What essential information should a substitute teacher include in a note left for the regular teacher?

A summary of the day's activities and student behavior is crucial for a substitute teacher to include in their note to the regular teacher. This type of information provides the regular teacher with insights into how the class was conducted, which lessons were successful, and any challenges that arose during the substitute's time in the classroom. It helps the regular teacher gauge student engagement and understanding on that day, allowing them to plan future lessons effectively based on the substitute's observations.

While detailed analyses of student performance might provide valuable insights, they are typically not feasible for a substitute, who may not have the full context of ongoing assessments or individual student progress. Personal opinions about the teacher's methods may not be appropriate, as substitutes should focus on what happened during the day rather than subjective judgments. Requests for future topics to teach would generally not be necessary; the regular teacher would typically have a planned curriculum that the substitute follows. Thus, including a summary of activities and behaviors is both relevant and practical.