It would be great if you could just go into an office supply store and purchase a substitute teacher kit with everything you need already put together. However, it is relatively easy to gather up the items below and create your own kit. Remember to replenish the kit periodically so it is always ready for you. There are a few items almost every teacher would agree are useful. These include: Sharpened pencils, pens in several colors, markers, scissors and other supplies Pad of paper, suitable for sharing with students or writing a note to the teacher Today's newspaper Set of index cards Variety of magazines suitable for children to use for extra activities Money for lunch and emergencies Mouthwash, toothbrush and/or mints Coffee mug Appropriate clothes and supplies, such as a whistle for physical education classes Package of Post-itŪ notes Depending on the age of your students, the subjects you teach and your own personality, you may also want to add a few of the following: Poster board Poster with rules written for everyone to see Name tags (for both you and the students) Clean shirt or blouse Substitute notebook School district map List of schools, phone numbers and principal names Items related to the subject you are teaching (coupons for math, Spanish CD for language class, book to read aloud to students, road maps for geography, etc.) Sponge or rubber ball All these items can easily fit into a small, inexpensive suitcase with wheels. However, before you think you have everything you need for success, remember you also need to have some sure-fire classroom techniques.