Substitute Teacher Shortage: How to Keep Your Classrooms Staffed

Defining the Problem
Currently, there is a nationwide shortage of substitute teachers. As schools grow, the need for substitute teachers increases, but finding qualified candidates is becoming more difficult. Requirements vary by state and school, but generally, substitutes must assume all the teacher’s responsibilities during their absence, which can range from a single sick day to extended periods like maternity leave or sabbaticals.
The Importance of Managing the Shortage
On average, teachers in the US are absent 11 days each 186-day school year. These absences are often unplanned, necessitating immediate substitutes who can seamlessly continue the class’s activities. Without substitutes, students lose valuable class time, which can disrupt their learning and force teachers to sacrifice time from subjects like music, arts, gym, and health to make up for lost instruction.
How to Keep Classrooms Staffed
Solutions for School Districts
School districts have extensive resources but also face a larger number of classrooms to staff. Here are some strategies to maintain a robust pool of substitute teachers:
- Permanent Substitutes: Assign permanent substitutes to each school who are familiar with the staff, students, and building, promoting accountability and seamless integration.
- Retired Teachers: Utilize retired teachers eligible to work part-time while collecting their pensions, offering experienced substitutes and stability.
- Graduating Students: Recruit graduating college students who need teaching experience and are eager for work.
- Competitive Wages: Offer competitive wages and incentives like sign-on bonuses, monthly awards, free lunches, or travel reimbursements to attract and retain substitutes.
- Understand Requirements: Ensure you understand state requirements and candidate qualifications for substitute teaching. The National Education Association (NEA) lists all state and federal requirements.
Solutions for Individual Schools
Independent schools face their own set of challenges, often having fewer resources. Here are some tips to keep classrooms covered:
- Professional Development Days: Schedule professional development days outside of flu season and avoid Mondays and Fridays, which have the most call-outs.
- Summer Workshops: Use summer hours for larger seminars and workshops to avoid taking time from students.
- Address Absentee Problems: Meet with staff who have excessive absences to identify and resolve underlying issues.
- Substitute Teacher List: Maintain a reliable list of substitutes for immediate reference.
- Class Division: Instead of overloading a single teacher, divide a class among different teachers when coverage is needed.
- Compensation for Coverage: Offer stipends to teachers who cover classes during their lunch breaks.
- Emergency Plan: Develop a plan for last-minute or multiple absences, involving co-teachers, aides, coaches, and administrators.
Hiring Out Substitute Staffing
Outsourcing staffing to a specialized service can address many challenges schools face:
- Save Time: Recruiting services handle resume searches, clearance checks, interviews, and training, saving administrators time.
- Lower Costs: Staffing services provide affordable, qualified candidates, reducing hiring costs.
- Reduce Strain: Current staff won’t need to train new substitutes, ensuring smooth transitions.
- Qualified Pool: Access a large pool of qualified substitute teachers quickly, especially during high-need periods like flu season.
Be Prepared for Teacher Absences
Preparation is key to managing teacher absences effectively:
- Substitute List: Maintain an updated list of possible substitutes and ensure staff are familiar with them.
- Qualifications: Ensure substitutes have the necessary qualifications, typically a Bachelor’s degree in a teachable subject.
- Distance Consideration: Factor in the substitute’s proximity to the school to manage last-minute call-outs effectively.
- Community Integration: Involve substitutes in the school community to build rapport with students and staff, enhancing their effectiveness.
Need help staffing your organization? Call Aspire ES today. (267) 388-0670