Every teacher’s worst nightmare: waking up sick with a 5 am realization that you need a substitute. Today. And your lesson plans? They’re either incomplete or written in your teaching shorthand that would confuse anyone else. It’s a recipe for stress.
But here’s the thing – having solid emergency sub plans ready can save you from this chaos. Think of them as your teaching insurance policy.
When you’re too sick to think straight or dealing with a family emergency, these backup plans keep your classroom running smoothly.
Let’s walk through how to create emergency sub-plans that work when you need them most.
What Are Emergency Sub Plans
Emergency sub plans are pre-prepared instructional materials and classroom information designed to be used when a teacher is unexpectedly absent.
Unlike regular sub plans that might be written the night before a planned absence, emergency plans are ready-to-go and require no extra work when time is short.
Their primary purpose is to maintain instructional flow and class stability even when the teacher isn’t present to explain or prep.
These plans typically include:
- An overview of the daily schedule
- Simple, standards-aligned lessons for each subject
- Clear classroom procedures and behavior expectations
- Student roles and helpful reminders for the substitute
Top Benefits of Having Emergency Sub Plans Ready to Go
Planning for the unexpected might feel like one more thing on your already full plate, but having emergency sub plans ready is the best kind of prep: the kind you only do once.
When emergencies arise, these plans restore your peace of mind and ensure your students don’t lose momentum. Here’s why they’re a must-have in every teacher’s toolkit:
Reduces Last-Minute Stress and Panic
Nothing is worse than waking up sick and realizing you still need to put together a full day of lessons. Emergency substitute plans eliminate that panic by providing a backup that’s already organized and ready to go.
Instead of rushing through emails, scrambling for materials, or trying to upload a doc while half-asleep, you can focus on your health while your class stays on track.
Keeps Students on Track Academically
Emergency days shouldn’t be “lost days.” High-quality substitute plans include meaningful, standards-based work that aligns with your ongoing curriculum.
Whether it’s reading comprehension, math review, or skill-based activities, having thoughtful plans in place prevents academic backsliding and keeps your students moving forward—even when you’re absent.
Builds Goodwill with Substitute Teachers
No sub wants to walk into a classroom with vague notes and guesswork. When you provide clear, structured plans with classroom management tips, seating charts, and routines, you empower substitutes to feel confident and respected.
That means they’re more likely to return, follow your expectations, and ensure a smooth day for your students.
Helps Administrators and Co-Teachers Step in Seamlessly
In a pinch, it’s often an admin, teammate, or specialist who ends up covering your class.
Having easy-to-locate emergency sub plans ensures that any adult stepping in can find exactly what they need, without having to track down files or ask students what to do.
That level of preparation makes you look professional and considerate, even when you’re not there.
Best Ready-Made Emergency Sub Plans
These best ready-made emergency sub plans offer print-and-go or digital solutions that keep students learning while providing substitute teachers with everything they need to succeed; no preparation required.
1. TPT Emergency Sub Plans by Teaching with Haley O’Connor
This versatile set of sub-plans covers essential reading and writing activities that are easy to implement. Designed for K–2, this resource includes templates, lesson plans, and student pages, making it perfect for addressing last-minute absences.
- Best For: Kindergarten through 2nd Grade
- Includes: ELA tasks, sub-instructions, and templates
2. ELA Emergency Sub Plans – Upper Elementary by Teaching Fourth and More
Designed for grades 4–6, this ELA resource offers printable plans for reading comprehension, vocabulary, and grammar. Each lesson is self-contained and ideal for emergency situations where seamless continuity is needed.
- Best For: Grades 4–6 ELA classes
- Includes: Passages, worksheets, and subnotes
3. No-Prep Emergency Sub Plans for K–2 by Lucky Little Learners
This no-prep bundle includes everything from literacy and math activities to behavior forms and a sub binder. It’s organized and editable, making it easy for teachers to prepare and subs to follow.
- Best For: Kindergarten to 2nd Grade
- Includes: Binder templates, printables, behavior logs
4. Editable Emergency Sub Binder by Miss Giraffe
Miss Giraffe’s sub binder includes editable classroom procedures, routines, emergency contacts, and templates for multiple grades. It’s a ready-to-fill folder that acts as a sub’s go-to resource in any situation.
- Best For: Multi-grade elementary classrooms
- Includes: Fully editable forms and plan pages
5. Emergency Sub Plans – 3rd Grade Math & Literacy by One Stop Teacher Shop
This pack contains five full days of math and literacy activities aligned with third-grade standards. Designed for ease of use, it requires no teacher preparation and keeps students engaged.
- Best For: 3rd Grade teachers
- Includes: Full-day lesson plans and worksheets
6. Sub Plans in a Snap – All Subjects by Teaching in the Tongass
A complete set of print-and-go sub plans across core subjects. Aligned with elementary standards, this resource offers engaging lessons and early finisher tasks to help substitutes manage the classroom smoothly.
