Frontline Blog

Across the country, districts nationwide have noticed an issue this school year: a substitute teacher shortage. In fact, in a recent survey by STEDI.org, nearly 50% of respondents said they are facing a somewhat or very severe shortage of substitutes.

Can you believe it's almost back to school time? As administrators work feverishly to get ready for another year, teachers are also gearing up for school – and in a recent survey, gave us some insight into challenges they expect in the 2013-2014 school year. Do you know what challenges your teachers are facing – and how you can help?

"Because things are the way they are, things will not stay the way they are." – Bertolt Brecht This quote sums it up when it comes to the Affordable Care Act! Since the proposed regulations were released in February, some changes have occurred and we anticipate more – but many districts are still taking steps to address the coming mandate.

So you've pretty much written off most popular myths: the Loch Ness Monster, Bigfoot, we never really landed on the moon (conspiracy theorists, cover your ears)! But when it comes to time and attendance and workforce management systems, some myths are surprisingly hard to shake off. Here are some of the common myths school districts may believe about time and attendance systems – and the true stories you should know!

Billions spent on substitutes. Up to 50% teacher absenteeism in Rhode Island. Reduced student achievement. Ever since the media got a hold of newly released data on teacher absenteeism, these kinds of statements are prompting raised eyebrows and tough questions from the public.  But is it the whole story? And how do districts need to respond?

It's official: the new healthcare reform is not going away. Not only was the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act upheld by the Supreme Court last spring, but the IRS has also just released Proposed Regulations - this time with some rules specifically for educational organizations like school districts. While the regulations don't go into effect until January of 2014, the preparations are beginning now for many school districts that are realizing the far-reaching effects of the mandate on part-time employees - including substitute teachers.  Keep reading to learn some of the key points of the Affordable Care Act and why 2013 is a crucial time to prepare.