What do you include in your sub binder?

As the school year begins, one of the most important back to school preparations you can make is putting your sub binder together! A sub binder is your hub of important information, instructions, and other documents you need to have on hand whenever a sub is going to be in your classroom. Here’s what I like to included in my sub binder (and a free version for you!):

What goes into a sub binder?

Summary:

• General Info: Housekeeping procedures and things like how you handle bathroom passes go here! 
• In Case of Emergency: Go to your secretary or mentor and get a copy of the emergency plans for every scenario. Draw the exit for the fire drill, hallway for the tornado, what to do for various lock downs, everything. Be sure to include any pertinent medical information in case they need to take care of a student!
• Bell Schedules: Make sure you include all versions! My school has a late start for PLC so on those days the bell schedule is wacky and they’d be lost without the right schedule.
• Rosters/Seating Charts: Hopefully this is a print and go step! I’ve found that most subs appreciate it if you include the chart that has pictures of the students. 
• Notes About the Day: I leave copies of this page in the binder because otherwise sometimes subs just snag any old paper to write notes about students. I have it sectioned by class period to keep information organized.
• Emergency Plans: No one wants to be up at 4 am puking and trying to write plans! I have several things linked that I have enough copies of for each student stored in the binder. Check out my post on sub plans here for more ideas!

Add a “What If?” Page for Extra Peace of Mind

Sub binder walk into the unknown more often than not. One of the most helpful additions I’ve ever made to my sub binder is a simple “What If?” page. What if the internet goes out? What if the class finishes the assignment with 20 minutes left? What if a student says they feel sick?

Instead of relying on your sub binder to guess or panic, this page gives quick options to handle those surprise moments. You might list a few low-prep backup activities like free reading, partner vocab games, or even a quick culture video with reflection questions. This gives your sub choices and gives you peace of mind knowing they are not stuck with awkward downtime.

You can also include tech backup info where to find printed copies if Google Drive won’t load or what to do if a login is not working. Even just a few short tips can make a huge difference in how the day goes.

Create a “Student Helpers” List

Sometimes the best support a sub can get is from your own students. If you have a few responsible students who know the ropes, add a short list of helpers to your binder. Include their names, class period, and what they can help with.

Can they explain the bell schedule? Walk the sub to the copier? Help pass out materials? These little details take the pressure off everyone. Plus, it empowers your students to take ownership of their class routine, which is a win even when you are there.

Emergency Sub Plan Resources:

• Reading Activities to use with any reading 1 / 2 / 3
• Geoguessr
• Google My Maps Exploration Activities
• Research Projects – Printable / Digital

Questions? Comments? Thoughts? Ideas?

Those are all of the pieces I include in my Sub Binder. I’d love to hear if there is anything else you would add or need! Maybe you have a genius tip that has saved you during surprise absences or a creative way to keep your sub plans stress free. Leave a comment and share what has worked for you. Let’s build a go to resource together for teachers who want to be prepared without overthinking it.

Your future self and your subs will thank you.