Sub plans and tips for substitute teachers in 9 elective and core subjects. 

As a substitute teacher, you’ll likely teach many subjects, from electives like music and Spanish to core classes like history and math. You might be nervous about substitute teaching certain subjects where you have less familiarity—and aren’t left sub plans. 

Substitute teachers often must have emergency sub plans in their back pocket or backup lesson plans when things don’t go as planned.  In this post, we’ll provide tips for various subject classrooms. Each article links to more detailed information. 

English class 

Science class 

History or Social Studies class  

Math class 

Special Education assignments 

Art class 

Music class 

Foreign Language class 

Gym class 

English class 

As a substitute teacher, you likely remember which teachers inspired you to go beyond your comfort zone––and which didn’t. Use that as motivation to rise to the challenge. A few quick tips: 

• Allow students to practice before reading aloud in class. Some students have anxiety, and you don’t want to put them on the spot. 

• Giving students a writing prompt is a quick, easy activity if you need to engage students. Give a prompt that can be completed within the class time.  

• If the teacher didn’t leave sub plans, check out our article with ideas for backup language arts activities for various grade levels.  

Science class

Feeling rusty on photosynthesis or how compounds interact? Fortunately, you don’t need to recall your high school science lessons to teach a science class. Your main goal is to execute the sub plans and facilitate the class. A few quick tips: 

• If there’s a lab scheduled for the day, let the school administrators know. There are policies that prohibit substitute teachers from supervising classes where students use lab equipment or machinery.   

• Consider starting class with a writing prompt on the board that relates to the lesson.  The question should help students recall what they learned yesterday and will build on today.  

• We’ve got a few ideas for age-appropriate activities if no sub plans are left. Always check with the office first if you can’t find the teacher’s plans. 

Social Studies or History class

Now is your chance to bring history to life. A few tips: 

• Be naturally interested in the topic your students are learning about. Ask them to share what they learned the day before.  

• If politics is brought up, steer them back to the lesson at hand. Substitute teachers should not share their political beliefs in a classroom. 

• Come prepared with backup history-related sub plans and activities to keep the students engaged if no lesson plans are provided.  

Math class

Some say multiplication and division are more their style than algebra and calculus. Other substitute teachers love math formulas and theorems so much that they can’t wait to get in front of students to share their knowledge! Either way, a few tips will make the day more productive: 

• Not sure how to do the steps of a math problem? Refer to the lesson plans to ensure you’re presenting the algorithm correctly. 

• Consider letting students work in small groups or pairs. 

• If a student asks if a problem is right or wrong, there’s often a teacher’s book with the answers. Use the book as a resource if you need it! 

• Have a backup plan in place with grade level math activity ideas. 

Special Education assignments

In some states, there’s required training to substitute teach for a special education teacher. You’ll want to check before accepting an assignment. 

• Before entering the classroom, be sure you understand Individualized Education Plans (IEPs). 

• Arrive early to review the notes left by the teacher, read behavior plans, and become familiar with the specific accommodations and modifications of the students in your class.  

• Safety comes first, so note any allergies, mobility struggles, or other medical needs.  

• Be patient and calm. Students with special needs often take more time to complete their assignments. You may need to provide more support as they work. 

You’ll also likely have a paraeducator in class who will support students. Read our full article for more tips when covering for a special education teacher. 

Sub plans for elective classes.

When it comes to substitute teaching, elective classes may seem like a stretch. It’s okay if you aren’t a gifted artist or musician—no one expects you to be. Remember, your primary goal is to support the students.  

Art class

So, you haven’t picked up an art brush (or even a marker) since art class in high school? It’s okay. When substitute teaching for an art class, it’s important to support creativity and keep students on task.  

• Encourage students to do their work and compliment it. 

• Your job is to monitor and facilitate the class–not participate. So resist the urge to pick up that brush or marker.  

• Pay attention to the time. Cleaning up can take longer compared to other classes. 

• Backup activities are always a good idea when the teacher doesn’t leave sub plans. These should be age-appropriate and easy to do. Run your idea past the school administrator first.  

Music class

The regular music teacher realizes there’s a good chance their substitute won’t know music theory–or even where “middle C” is on a piano. If they left a sub plan, it’s going to be something you can handle. A few tips: 

• Have a positive attitude and be interested in the creativity of these students. Ask them to talk about what they’ve been working on for their next concert or performance. 

• If they warm up at the start of class, find out who leads that exercise, or look for volunteers.  

• Check out these music-related activities if your teacher didn’t have time to leave a sub plan. Our list includes ideas for multiple grade levels. Always check with the administrator about your plan for the day.  

Foreign Language class

For a foreign language class, it’s best to use English to communicate, unless you’re comfortable speaking the foreign language.  

• Learn a quick greeting in the language! You can search for it on the internet. 

• Be upfront with students and let them know you’re not fluent in the language. 

• Don’t rely on free translation tools on the web to help your students, they aren’t always reliable. 

• If a sub plan isn’t available, get creative with age-appropriate foreign language activities. Be sure to check with the administrator about your plan. 

Gym class

When substituting for a gym teacher, bring your most positive energy. This class doesn’t usually meet in a classroom with desks, so a whistle might be needed to capture attention and bring everyone together. 

• Remember, not every student (much like adults) has the same athletic skill set. Coordination, collaboration, sportsmanship, and critical thinking are all learned through gym class. 

•  Dress comfortably and appropriately for the day.  

•  Focus first on safety. Be familiar with concussion protocol, CPR/AED, etc. 

• Don’t participate in the activity. You aren’t trained. You may not be physically fit. You can’t focus on supervising if you are participating. 

• Get more details on all these gym class tips.  

Grow as a substitute teacher with Kelly Education. 

Want more substitute teacher tips and tricks? We’ve got you covered!  

Whether you’re curious about substitute teacher dress codes, websites for teacher worksheets, or aren’t sure how to introduce yourself to the class, Kelly Education shares everything you should know about substitute teaching. Also check out more details about teaching in elementary, middle, and high school. 

Start your substitute teaching career today! 

Want to become a substitute teacher? Fill out our brief interest form, and one of our recruiters will contact you. We’re excited to answer your questions and share more about opportunities to become a substitute teacher with one of our school district partners. 

I’m interested