Substitute teachers are in short supply, but many schools still don't pay them a living wage
Substitute teachers are in short supply, but many schools still don't pay them a living wage
As schools across the country are reporting shortages, some switch to extreme measures to keep classrooms staffed.
A severe substitute teacher shortage in the Florida school district where Barbara Clyatt works means when the first grade teacher submits for time off, there's not always someone who can cover. Students can get split up and placed in other classes — which can be disruptive to their education.
"There's some kids who thrive on a set schedule, it needs to be the same every single day. And when that gets thrown away, the last thing they're doing is paying attention to what you're teaching," said Clyatt.
Substitute teacher shortages, like the broader shortage of teachers, are happening in school districts around the country — and are directly connected.
"The substitute crisis, I believe, has reached crisis proportions, because there's greater demand than supply," said Lisa Thomas, a substitute teacher in Connecticut and chair of the Coventry Town Council. "The demand is high because we don't have the teachers we need."
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In my state, before Covid sub pay was $100 a day in many districts and a bachelor’s degree was required. My son made more than that at Starbucks after tips.
The state had to lower the bar as far as degree because during Covid the few who were willing to accept this pay had to find other jobs until schools reopened. They didn’t come back. Now schools are still posting sub positions that state that a bachelor’s degree in that subject area is required, a master’s degree is preferred, and the pay is $130 a day. But someone with a high school degree is also paid $130 a day for other sub positions. The expectations are very different for the two positions, but the pay is the same.