How to Write Sub Plans in 15 Minutes (With Free Template)
Stop spending hours on sub plans. This simple system lets you create thorough substitute teacher plans in under 15 minutes. Free template included.
It's 5:47 AM. You wake up with a fever and a pounding headache. You have approximately 45 minutes to write sub plans before you need to email them in and collapse back into bed.
Or worse — you're standing in your classroom at 7:30 AM when you get the call that you need to leave for a family emergency. Now you have 10 minutes.
Writing sub plans doesn't have to take hours. With the right system, you can create clear, thorough sub plans in 15 minutes or less. Here's how.
Why Most Teachers Struggle with Sub Plans
Most teachers write sub plans like they're writing a novel. They include every possible detail, every contingency, every "just in case." The result is a 10-page document that took 2 hours to write and that no substitute will actually read.
The truth is: substitutes need less than you think. They need to know how to survive the day. That's it.
The 15-Minute Sub Plan System
This system has two parts: a one-time setup (about 30 minutes) and day-of plans (15 minutes or less).
Part 1: The Sub Binder (One-Time Setup)
Create this once at the beginning of the year. Keep it on your desk where any sub can find it. This eliminates 80% of what you'd normally include in day-of plans.
Your sub binder should include:
- Class roster with photos if possible
- Daily schedule with exact times
- Seating chart
- Classroom rules and procedures (bathroom, pencils, etc.)
- List of reliable students who can answer questions
- List of students with special needs or accommodations
- Emergency procedures (fire drill, lockdown)
- Nearby teacher to contact if there's a problem
- Location of supplies (extra pencils, paper, etc.)
Once this exists, your day-of plans only need to cover what to teach — not how your classroom works.
Part 2: The 15-Minute Day-Of Template
When you're sick or have to leave suddenly, you only need to fill in five things:
Sub Plans for [Date]
1. Morning Work (5 min):
What do students do when they arrive?
2. Schedule Changes (2 min):
Anything different from the normal schedule in the binder?
3. Subject-by-Subject (8 min):
For each subject: What's the activity? Where are the materials? What do early finishers do?
4. Behavior Notes (2 min):
Anyone having a tough week? Any rewards/consequences in place?
5. End of Day (1 min):
Dismissal procedures, anything to pack up?
That's it. Five sections. Fifteen minutes.
Example: Completed 15-Minute Sub Plan
Here's what this looks like filled out:
Sub Plans for Tuesday, January 28
Morning Work: Math worksheet on the front table. Students grab one and start independently.
Schedule Changes: Library is cancelled today. Use that time for extra reading.
Math (9:00-9:45): Students complete pages 42-43 in workbooks. They can work with partners. Workbooks are in desks. Early finishers read silently.
Reading (9:45-10:30): Read aloud first 2 chapters of Charlotte's Web (book on my desk). Students follow along in their copies. Discuss predictions at the end.
Writing (11:00-11:30): Journal prompt on board: "Write about a time you were scared but did something anyway." Full page minimum.
Science (1:00-1:45): Bill Nye "Plants" video (DVD player, disc is on top). Worksheet in sub folder — they answer while watching.
Behavior Notes: Marcus is having a tough week. He sits near Mrs. Rodriguez's room — she can help if needed. Emma is our star helper.
End of Day: Homework goes in folders. Stack chairs. Bus riders dismiss first at 3:15.
Notice what's NOT in there: bathroom procedures, the lunch schedule, where the pencils are. That's all in the sub binder.
Emergency Sub Plans
Here's an even faster option: pre-written emergency sub plansthat live in your sub binder and work any day of the year.
These are generic activities that don't depend on where you are in the curriculum. Keep 2-3 days' worth ready to go:
- A read-aloud book with discussion questions
- Math review worksheets
- Writing prompts
- A science or social studies video with worksheet
- Art project with simple instructions
When you're too sick to think, just text your principal: "Use emergency sub plans in my binder." Done.
Generate Sub Plans Instantly with AI
My Teachers Toolbox can create complete sub plans in under 2 minutes. Just enter your grade level and subjects — we'll generate activities, instructions, and materials lists automatically.
Try Free for 14 Days →What Substitutes Actually Want
We talked to dozens of substitute teachers. Here's what they said:
"Don't write a novel." Subs skim. Use bullet points. Bold the important stuff.
"Tell me who the helpful kids are." Subs rely on students to figure out routines. Name names.
"Leave more than you think." Activities always take less time than planned. Leave backup options.
"Include your number." If you can, let them text you questions. It saves everyone stress.
The Night-Before Hack
If you feel sickness coming on, spend 5 minutes before bed writing tomorrow's sub plans. You'll sleep better knowing it's done, and morning-you won't have to think.
Keep the plans in a Google Doc or email draft — accessible from your phone if you wake up unable to get out of bed.
More Planning Resources
Written by the team at My Teachers Toolbox — built by teachers, for teachers.