AI Tools for Stress-Free Substitute Teaching

Let’s be honest: writing sub plans is every teacher’s least favorite job. Even with the most detailed binder and a color-coded schedule, it never feels quite right leaving your classroom in someone else’s hands—especially when you’re sick at 10pm and can barely string a sentence together, let alone prepare a week of meaningful lessons for a stranger. As a veteran teacher who’s subbed (and been subbed for) in every subject from elementary P.E. to AP Chemistry, I know firsthand that the right AI tools can make the experience so much smoother.

Instead of praying your students don’t have a movie day, here are my favorite AI-powered strategies that save time, minimize chaos, and keep learning on track—whether you’re a teacher planning for a sub or a substitute stepping into a new classroom.

1. Fast, Standards-Aligned Lesson Skeletons with Kuraplan

It’s the night before your sub day, and your plans fell through. Don’t panic. I started using Kuraplan not just for my own planning, but for those emergency sub days. Plug in your subject, standards, and topics, and it churns out lesson outlines you can quickly customize. Even better: you can export a sub-friendly version with clear objectives, resource links, and built-in time estimates. My subs thank me—and students aren’t left with busywork.

2. Dynamic Review Activities with Jungle

No more running to the copier at 7am for last-minute review packets. Jungle lets your sub generate digital or printable flashcards and quiz games based on your unit’s vocabulary or main concepts. I leave instructions for the sub to select a different set each period, so kids stay engaged—and I get a real sense of what material needs re-teaching when I return.

3. Interactive History or Reading Lessons with People AI

Students love a new face, but struggle to participate with an unfamiliar adult at the front. That’s where People AI comes in: I leave a prompt for the sub to facilitate a real-time “interview” with an historical figure or author. It turns routine reading blocks or history periods into interactive class discussions, and even the shy kids chime in. Plus, there’s no prep for the sub beyond hitting ‘start’ and following the class script.

4. Rapid Differentiation with Diffit

One headache for anyone covering a classroom: mixed levels. If you’ve got a sub who isn’t sure how to adapt the reading for your ELLs or advanced readers, Diffit is a lifesaver. The sub uploads the assigned article or text, selects the needed level, and instantly gets a differentiated version with built-in questions and vocabulary—no advanced tech skills required.

5. AI-Generated Brain Break Songs with Suno AI

Let’s face it: sometimes kids (and subs!) need a reset. I now leave Suno AI as a go-to when transitions get rough—subs type in a quick prompt (“fractions,” “rainy day PE,” or “test anxiety”) and Suno spits out an original, classroom-friendly song. It’s a safe, engaging way to break up the day and re-energize the room—no need to resort to outdated YouTube videos.

6. Instantly Visualized Presentations with Gamma

If you want your sub to focus on discussion not scrolling slides, Gamma lets you take your lesson outline or even a few quick notes and turn them into visually organized slides with clickable talking points. I batch these before planned absences, but it works great in a pinch—just send a bulleted outline and have professional-looking visuals ready for your class.

Final Thoughts: Making Sub Days Smoother (for Everyone)

No AI tool can clone your rapport with students, but the right ones make substitute teaching (both giving and receiving) so much less stressful. I always:

• Test my digital instructions ahead of time (not every sub is tech-savvy!)
• Leave logins and backup plans, just in case
• Invite the sub to leave notes for me—powered by AI if they want, but pencil works too!

Most importantly: I give myself grace. Sub days won’t be perfect, and that’s okay. My students get to practice flexibility, my sub feels empowered, and I can actually rest when I need to.

What’s your favorite AI trick for prepping sub plans or making a new class feel less intimidating? Leave your tips below—let’s help every teacher breathe easier, one sub day at a time.