without lesson plans
- Look on the desk, in a folder, in the email, and with the office.
- Ask a neighboring teacher or a department lead for the course and what students were working on.
- If there is still nothing, give students a review task that fits the subject, such as a reading and response or a study guide swap.
- Keep students supervised and working. Do not dismiss class early or leave students unattended.
Keep a backup lesson in your bag. You can print one from the free Substitute Plans lesson library, which has grade 6-12 plans with student pages and answer keys.
When the plan finishes early
Move to early-finisher work or a short review game from our games list. Do not start new content unless the plans say to.
End of the day
- Collect work and place it where the teacher asked.
- Straighten the room.
- Leave a note with how far each class got, the names of helpful students, and any concerns.
- Sign out at the office and return keys.
New to subbing? Read first-time substitute teacher tips too.
Keep reading
- Substitute Teacher Survival Kit Checklist – what to carry for every step above.
- Substitute Teacher Activities, Grades 6-12 – full-period ideas for when plans run out.
- Substitute Teacher Interview Questions – prepare for getting hired.
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