Substitute / Emergency Sub Plan Generator
A complete packet a substitute can pick up cold — daily schedule, classroom procedures, class-by-class instructions, and contacts, not just a lesson.
What this substitute lesson plan generator does
A sub plan isn't the same thing as a lesson plan — a substitute needs the whole day handed to them cold: the bell schedule, your classroom's actual procedures, who to call if something goes wrong, and instructions for every period they'll be covering, not just one subject. This generator builds that full packet, with an expandable class-by-class section so it works whether you teach one subject all day or several different classes.
How to use the substitute plan generator
- Enter the basics. Your name, the date, and grade/class — sub name is optional.
- Fill in the daily schedule and classroom info. Bell times, procedures, seating, behavior notes, and emergency procedures.
- Add a block for each period or class. Use "+ Add another period" for every class the sub will cover.
- Add contacts. Front office, nurse, a teacher next door, and tech support.
- Generate, then print, copy, or save as PDF. Keep a printed copy on file for genuine emergencies.
What's included in your sub plan
- Teacher, substitute, date, and grade/class
- Daily / bell schedule
- Classroom procedures & rules
- Seating chart notes
- Student helpers
- Behavior management notes
- Emergency procedures
- Unlimited period/class blocks with instructions
- Front office, nurse, mentor, and tech contacts
- Dismissal instructions
- Additional notes for the substitute
Why a real sub plan is more than a lesson
A substitute walking into an unfamiliar classroom is managing a full day of logistics before they even get to teaching — where the bathroom pass is, what happens at dismissal, who to call if a student needs the nurse. Handing them a single lesson plan and nothing else means the classroom's actual procedures get improvised, which is where sub days tend to go sideways.
Many schools and districts specifically ask teachers to keep an emergency sub folder on file for unplanned absences — a folder built this way, with the day's schedule and contacts pre-filled, means it's ready before you need it rather than assembled in a panic the morning you're out sick.
Common questions
Is this sub plan generator free?
Yes — free with no sign-up, and no limit on how many plans you create.
Does this cover a whole day with multiple classes?
Yes — use "+ Add another period" for every class or period the substitute will cover, whether that's two periods or seven.
What if I don't know who my substitute will be?
Leave the substitute's name field blank — the plan will address it generally, and you can write in a name by hand later if needed.
Can I keep this on file as a standing emergency plan?
Yes — many teachers generate one general-purpose version to keep printed and on file for unplanned absences, then swap in the day's specific lesson content when there's advance notice.
Is my plan saved anywhere?
No account or server storage is used. Entries stay in your browser only, so print, copy, or save before closing the tab.