Sub Binder

A Sub binder is a binder which contains all the important information a substitute teacher may need when coming into your class, including the lesson plans for that day and emergency plans for when you weren't able to come up with a plan.

I first found the idea for a substitute binder on Pinterest last summer when I was looking for some good ideas for TOCs to carry around.  But as I followed the link I quickly found out that this sub binder isn't for TOCs, but for classroom teachers to leave for TOCs.  Amanda, from One Extra Degree, has created this awesome binder where teachers can organize all the important information TOCs usually need.  I thought this was a great idea and I kept the pin to use later when I had my own classroom.

I was so excited when I came across a teacher with a sub binder in September!  It was so nice walking into the room and seeing this binder on the teacher's desk.  The information was all organized and easy to find and since it was all laid out so nicely it was a breeze to read over before the students came in.  Not only does it save you from having to repeat routines each day if you have a TOC for several days, it also saves you time when creating your lesson plans on those days when you're feeling sick and just want to get back to sleep.

As a TOC, I have to say this is an incredible tool.  It's much easier to come in and find a class list, schedule, emergency information, important school contact information, and a list of helpful students all in one place.  There is also a section to include activities for time fillers, which I have to say, have come in handy in the past when music or gym has suddenly been cancelled.

Amanda even has an editable version on her TpT store so it's so easy to create one for yourself.  I would say that this is a must have for every classroom.

She also has an outline for a 'sub tub' where you can leave emergency plans for each day of  the week, for those days when you just can't force yourself to write a plan.  At least something will be available for the TOC.

For more information about the Sub Binder and Sub Tub click the link.