- Best For: Elementary teachers needing full coverage
- Includes: ELA, math, science, and time fillers
7. Seasonal Emergency Sub Plans by A Teachable Teacher
These themed sub-plans are organized by season and holiday, featuring engaging reading passages and writing prompts. Activities are printable and ideal for keeping students focused during festive or unexpected days.
- Best For: 1st–3rd Grade classrooms
- Includes: Seasonal printables and themed lessons
8. Emergency Sub Plans Bundle – Middle School ELA by Read Relevant
This bundle features detailed reading and writing assignments that can be used independently and meet middle school ELA standards. Each lesson includes pacing guides, rubrics, and student instructions.
- Best For: Middle School English classes
- Includes: Lesson plans, rubrics, and graphic organizers
9. Sub Tub – Editable Lessons for Emergency Days by Teach Create Motivate
The Sub Tub offers editable activities and labels, allowing for easy personalization. It covers core subjects and includes time fillers, organization labels, and subnotes in a clean, printable format.
- Best For: Grades 2–5 classroom teachers
- Includes: Editable plans, labels, and templates
10. Printable Emergency Sub Plans – Science (Grades 4–6) by Science Spot
These printable plans are specifically designed for science and include reading passages, experiments, and comprehension activities. A great option for middle grades needing meaningful, standards-aligned content on short notice.
- Best For: 4th to 6th Grade science
- Includes: Printable labs, articles, and worksheets
11. Emergency Sub Plans with Flip Book Organizer by Keeping My Kinders Busy
This creative subsystem utilizes a flip-book format to organize plans, classroom information, and activities. It’s perfect for subs who need clear navigation and structure without having to dig through piles of papers.
- Best For: Kindergarten and early primary
- Includes: Flip book, editable files, daily tasks
12. Digital Emergency Sub Plans for Google Classroom by E-Integration
Designed for tech-savvy classrooms, this digital sub-plan set is ready for use in Google Classroom. It features drag-and-drop tasks, digital journals, and reading responses that students can complete independently online.
- Best For: 1:1 device classrooms
- Includes: Google Slides activities and links
13. First Grade Sub Plans Set by The Moffatt Girls
A comprehensive collection of first-grade lessons in math, phonics, and writing. This bundle is no-prep and includes ready-to-print pages along with sub-instructions for easy implementation.
- Best For: First Grade teachers
- Includes: Literacy, math printables, sub checklists
14. Emergency Sub Plan Templates with Checklists by The Brown Bag Teacher
These editable templates simplify sub-planning with easy-to-use checklists, instructions, and classroom info. Designed for upper elementary, it’s ideal for creating a customized sub experience quickly.
- Best For: 3rd–5th Grade teachers
- Includes: Editable templates and detailed forms
15. Complete Sub Binder + Plans for Pre-K to 2nd Grade by Pocket of Preschool
Perfect for younger learners, this binder includes behavior charts, visual schedules, songs, and lesson plans tailored for Pre-K to Grade 2. It helps subs follow routines and deliver meaningful instruction.
- Best For: Pre-K to 2nd Grade
- Includes: Visual aids, sub-forms, and printables
Tips for Making Sub-Plans Sub-Proof
The best emergency sub plans are foolproof – designed so clearly that anyone can walk into your classroom and succeed. Think of writing instructions for someone who’s never taught before, because sometimes that’s exactly who you’ll get.
- Write crystal-clear, step-by-step instructions: Use simple language, number your steps, and highlight key information. Avoid teacher jargon and explain everything like you’re talking to a friend who’s never been in a classroom.
- Include all materials in one designated spot: Create a “Sub Tub” or folder with worksheets, answer keys, supplies, and backup activities. Label everything clearly so there’s no need to hunt around your classroom.
- Leave essential classroom information: Include your discipline system, bathroom procedures, helpful student information, and contact details for neighboring teachers. Don’t assume the substitute knows your routines.
- Create activities that require minimal preparation: Avoid anything that requires cutting, laminating, or a complex setup. The substitute should be able to start immediately without preparation time.
- Include answer keys and examples: Provide completed worksheets, project samples, or discussion question answers. This helps the substitute guide students confidently through activities.
- Add emergency contact information: List helpful colleagues, your grade-level partner, and administrative contacts. Sometimes substitutes need quick answers or support.
Conclusion
Creating emergency sub-plans isn’t just good teaching practice – it’s essential self-care. When you invest time upfront to build these foolproof plans, you’re permitting yourself to be human.
To get sick, handle emergencies, or take necessary breaks without compromising your students’ education.
Your future self will thank you when you’re not scrambling at dawn to write coherent lesson plans through a fever haze. Your students benefit from consistent, meaningful instruction. And your substitute teachers will appreciate walking into a well-organized classroom where success is inevitable.
Start building your emergency sub plans today. Your peace of mind depends on it.
