Emergency Sub Plans for Teachers: How to Be Prepared for Anything

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As every educator knows, sometimes life throws you a curveball or two (or three). Whether it’s an unexpected illness, a family emergency, or an unavoidable last-minute commitment, there are times when you’re going to need a substitute to step in and teach on your behalf. With these resources and ideas in hand, you can put together a foolproof emergency sub plan for any unexpected absence.

Ready-to-Go Emergency Sub Plans

Be it a sick day, jury duty, or something else, ensure your classroom runs smoothly and your students stay engaged and productive while you’re out of the classroom.

Emergency Sub Plans Print and Go Worksheets and Lesson Plans for Kindergarten
By Kreative in Kinder
Grade: K

Keep this set on hand, so you’re always prepared when life happens! These non-thematic printables can be used year-round and cover a variety of ELA and math skills. Each activity is designed for independent or semi-independent work and differentiated. 

First Grade & Second Grade Emergency Sub Plans Packet Sub Tub / Binder
By Carrie Lutz – Classroom Callouts
Grades: 1st-2nd

This no-prep, print-and-go resource includes a fully editable letter to the substitute and engaging reading, writing, math, science, and social studies activities that cover a full day. Perfect for planned absences or last-minute emergencies, these easy-to-follow plans ensure your students stay on task and learning while you’re gone.

3rd Grade – NO PREP – Emergency Sub Plans
By Stacey Payne
Grade: 3rd

Be prepared for any unexpected absence with this ready-to-go, no-prep resource for 3rd grade. This print-and-go packet covers morning work, math, ELA, social studies, science, and writing. Plus, everything is easy for a substitute to follow, so your students stay engaged and learning while you’re away.

Emergency Sub Plans Template No Prep 4th 5th Grade Sub Tub FULL DAY Substitute
By The Teacher Next Door
Grades: 4th-5th

This animal-themed packet of learning activities is easy for students to do while you’re out for the day! It includes clear instructions and engaging activities for math, ELA, and art.

Emergency Sub Plans for Social Studies | Substitute Activities Middle School
By Mr and Mrs Social Studies
Grades: 6th-9th

Give yourself peace of mind with this ready-made set of 14 emergency substitute activities for any social studies class! No matter what social studies or history topics you teach, this sub plan can easily fit into your curriculum and engage your students.

FRENCH SUB PLANS Supply Lessons French 1 2 3 Emergency Sub Plans Activities
By World Language Cafe
Grades: 6th-11th

With these French sub plans, ensure that your students continue learning — even with a sub who doesn’t speak French. Students will explore French culture through videos (with worksheets in English or French), play a game on idiomatic expressions and alphabet pronunciation, complete word searches, and more.

Emergency High School Middle School Science Sub Plan Set Reading and Worksheet
By Flying Colors Science
Grades: 7th-10th

This bundle of no-prep science substitute plans contains six resources that are perfect for days when you cannot leave a more specific plan. Each includes an informative article and a corresponding worksheet that asks text-dependent questions.

Emergency Algebra 1 Sub Plan Worksheets – Algebraic Functions – print & digital
By Scaffolded Math and Science
Grades 8th-11th

Students make real-world connections while evaluating and composing functions in this emergency sub plan activity. You can easily assign the Google Slides to students or print packets to leave on your desk. 

ELA: Emergency Sub Plans – 9th and 10th Grade
By J Shannon Literacy
Grades: 8th-11th

Be ready for any surprise absence with this no-prep, print-and-go emergency sub packet designed for 9th and 10th grade ELA. With clear instructions and engaging assignments, this resource ensures your substitute can confidently step in to review grammar, vocabulary, reading, and writing.

What to Include in Your Emergency Sub Plans

When designing your emergency sub plan, make sure it’s simple, accessible, and thorough enough that any substitute can use it without extra context. Here is a breakdown of all the essentials you might want to consider adding to your emergency sub plan.

1. Helpful information about the class

First things first: When creating an emergency sub plan, make sure you write down all the essential information about your class. This includes things like:

• Classroom Rules: Briefly list your main classroom rules and any systems you use to manage your classroom or to transition from one activity to another.
• Daily Routines: Provide a breakdown of each day’s schedule, including subject blocks, lunch, and any special activities.
• Seating Charts: Ensure you have an updated seating chart available to help the sub know where each student sits.
• Student Accommodations: If you have students with particular needs in your classroom (e.g., food allergies or IEP accommodations), make a short note with pertinent details. 
• List of Contacts: Write down a list of names and phone numbers — such as the front office or nearby teachers — that a substitute can call in case of emergencies or if they need extra assistance.
• Emergency Procedures: Outline the school’s protocols for fire drills, lockdowns, and medical emergencies.

💡Pro Tip: If you create all of this right at the beginning of the year while you’re getting your classroom organized, you can knock out a good chunk of your emergency substitute planning right away!

2. Detailed lesson plans and activities

In your emergency plans, it’s a good idea to provide straightforward, review-based activities that a substitute teacher can execute with minimal guidance. Here are a few recommendations for designing substitute lessons for a range of core subjects.

• ELA: Prepare a few independent reading passages with comprehension questions or simple writing prompts. 
• Math: Suggest a few math games or activities that allow them to practice essential skills and topics they’re already familiar with.
• Science: Provide simple experiments or educational videos with related worksheets. These are great for fostering independent work while keeping students interested.
• Social Studies: Print out age-appropriate news articles on recent events (related to civics, history, geography, or culture). Have students read the article and answer questions about the who, what, where, when, why, and how.

3. Backup activities

Include a few extra activities that your sub can use if lessons run a little shorter than anticipated.

• Brain Teasers: Simple math puzzles, word searches, or crosswords related to current lessons can fill extra time.
• Journal Prompts: Prepare a few prompts for students to write about. These can be fun, open-ended questions or prompts related to recent learning.
• Creative Assignments: Sometimes, creative projects (such as drawing or coloring activities) can help fill extra time and give students a creative outlet.

The Benefits of Emergency Sub Plans

Unlike pre-planned absences, emergencies give you no time to create detailed plans for a sub. Without a structured plan, substitutes can feel unprepared, and your students may struggle with unexpected change. By preparing a solid emergency sub plan, you can help ensure that:

• Learning continues with minimal disruption
• Students stay engaged, even when you’re not there
• The substitute teacher has the resources they need to manage the classroom

Plan for the unexpected with TPT

Having a set of emergency sub plans at the ready for life’s unplanned moments can be a lifesaver — for both you and whoever fills in for you. And luckily, with TPT, there’s very little you have to do to prepare. Just search for sub plan templates and activities, print, and go!