Smart Prep Tips for Substitute Teachers

New year, new schools, new chances to totally rock it as a sub! Whether you’re a seasoned classroom chameleon or just dipping your toes into the world of substitute teaching, a little prep now can save you a whole lot of chaos later. So, grab your favorite flair pen and let’s get you classroom-ready with these six sanity-saving tips:

1. ✨ Reflect Like a Pro (Not a Perfectionist)

Before you dive into laminating name tags or organizing your sub bag (we’ll get there), take a hot second to think back on last year:

• What made your days smoother than a fresh jar of Skippy?

• What made you want to hide in the teacher’s lounge?

• What strategies were total gold—and which ones flopped harder than a group project?

This isn’t about being hard on yourself. It’s about leveling up with intention.

2. 👜 Refresh That Magical Sub Bag

Your sub bag is basically your superhero utility belt. Make sure it’s stocked with:

• ✏️ Pens, sticky notes, whiteboard markers (because classrooms eat them)

• 🎉 Incentive coupons, timers, and early finisher activities

• 📚 Emergency lesson plans (because “just wing it” is not a vibe)

• 📅 Your schedule and school contact info

Pro tip: If you haven’t peeked in your bag since May, now’s the time to toss the crumpled worksheets and mystery granola bar.

3. 💼 Give Your Resume a Little Glow-Up

If you’re hoping to sub in new schools or districts this year, make sure your resume and online profiles are looking sharp. Add any new trainings, update your contact info, and sprinkle in your most impressive sub wins. (Yes, surviving a full day of indoor recess counts.)

4. 🎯 Set Some Sub Goals

You don’t need a vision board (unless you want one), but having a few goals can keep you motivated and growing. Think about:

• Trying a new grade level (hello, kindergarten chaos or middle school sass)

• Mastering a new classroom management trick

• Learning a tech tool or two

• Building stronger connections with your favorite campuses

Write them down, check in with yourself mid-year, and celebrate the wins—big or small.

5. 🖥️ Stay in the Know

Districts love to roll out shiny new tech platforms and policy updates over the summer. Stay ahead of the curve by:

• Checking district websites

• Attending optional trainings (yes, the ones with free snacks count)

• Asking questions when you’re on campus

Being in the loop = walking into classrooms like a boss.

6. 📚 Invest in You

You’re the magic behind the sub plans, so don’t forget to pour into yourself too. Look for:

• Free or low-cost trainings (classroom management, trauma-informed teaching, etc.)

• Online workshops or webinars

• Resources that help you feel more confident and qualified

Even a quick refresher can make a big difference in how you show up.

🚀 Start Strong, Sub Smarter

A little prep now means fewer headaches later—and way more confident, calm, and collected sub days. You’ve got the skills, the heart, and now the plan. Go get ’em, superstar! 🌟

📋 Freebie Alert!

Want a handy checklist for a Successful Year of Substitute Teaching? 🎉 Grab my Ready, Set, Sub! Checklist to make prepping for the new school year way easier!

Let’s stay connected! 💌 Want more freebies and time-saving teacher tools? Join my email list to get exclusive seasonal printables, classroom resources, and more from Squirrelly Creations!