How to Stop Losing Hours to Sub Planning (and Still Keep Your Class on Track)

Ugh, prepping for a sub is exhausting. It’s almost worth not calling in…almost.

Here’s the reality, planning for a sub doesn’t have to add to your stress or cost your sanity. With a few quick systems in place, you can be ready for any sub day without losing hours of your life in the process.

Quick Win #1: Prep Your Sub Folder in Advance

This is the number one time-saving strategy I can give you. Build a sub folder now, not the night before you’re out.

What to include:

• Step-by-step directions written for a non-specialist (assume your sub is not a science teacher).

• Ready-to-use student pages that don’t require additional materials.

• Digital links or simulations students can access instantly.

• One emergency plan per unit so you always have something on-topic and relevant.

👉 Action Step: Grab your free sub folder here. It comes with ready-to-go plans that you can start using as the foundation of your emergency folder.

Quick Win #2: Keep It On-Topic

Generic worksheets might keep kids busy, but they won’t keep them learning. Instead, choose assignments that tie into your current unit. This keeps students on track and saves you from reteaching content later. I hear you, this involves updates and work…eww. But, if you have to, you can write up-to-date sub plans like the ideas listed below from the textbook.

I have a better solution, so keep reading.

Easy ideas:

• A data analysis activity using a simple graph.

• A reading with guiding questions connected to your current standard.

• A simulation link with student prompts.

👉 Action Step: Pick one of these and drop it into your folder today. It doesn’t need to be perfect, it just needs to exist.

Quick Win #3: Go No-Prep

The best sub plans are self-contained. That means no digging through closets for supplies or prepping elaborate setups. The sub should be able to open your folder, hand out the pages, and get started.

Think:

• Student-ready worksheets that include everything they need.

• Simple labs or simulations that use backpack or classroom basics.

👉 Action Step: Audit your current emergency plan. If it requires special materials or setup, replace it with something simpler.

Quick Win #4: Lean on SciAcademy

We can call out the elephant in the room. Creating meaningful, on-topic sub plans takes time. And you already have more than enough on your plate. Yep, I get that 110%.

That’s why I created SciAcademy. It’s a library of ready-to-use physics and chemistry resources, labs, and emergency sub plans—all content-aligned, student-ready, and sub-proof.

Instead of reinventing the wheel every time you’re out, you can log in, download, and know your students will be covered with meaningful work.

This resource library updates monthly. Check out the pacing guides! You’ll always be current and up-to-date. And don’t let this plug fool you, SciAcademy includes way more than just sub plans.

👉 Action Step: Join SciAcademy today and never stress about an on-topic sub plan again.

Final Thoughts

You don’t have to lose hours every time you’re out. With a prepped folder, on-topic assignments, and no-prep strategies, you can take time away from your classroom knowing your students are still learning even when you’re not there.

Start small with the free sub folder download, and when you’re ready for the ultimate timesaver, hop into SciAcademy. Your future self (and your subs) will thank you.