#sub suggestions

Don’t forget duty. I don’t know how many times I have subbed for teachers who have not informed me that they have duty and have not sought another teacher to cover it in their absence. It is really awkward when you are told by an unhappy coworker that you should have been helping and you weren’t there. Please, put in your plans that you have duty, which duty you have, and what you do or who to ask to figure it out.

Technology explanations.  Every school and every district does not come equipped with technology or the same kind. Do not assume that subs know how to use the technology in the classroom. It is helpful when a brief explanation of its use is provided. I have had the experience of being told to use machines that I have never seen before in a lesson. It really disrupts the flow of class when you have to figure it out while teaching. 

Leave extra copies. Some teachers make exactly the number of copies they need for each child to have one. No more. No less. I really recommend making at least 2 extra copies of any paper you leave. Kids have a way of loosing things, spilling things, and destroying things, or a copy might be needed so that the sub can use it as an example or for guided practice. 

Get to know the system. Nowadays, many districts use some kind of online and/or automated phone line to put in their absences. I have encountered situations in which the teacher needed to make changes to their absence or wanted to request a specific sub, but had little to no idea or how to use the system.