You’ve got lessons to teach, standards to hit, and a stack of meetings—and the last thing you want is to spend an hour nudging tables around in Word. If you’re hunting for free, editable lesson plan templates for teachers that you can open, tweak, and use right away, you’re in the right place. Whether you prefer Google Docs, Word, PDF, or a digital workspace, the goal is the same: a clean, flexible layout that makes planning faster and differentiation easier.
This guide curates the 12 best options from trusted sources—complete with daily and weekly layouts, UDL-friendly structures, and administrator-ready formats. For each template, you’ll see what it includes, who it’s best for, and the file types available, including Google Docs, Word, Excel, OneNote, Notion, and PDFs. You’ll even find our own UDL lesson plan template from The Cautiously Optimistic Teacher. Grab what fits your planning style and get back to the part you actually enjoy—teaching.
1. The Cautiously Optimistic Teacher — UDL lesson plan template (Google Docs + Word)
Prefer lesson plan templates for teachers that put accessibility first? This UDL-driven template helps you anticipate barriers, layer supports, and map assessments before activities—keeping learning clear for every student and your plans admin-ready.
What it includes
Streamlined, UDL-aligned prompts plus the planning essentials.
- Objectives/standards and success criteria.
- Checks for understanding and assessment plan.
- Accommodations and supports for diverse learners.
- Procedures and timing, plus reflection/next steps.
Best for
Built for clarity and differentiation.
- Mixed-ability classes and inclusive classrooms.
- New or veteran teachers submitting admin-ready plans.
- Student teachers building a portfolio.
File types and access
Open, edit, and share in minutes.
- Google Docs: make a copy to customize.
- Microsoft Word: download the .docx and edit.
- Print for binders or share digitally.
2. Canva — lesson plan templates (free, editable)
Canva’s free, editable lesson plan templates give you a polished layout fast. Start from a blank or pick from dozens of ready-made pages—guided reading, kindergarten, and advanced formats that separate objectives and tasks—then personalize the look with classroom-friendly themes. Perfect when you need admin-ready plans in minutes.
What it includes
- Dozens of free, editable lesson plan templates for teachers.
- Guided reading, kindergarten, and advanced layouts that separate objectives and tasks.
- Themes to match your classroom.
Best for
- Visual planners who want fast, clean pages.
- Elementary teams standardizing a look.
- Sub plans and parent overviews.
File types and access
- Edit in-browser for free in Canva.
- Use a template or start from scratch.
- Print when you’re done.
3. Microsoft Create — lesson plan templates (Word, Excel, OneNote)
Microsoft Create offers free, fully customizable lesson plan templates for teachers in familiar Office formats. Pick a design that keeps learning goals on track, then edit quickly in Word or Excel and keep everything organized alongside your OneNote notebook for a smooth, digital-first planning workflow.
What it includes
A flexible gallery you can tailor to your planning style.
- Free, fully customizable lesson plan templates.
- Word and Excel-ready formats.
- Clean, editable layouts you can adapt.
Best for
Ideal if your school runs on Microsoft 365.
- Teachers planning in Word or Excel.
- Teams standardizing a consistent look.
File types and access
Fast to open, edit, and share.
- Open from Microsoft Create; edit in Word or Excel (web/desktop).
- Organize alongside your OneNote notebook.
4. Google Docs templates — lesson plans (3-column, 5-section)
Planning in Google Drive? These Google Docs lesson plan templates for teachers—available in clean 3-column and 5-section layouts—give you a ready-made structure you can copy and customize fast, with simple formatting and easy sharing. Ideal when you want straightforward planning without design fuss.
What it includes
Two formats you can customize.
- 3-column lesson plan layout.
- 5-section lesson plan layout.
- Editable headings and printer-friendly spacing.
Best for
Best when simplicity matters.
- Google-first schools and teams.
- Daily plans you can scan fast.
- New teachers needing a clear structure.
File types and access
Quick to copy, share, print.
- Google Docs: make a copy to edit.
- Share or print directly from Drive.
- Download a PDF for submission.
5. TeacherPlanet — blank lesson plan templates
Need blank lesson plan templates for teachers fast? TeacherPlanet pairs simple templates with a large library—by subject, unit, month, Common Core, and ESL—so you can grab-and-go.
What it includes
Snapshot below. Highlights:
- Blank templates + extras: worksheets, rubrics, themes, and certificates.
- 500+ resources: organized by subject, unit, monthly plans, Common Core goals, and ESL.
Best for
Use it when speed matters. Who benefits:
- Subject/unit/month variety: choose formats for pacing needs.
