OTT 253: What to Do Before You Get Sick – Smart Planning for the Inevitable

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Every teacher knows the feeling: waking up with a scratchy throat or fever, but dreading the thought of writing sub plans while sick. What if you could eliminate that stress with some smart planning now?

The beginning of the school year brings excitement, fresh starts, and, unfortunately, exposure to countless classroom germs. As someone who battled chronic sinus infections throughout my teaching career (later diagnosed as an autoimmune condition), I learned the hard way that emergency sub plans aren't just helpful—they're essential for your well-being and peace of mind.

Think of emergency sub plans as your teaching insurance policy. They might be tedious to create, but they're invaluable when needed. Most districts require at least five days of emergency plans stored where colleagues can access them. The best plans keep it simple with review activities rather than new learning, clear instructions, and print-ready materials that don't require technology navigation. Your substitute—who might range from an experienced former teacher to a new college graduate—will thank you for the clarity.

Creating a dedicated sub-tub or binder with clearly labeled materials makes implementing your plans seamless, even if you can't communicate directly with your replacement. Start by preparing just one day of plans; this gives you breathing room to add more gradually. Store everything where a designated buddy teacher can access it if needed.

You deserve to rest when sick without the weight of classroom guilt. Your students will be fine for a day (or more) without you, especially with thoughtfully prepared activities keeping them engaged. Whether you're managing laryngitis from teaching, caring for a sick child, or simply needing a mental health day, having emergency plans ready is your gift to your future self.

Ready to get started? Download my free day of ready-to-use emergency sub plans at the link in the show notes, and check out my complete sub plan bundles if you want comprehensive coverage for the entire year. Your future sick self will thank you!

Free Day of Sub Plans

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