Ah, new beginnings… Welcome to the first episode in a new series from Frontline Education: “Explain It Like I’m 9.” In each episode, our elementary and middle school-aged experts will take a quick look at a data point that impacts school leaders. Then, they’ll examine what it can tell us, and offer some takeaways or questions for reflection.
All in 2 minutes or less!
A Closer Look at the Substitute Shortage
Can’t find enough substitute teachers to cover teacher absences? Seems like a simple case of not enough substitutes, right? But not so fast…
While you might need a larger pool of substitutes, it’s also possible that you have plenty — and that they just aren’t taking jobs in your district. The Frontline Research & Learning Institute found that on any given month or school year, half of all substitute teachers did not work. And on average, substitutes only work about four days a month. All that adds up — nationally, only 80 percent of teacher absences are covered by a qualified substitute.
Try talking to the substitute teachers in your district:
- If they aren’t taking jobs, why not?
- What steps could you take to make your school or district a more attractive place for them to work?
For kids, it could mean the difference between a class covered by a skilled substitute teacher, and study hall.