- Standards/ESL alignment: plan to Common Core or ESL quickly.
File types and access
Getting started is simple. Notes:
- Access: free templates available on TeacherPlanet; availability varies by resource.
- Formats: vary by item; many are print‑ready.
6. Teachwire — blank lesson plan templates roundup
Teachwire rounds up blank lesson plan templates for teachers—more than a dozen, each credited and linked to the original file. It’s a fast way to compare formats and grab a layout that fits your planning style.
What it includes
Curated, teacher-created options in one place.
- 12+ blank, teacher‑made templates.
- Links to original downloads and creator credit.
Best for
Perfect when you want proven, no‑frills layouts fast.
- Teachers assembling go‑to layouts.
- Teams comparing formats quickly.
File types and access
Downloads live with creators.
- Open the roundup, then follow source links.
- Formats vary by template; check each page.
7. UNH College of Professional Studies — teacher candidate lesson plan template (Google Docs)
From the UNH College of Professional Studies, this teacher candidate lesson plan template in Google Docs walks you from objectives to reflection—ideal when you need lesson plan templates for teachers that meet program standards. It’s paired with an annotated example, a reflection form, and a universal rubric.
What it includes
- Goals/objectives, data evaluation, instruction/activities, and reflection.
- Annotated lesson plan, plus optional reflection template and universal rubric.
Best for
- Teacher candidates and student teachers.
- Practicum/portfolio submissions aligned to rubrics.
File types and access
- Google Docs: make a copy to edit.
- Supporting docs also in Google Docs.
9. Mrs. Jones’ Creation Station — weekly lesson plan template (editable)
Planning a week at a glance? This editable template from Mrs. Jones’ Creation Station gives you a binder-friendly spread: top boxes to map schedule and subjects, roomy lesson boxes for standards and notes, and bottom sections for literacy/math centers and morning tubs.
What it includes
- Weekly spread: top schedule/subject boxes to note block times.
- Roomy lesson boxes: space for lessons, standards, and notes.
- Centers section: bottom boxes for literacy/math centers and morning tubs.
Best for
- Elementary teachers running centers.
- One-glance weekly planning for grade-level teams.
- Busy first weeks with shifting schedules.
File types and access
- Access: free, editable, print-ready download.
- Requirement: site login needed to download.
10. Notion — lesson plan templates
Notion’s free lesson plan templates for teachers help you plan cleanly. They support structuring dynamic lectures and organizing interactive activities, providing a clear, adaptable framework for every class. Choose a layout that fits your class and adapt it as needed.
What it includes
- Free templates: a comprehensive framework for every class.
- Lecture + activity structure: layouts for structuring lectures and organizing interactive activities.
Best for
- Digital planners: teachers who prefer planning digitally.
- Template-first planning: anyone building reusable, adaptable planning pages.
File types and access
- Access: available as Notion templates.
- Use: customize directly in Notion.
11. Teachers Pay Teachers — free lesson plan templates
Want lots of options without the design work? Teachers Pay Teachers’ free results for “lesson plan template” surface a wide mix of lesson plan templates for teachers you can use today. It’s an easy way to compare styles across grades and subjects and grab a format that fits your planning routine.
What it includes
- Free listings: a variety of lesson plan templates.
- Formats: daily, weekly, unit, and subject-specific.
Best for
- Comparing many styles quickly.
- Trying templates before settling on one.
File types and access
- Formats vary by item; check listing details.
- Access: browse the Free results and download.
12. Venngage — visual lesson plan templates
Want a plan that reads like a crisp one‑pager? Venngage, known for infographics and posters, shares visual lesson plan examples and guidance so you can build a clean, scannable layout. Great alongside lesson plan templates for teachers when you need a quick summary.
What it includes
Adaptable visuals.
- Visual tools: infographics and posters, plus lesson plan examples and tips.
Best for
Clarity at a glance.
- One‑page lesson overviews and posters for classroom rules or course objectives.
File types and access
Online access.
- Edit in‑browser; free for students (with restrictions) and educator discounts.
Conclusion
With these 12 free, editable lesson plan templates for teachers, pick one base layout that fits your routine, make a master copy, and stop wrestling with formatting. Standardize your headings, align to standards once, and reuse. Whether you plan in Google, Microsoft, or Notion, you’ll have a clear, admin‑ready structure that keeps differentiation front and center.
Want a head start? Download our UDL lesson plan template and explore time‑savers like the Differentiated Instruction Helper, Worksheet Maker, Question Generator, and Report Card Commentor—all built to cut planning time and boost clarity. Start here: The Cautiously Optimistic Teacher.