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If you’ve ever been called in to sub last-minute (or even just tried to prep for your first day as a substitute teacher) you know the stress that comes with walking into an unfamiliar classroom, unsure of what to expect.
What grade will it be? Will there be lesson plans? What if the students finish early and there’s nothing else to do?
That’s exactly why I put together a grab-and-go substitute teacher bag. A little lifesaver I can grab on my way out the door that helps me feel calm, confident, and totally prepared (even when I’m not).
Think of it like the diaper bag phase, but for the classroom. Just like we knew to always keep snacks, wipes, and Band-Aids on hand when our kids were toddlers, this bag is full of just-in-case items that cover all the bases for a smooth subbing day.
In this post, I’m sharing my go-to substitute teacher bag checklist, plus some tried-and-true first-day tips I wish I had known earlier. Whether you’re just getting started or looking to up your sub game, this post is packed with little secrets that make a big difference.
I’m going to start by sharing a few of my simple, but secret, tips that can actually have a big impact on your day at school.
FIRST – I like to keep a note in my phone with each site secretary’s name and the teachers/subjects for each school that I have subbed at. I love being able to say ‘Good Morning (NAME)’ to the secretary. They are key to getting return jobs and it’s just a nice thing to do. Get to know the secretary. Give them your number. They love having go-to subs!
SECOND – If a teacher desk’s drawers won’t open, try opening the little pencil drawer. In many cases, that will then unlock the other drawers! Did you know this?
THIRD – At the sites I have subbed at, there is a ‘pod’ where there’s a shared space for the teachers in that building. Put your name and phone number on a sticky note and stick it on the fridge/bulletin board/white board letting them know there’s a reliable sub available! If there isn’t a pod, try the staff lounge.
You don’t need to bring the whole classroom, but the right tools will help you have leave feeling like you rocked this gig!
Sub Report. Have it pre-printed and ready to go. As a teacher now, I can’t tell you how important this is. The more communication, the better!
Band aids
Clipboard that opens up. This is where I keep sub reports, candy bar tags, pen, etc
Maybe these things aren’t your jam, but I always like to get ideas from other teacher’s personal preferences.
That first day walking into a classroom as the sub can feel a little nerve-wracking, kind of like showing up to a playdate where you don’t know the moms or the kids. You want to make a good impression, but you’re not totally sure what to expect. The good news? Your substitute teacher bag can be your secret weapon.
Here are a few more tips to help your first day go more smoothly:
Arrive a little early. Give yourself time to find the office, check in, review lesson plans, and breathe. Being early helps you settle in and avoid that rushed, flustered feeling.
Bring your own pen and sub notes template. It’s a small thing, but having your own pen means you’re not rummaging through the teacher’s desk. A pre-printed template or even a notebook to jot down what went well, any behavior notes, and what didn’t get covered makes you look organized and thoughtful.
Leave a thank-you note. A quick note to the classroom teacher goes a long way. It shows appreciation, builds trust, and makes you more likely to be requested again.
Have a few backup activities ready. Even when lesson plans are provided, there are often gaps – like finishing early or unexpected transitions. A few “bonus” activities (like a brain teaser, read-aloud, or creative writing prompt) can save the day.
A little folder with extra copies of your thank-you note template, a stash of simple time-fillers, and a few basic supplies mean you’re ready for whatever the day brings. You’ll feel confident, the students will feel secure, and the teacher will be so glad you were the one who showed up.
Want to know one of the easiest ways to be a great substitute teacher? Walk in prepared. Seriously. It doesn’t take a flashy outfit or a magic personality (although if you have those, bonus!). Being prepared is what really sets the tone.
The truth is, students tend to test substitutes. They’re curious. They want to know if you’re going to keep the structure they’re used to or if it’s going to be a free-for-all. When you come in confident, organized, and with a plan (even if it’s just a backup plan in your bag), they feel it. And they respond to it.
Being prepared isn’t just about having stuff. It’s about showing professionalism to the kids, to the staff, and to the teacher whose class you’re covering. Your bag quietly says, “I’ve done this before. I know what I’m doing. And I care.”
It’s such a simple thing, but that grab-and-go bag can help you go from just “filling in” to truly standing out.
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