Zen Educate Content Team
7 May 2025
5
min read
Being a substitute teacher can feel like stepping into a story halfway through. You walk into an unfamiliar classroom, face a group of students you’ve never met, and are expected to deliver a seamless day of learning. No pressure, right?
But the truth is, with the right tools and strategies, substitute teaching can be incredibly rewarding—and even fun. Whether you're brand new to the role, or a seasoned sub looking to sharpen your toolkit, this guide is packed with practical substitute teacher resources, tips, and websites to help you thrive.
Let’s break down everything you need to feel confident walking into any classroom, on any day.
Why Resources Matter for Substitute Teachers
Unlike full-time teachers, substitute teachers often work with limited prep time and unfamiliar environments. That’s why having a reliable set of resources for substitute teachers isn’t just helpful—it’s essential.
You need quick-access materials that work in a pinch.
You need engaging activities to hold student attention.
You need classroom management tools that earn respect and cooperation fast.
And ideally, you want all of that without carrying a rolling cart full of binders.
Essential Substitute Teaching Resources to Keep in Your Toolkit
The best subs are prepared for anything. Below are key categories of resources every substitute should have at their fingertips—whether on a flash drive, in a binder, or saved in the cloud.
1. Emergency Sub Plans
Sometimes, lesson plans aren’t left behind. It happens. Having a few go-to emergency sub plans can be a lifesaver.
Pro tip: Prepare generic lessons that align with core subjects and are suitable across grade levels. Keep them flexible, engaging, and easy to adapt on the fly.
Examples:
A short nonfiction article followed by a reading response.
Creative writing prompts based on student interests.
Math puzzles and logic challenges by grade band.
Sites like SubPlans.com or Teachers Pay Teachers offer affordable (and sometimes free) emergency lessons for every subject.
2. Printable Worksheets and Teaching Aids
Having a few tried-and-true printable worksheets is always a good backup. Look for ones that encourage critical thinking or reinforce key concepts.
Great sources include:
Also keep a few teaching aids in your toolkit—things like multiplication charts, sentence starters, or vocabulary word banks can go a long way in unfamiliar classrooms.
3. Lesson Plan Templates
Even if a plan is left behind, having a solid lesson plan template helps you stay organized and structured throughout the day.
Keep it simple:
Objective
Materials
Activities
Closure
Notes for the classroom teacher
Google Docs or Canva have customizable templates you can adapt for different grades or subjects.
Websites for Substitute Teachers You Should Bookmark
There’s no need to go it alone. These websites for substitute teachers are rich with resources, advice, and inspiration:
Zen Educate US – A staffing platform built to support substitute teachers with flexible placements and school matches that fit your preferences. It also offers professional development, community forums, and ongoing support.
Classroom Freebies – A treasure trove of free downloads from experienced educators.
SubSidekick – Notifies you of open sub jobs in real-time.
The Cornerstone for Teachers – Excellent classroom management advice and behavior strategies.
Engaging Activities and Games to Keep Students on Task
The key to student engagement? Make learning feel like play—without losing focus. These substitute teaching games are classroom-tested and ready to go.
“Silent Ball”
A soft ball. No talking. Toss it around the room. Anyone who talks or drops it is out. Great for transitions or settling the class.
“Would You Rather?”
Perfect as a warm-up or time-filler. You can relate questions to the subject or just keep it light.
“Word of the Day”
Give students a new vocabulary word and challenge them to use it as many times as possible throughout the day. Offer a reward or fun recognition.
Digital Tools
Try Kahoot!, Blooket, or Quizlet Live if there’s a smartboard or computer access. These games offer educational fun aligned with grade-level standards.
Student Engagement Strategies that Actually Work
You don’t need to reinvent the wheel every time. Here are proven strategies that help maintain momentum and respect throughout the day:
Start with expectations. Set clear guidelines right away. Students want structure—even from a sub.
Write your name on the board. It instantly builds authority and helps students address you correctly.
Use positive reinforcement. Simple praise, sticker rewards, or a “quiet row challenge” work wonders.
Learn a few names early. Calling students by name builds rapport fast.
Classroom Management Tools for the Win
Behavior management is often the trickiest part of subbing. These tools can help:
ClassDojo (if the classroom already uses it)
Printable behavior trackers for rewarding positive choices
Bouncy Balls or Too Noisy for noise level monitoring
When in doubt, consistency and fairness go a long way.
Plug into a Support Network
Subbing can feel isolating. But you’re not alone. Joining a teacher support network gives you access to community, job tips, and professional growth.
Check out:
Local Facebook groups for subs and educators
Union or professional groups in your school district
Final Thoughts: Prepare, Connect, and Keep It Simple
There’s no single formula for being a great substitute teacher. But when you combine thoughtful preparation with the right substitute teacher resources, classroom-ready games, and a sense of calm, you're set up for success.
The best part? You don’t have to do it all on your own.
Whether you're looking for flexible work, school matches that fit your schedule, or just a support network that understands what it’s like, Zen Educate is here to help.
Explore open roles and get started today: zeneducate.com/us
