subinThe Sub’s Handbook
Build your game plan →

subinverb

To fill in.
To make a difference.

A speed-management tool for the substitute teacher.
Walk into any classroom ready to lead it.

See how it worksBuild your game plan →

The job

It’s called
speed management.

The challenge of creating structure and organization in a classroom filled with students who don’t know you, may believe they don’t owe you anything, and are deciding whether you’re worth their attention. All that within the time constraint of a class period.

That’s the real work of substitute teaching, or guest teaching as it’s also called. It’s rarely taught, and rarely supported.

subin was built by someone who has lived it.

“Credibility is built through action. Legitimacy is granted by those you serve.”

The principle subin is built on.

The Sub’s Handbook

When you’re already in the room.

Twelve entries on what this job actually puts you in front of. Click to explore.

Before the bell

  1. Nobody told me anything.
  2. There are no lesson plans.
  3. The plans don’t work.

Holding the room

  1. The class won’t quiet down.
  2. They say the teacher lets them.
  3. Can I go to the bathroom?
  4. One kid won’t do anything.
  5. I finished twenty minutes early.

When it’s not yours to solve

  1. There’s a para in the room.
  2. A big feeling and no context.
  3. A conflict is escalating.

Handing it back

  1. What do I leave for the teacher?
Read the case for taking this job seriously →

The Tools

A game plan, and a back pocket.

Two tools, ready the moment you need them.

Game Plan

Opening move, period structure, re-engagement prompts, bright spot setup, a worked example, and practice problems — generated in seconds.

Back Pocket

Jokes, quotes, history facts, discussion starters, and brain teasers — filtered to your grade level.

How it works

Ready in three steps.

1

Set the room

Grade, subject, and how charged the room is feeling.

The Game Plan form, with grade, subject and energy set
2

Get your game plan

A clear, minute-by-minute structure for the period — built in seconds.

A built game plan, opening move first
3

Walk in ready

Lead the room with confidence — and catch the bright spots.

Back Pocket resources for the grade
Bright spots

Those unscripted moments when a student grasps a concept in real time. They’re unpredictable, and they’re the reward. subin helps you create the conditions for more of them.

The Mission

Elevating the role of the
substitute teacher.

Substitute teaching is one of the most challenging and least supported roles in education. subin exists to change that: to give substitute teachers the tools the work deserves, and to help schools close the coverage gap and keep the focus on the students.

Build your game plan →