(Designed) Clipboard- This is an essential tool for the substitute teacher. Lesson plans are very important and need to be with you the whole day. Get a clipboard that stands out so if you set your plans somewhere you can find it or ask a student, “do you know where I put that cool clipboard I had?”
Planner- Keep record of your subbing days with the name of the teacher you subbed for so you can make sure you are being paid correctly and can keep track of how many years you have to put towards getting your professional certification (180 days subbing = 1 year). You may also get asked to take days in advance and you will want to know what you have available.
Colored Pens- Grading papers. Also stands out when leaving notes on plans.
Folder/Binder- Put all important subbing papers in one spot (school calendar, phone numbers, computer passwords, etc.).
Accordion file folder- Keep materials for different grades in each section in case the teachers plans aren't long enough or not their at all.
Whistle or bell- A whistle is great for calling the kids to go back inside and a bell really gets their attention in a classroom. I prefer to use clap patterns with elementary classes but I have used the bell in middle and high school and it usually works.
Candy/Stickers/Prizes- Rewards are a great way to get students to stay on task. Many teachers already have a reward system but if they don't put how it is used in their plans then resort to using your own. Elementary students respond well to stickers and pencils/toys but middle/highschool are usually all about the candy.
Sticky Notes- Some things other than the plans will need notes (example: Finished and Unfinished math papers or “A student brought me this book that is missing pages”)
(High School) Referrals, Attendance Forms, Passes- Ask the office if you can get copies of these. Sometimes it is easier just to carry your own then to try and find where the teacher keeps them.
Ball/Card Games- Let the students toss a ball in a circle while waiting for the bus (make sure it is soft and can't break anything) or give the kids in your study hall cards to play with. They like new things to do, it will keep them occupied and make you look cool.
(Elementary) Read Aloud Books- If you have extra time between subjects you can fill time with reading. My favorites are The Book With no Pictures by B. J. Novak and Ish by Peter Reynolds and pretty much any children's poetry book for the older ones.
(Elementary)Labels- Not knowing students names makes it very hard to have good classroom management. Some students sit at desks with their names but they wont always be in that seat. Plain All Purpose Labels can be used to give students name tags and are much cheaper than "Hello my name is..." stickers.
USB- Keep extra lessons or brain break videos on a USB that you can plug in and use on a smart board.
Book/Magazines- You will have planning periods and down times where there wont be much to do. Bring a book to read so you wont be bored but you still look professional when someone walks in.
