The LEARN Standards
Professional Benchmarks for Substitute Educators Nationwide
The LEARN Standards provide five research-backed domains that define professional competency and drive measurable improvements in classroom quality, student continuity, and substitute retention.
Setting Standards for Substitute Educators Nationwide
Substitute teachers and paraeducators play a critical role in maintaining student learning continuity, yet until now, no national standards have existed to guide their professional development. Districts have been left to create their own benchmarks—or operate without them entirely.
The result? Inconsistent quality, unclear expectations, and missed opportunities to support the professionals who step into classrooms every day.
The LEARN Standards change that.
Developed by Ed.D.-credentialed educators, HR professionals, and learning and development experts, these standards establish clear, measurable benchmarks for substitute educator performance. They provide districts with a framework to:
- Define expectations for substitute teacher and paraeducator competency
- Deliver training that translates to real classroom impact
- Measure performance consistently across all substitute educators
- Improve retention through professional development and support
Five Domains of Professional Excellence
The LEARN Standards define what every effective substitute educator should know and be able to do across five core competency areas:
L — Leads and Supports Instruction for All Learners
Effective substitute educators understand and apply age-appropriate, differentiated teaching methods. They use lesson plans and instructional best practices to ensure learning continuity, facilitate classroom activities, and provide targeted assistance based on individual student needs and abilities.
Key Competencies:
- Uses lesson plans and instructional best practices to ensure continuity of learning.
- Facilitates classroom activities and assists all students in mastering learning goals.
- Provides targeted assistance based on student needs and abilities.
- Demonstrates understanding of core content and explains concepts clearly.
- Offers timely, constructive feedback on student progress.
E — Ensures a Safe and Productive Learning Environment
Substitute educators create and maintain safe, inclusive spaces where all students can learn. They clearly communicate classroom expectations, acknowledge diverse backgrounds and abilities, and stay actively engaged to monitor behavior and interactions.
Key Competencies:
- Outlines and reinforces classroom and school rules using positive language.
- Acknowledges and respects each student's unique background, abilities, and perspectives.
- Demonstrates awareness of special needs and adapts teaching methods for all learners.
- Practices emergency procedures including fire drills, lockdowns, and evacuations.
- Actively and appropriately engages with students, monitoring behavior and interactions at all times.
A — Acts Professionally and Ethically
Professional substitute educators demonstrate reliability, integrity, and appropriate boundaries. They follow school policies and legal guidelines, prioritize student needs and safety, and engage in ongoing learning and development.
Key Competencies:
- Maintains punctuality, reliability, and professional appearance.
- Follows school policies and legal guidelines including mandated reporter responsibilities.
- Manages confidentiality and sensitive information appropriately.
- Acts with honesty and integrity in all interactions.
- Maintains professional boundaries with students and staff.
- Engages in ongoing professional learning and development.
R — Recognizes the Whole Child
Substitute educators understand that effective teaching addresses cognitive, emotional, and social development. They use behavior management techniques that foster student self-esteem and engagement, and employ proactive strategies to prevent and manage conflicts.
Key Competencies:
- Uses behavior management techniques that foster student self-esteem and motivation.
- Supports student cognitive, emotional, and social development.
- Uses proactive conflict prevention and management techniques.
- Remains calm and objective during crisis moments.
- Builds positive, supportive, and trusting relationships with students.
N — Navigates the Educational Setting Appropriately
Effective substitute educators collaborate with teachers, administrators, paraeducators, and other stakeholders to provide a consistent educational experience. They communicate student performance and behavior appropriately and show empathy and respect to all members of the school community.
Key Competencies:
- Communicates student performance and behavior with relevant district and school employees.
- Builds positive relationships with students, fostering supportive and trusting rapport.
- Interacts appropriately with educational stakeholders to provide continuity.
- Shows empathy and respect to all people in the educational environment.
- Collaborates effectively as part of the educational team.
Built on Evidence, Designed for Impact
The LEARN Standards aren't just aspirational—they're grounded in extensive research on effective teaching practices and adult learning principles.
Research-Backed Development: Our review of hundreds of studies confirms what educators know intuitively: investing in substitute teacher training delivers measurable results. Research shows that:
- Quality teaching matters: Teacher education, licensing, and professional development make an important difference in the qualifications and capacities that teachers bring to their work (Linda Darling-Hammond's analysis of NAEP data)
- Training improves outcomes: A 10-year longitudinal study published by the Economics of Education Review confirms a direct and positive link between teacher professional development, teaching practices, and student achievement
- Preparedness drives retention: Research from the Siber Journal of Advanced Multidisciplinary shows a strong link between employee preparedness and reduced attrition rates
Adult Learning Best Practices: The LEARN Standards framework uses proven adult learning methodologies to ensure training effectiveness. Our approach goes beyond traditional sit-and-get professional development, incorporating:
- Interactive, mobile-friendly learning experiences
- Practical applications for knowledge retention
- Automated assessments for comprehension checking
- Real-world scenarios and case studies
- Continuous feedback and improvement opportunities
Bring the LEARN Standards to life in your district.
The LEARN Standards aren't just a framework—they're the foundation of a complete ecosystem of support for substitute educators. Kelly Education brings these standards to life through two integrated approaches:
