Happy 2026! I am sure your year started off in a bang — just like mine. As the academic year gains momentum, I have found myself reflecting on the tools, ideas, and professional conversations that are already shaping my teaching practice in meaningful ways.

In recent months, I have discovered that Canva for Education, combined with Canva Code, is not just a tool for creating presentations or worksheets — it can be a powerful support system for teachers themselves.

This realisation came through a professional conversation with Eldorette Loots, who showed me how Canva Code can be applied to solve practical classroom challenges. Her insight after our networking session in December encouraged me to rethink how digital tools can be used to support teaching practice, not just student learning.

Canva for Education: Beyond Design

Canva for Education allows teachers to create, store, and adapt teaching resources efficiently. With built-in AI tools, lesson planning, resource design, and revision materials can be produced quickly and reused across years or grades. This is particularly helpful in CAT, where topics like information processing, networks, and hardware can be abstract and require clear, structured explanation.

From a teaching perspective, the advantages are clear:
– Efficiency: Reduce time spent creating resources from scratch.
– Consistency: Maintain clear and structured lessons across multiple classes.
– Differentiation: Easily adapt content for learners of varying abilities.
– Professional Practice: Encourage reflection, planning, and clarity in instruction.

 Introducing the Substitute Teacher Survival Tool

One of the most practical applications of Canva Code I have developed is the Substitute Teacher Survival Tool. This tool is designed for situations where a teacher is asked to substitute in a subject they may not know — a common challenge in senior grades and across multi-subject schools.

The tool was created using a Canva Code prompt, demonstrating that any idea can be turned into reality with the right digital tools. Teachers simply select the grade, subject, topic, lesson length, type of absence, and learner independence level. The app then produces a substitute-friendly lesson plan with step-by-step guidance, recommended activity types, classroom management prompts, and a simple end-of-lesson check. It is designed to be reusable, accessible, and practical — a tool that saves time, reduces stress, and ensures continuity of learning.

> Explore the tool here:
> https://creativeartscurro.my.canva.site/teacher-survival-tool

Why This Matters for Teachers

Using Canva and Canva Code in this way shifts the focus from technology as a novelty to technology as a teacher support system. It allows educators to:
– Plan lessons faster and more efficiently
– Prepare for challenging situations such as last-minute substitutions
– Focus on teaching quality rather than administrative burden
– Ensure curriculum alignment and lesson continuity

Tools like the Substitute Teacher Survival Tool demonstrate that AI and interactive design can support professional practice, not just student outcomes.

How I Created the Substitute Teacher Survival Tool

Turning this idea into a functional tool was simpler than you might think. Here’s a step-by-step guide to how I did it using Canva Code:

1. Define the problem
I asked myself: “What would make life easier if I had to substitute in a subject I don’t know?” This helped focus the tool on practical classroom needs rather than fancy features.

2. Decide on teacher inputs
I selected the key information teachers would need to provide:
– Grade
– Subject
– Topic
– Lesson length
– Type of absence
– Learner independence level

3. Write the Canva Code prompt
Using natural language, I described exactly what the tool should do: generate a substitute-friendly lesson plan with step-by-step instructions, suggested activities, and classroom management guidance.

4. Let Canva Code do the work
Canva Code interpreted the prompt and generated an interactive tool ready to test. At this stage, I could tweak instructions, flow, and output to match classroom reality.

5. Test and refine
I imagined different substitute scenarios, tried the tool with sample data, and adjusted wording to ensure clarity, usability, and practicality.

6. Share
Once finalised, I saved the tool as a shareable link so any teacher could use it immediately in their planning.

> The key takeaway: with a clear idea and a well-written prompt, any concept — no matter how specific or niche — can be turned into a working, interactive tool that supports real teaching practice.

My Final Thoughts

Canva for Education, enhanced by Canva Code, is a practical, flexible, and innovative solution for teachers who want to improve efficiency, plan better, and navigate unexpected classroom situations. The insights from Eldorette Loots were instrumental in shaping my approach, and this experience has reinforced the value of teacher collaboration, reflection, and professional networking.

For CAT teachers — and indeed all educators — embracing tools like Canva Code can transform how we teach, plan, and respond to the realities of modern classrooms.