About SubNotes

SubNotes is a simple idea: give substitute teachers a place to share what they see in schools, so families and educators can understand school environments beyond test scores and ratings. We are starting with San Francisco Unified School District (SFUSD) and will grow from there.

What SubNotes is

For substitute teachers

Subs see many campuses and classrooms. SubNotes gives them a thoughtful place to record those experiences, highlight what works well, and flag areas where more support is needed. Over time, this can also help subs choose assignments that fit them.

For families

SubNotes helps parents and caregivers get a feel for the daily experience at a school — how the day flows, how students are supported, and what the campus environment is like. It is meant to complement existing information, not replace it.

For schools and districts

Schools can use SubNotes as another channel for feedback on climate and operations. The goal is to surface patterns that can support stronger school culture, not to shame or rank schools.

How it works

Verified contributors

Notes are written by verified substitute teachers. We confirm identity and role before granting contributor access, so readers know the perspective is grounded in real work in classrooms.

Short narrative notes

Instead of star ratings, SubNotes emphasizes short narratives: what went smoothly, what felt challenging, and what stood out about the day. The tone we aim for is honest, constructive, and specific.

School profiles

Each school has a profile page with basic information, maps, photos, and SubNotes. Over time, profiles can also include amenities like gender-neutral bathrooms, security staff, and athletic facilities.

Frequently asked questions

Who can write notes on SubNotes?

Right now, only verified substitute teachers can write a sub note. Substitute teachers are verified by our Community Managers.

Do you publish star ratings for schools?

Not at this time. SubNotes focuses on narrative context rather than stars. We may reference existing external ratings (like Yelp) where relevant, but the core of SubNotes is written notes and simple indicators of what a school has, such as facilities or support staff.

How do you handle sensitive information?

We do not publish student names or personal details. Notes are meant to describe school climate, structure, and support — not individual children. If a note is too specific or identifies a person, it will be edited or removed by our Community Managers.

Can schools ask for corrections or context?

Yes. If a school believes a note is inaccurate or missing context, they can contact us. We want SubNotes to be fair and constructive. When appropriate, we may add clarifications or invite follow-up notes from other verified subs.

Will SubNotes always be limited to SFUSD?

We are starting with San Francisco Unified School District to keep the scope focused and build something useful with real depth. In the future, we may expand to other districts where substitutes and communities find this helpful.

I am a substitute teacher. How can I get involved?

If you are a sub and interested in contributing, you can reach out through the contact or sign-up link on the main site. We will follow up with a short verification process before granting access to write notes.