Substitute Folders

Substitutes have a tough job. They enter a class, often with no clue of the mix of student personalities or what type of disruptions with which they might be faced. You should attempt to give them the best chance possible to succeed. One way to do this is to create a substitute folder that is always on your desk each day when you leave. This folder would provide them with important information that will help them approach your class with a level of confidence.

First make sure that you clearly mark the front of your folder as the "Substitute Folder." Consider including the following items in your folder:

• Seating Chart
• Attendance Sheets
• Bell/Lunch Schedule
• Discipline Referrals
• Hall Passes
• Names of Nearby Teachers
• Specific Student Notes (Make sure that your notes do not reveal anything confidential. An example of a good note would be letting them know if two students often clash.)
• Location of Emergency Lesson Plans just in case
• Other Helpful Notes
• Paper for their Comments

With this and your lesson plan, your substitute should have an advantage and a better chance at having a successful class.