Despite some evidence showing an overall improvement in the national teacher shortage, schools nationwide continue to navigate staffing challenges. This is especially true for critical subject areas such as math and science, and for supporting students with special needs. As a result, the demand for skilled, reliable substitute educators has never been greater. Yet, many districts struggle to simply recruit and place high-quality substitute teachers. What’s more, most administrators find it difficult to prioritize the training and support substitute educators need to seamlessly integrate into classrooms and provide continuity of learning.
At Kelly Education, we've identified four critical priorities for preparing, supporting, and retaining substitute teachers who are confident, competent, and committed to continuing learning when full-time teachers are out. This comprehensive approach guides schools on actions they can take to transform this vital workforce from stopgap resources to integral members of the education community, ultimately benefiting students, permanent educators, and school communities alike.
Effective substitute teachers are equipped with the right training, tools, and knowledge before they ever step into a classroom. Classroom-ready substitute teachers understand the role of the substitute teacher, and can adapt to various classroom environments, implement lesson plans as intended, and maintain positive learning environments even in challenging circumstances. This level of effectiveness doesn’t arise as an afterthought but through thorough comprehensive training and orientation. By investing in rigorous training, schools can be assured that substitute teachers are providing students learning continuity even when the regular teacher is absent.
Training builds skills, but confidence transforms those skills into classroom success. Success is a critical element of job satisfaction and retention, especially for teachers. Moreover, confident substitute teachers can better manage various classrooms, address unexpected challenges, and create engaging learning environments.
To boost their confidence, every Kelly Education substitute is provided with a dedicated Talent Care team that supports them throughout their career. These advisors receive specialized training to provide personalized support, whether through in-person guidance, remote troubleshooting, or professional development recommendations. When substitute teachers know they have an experienced professional to turn to with questions or concerns, their confidence—and their effectiveness—grows.
Consider who and how substitute teachers are supported. Who answers payroll questions or inquiries about opportunities for additional work and professional development? Identify a point person on each campus and at the district level to engage with substitute teachers, providing a consistent and positive experience. Improving these areas could improve the overall engagement of the substitute teaching workforce.
Unlike permanent staff who build relationships over the years, substitute teachers often work in different schools with different colleagues each day. This can make connecting with other educators and peers challenging at times. Dedicating attention to creating a sense of community among substitute teachers addresses this challenge while enhancing their professional growth.
Professional learning communities specifically for substitute teachers provide forums for sharing best practices, discussing challenges, and celebrating successes. These communities can be structured as regular meetings, online forums, or mentorship programs that pair experienced substitute teachers or retired educators and administrators with newcomers. By fostering these professional networks, substitute teaching transforms from a solitary endeavor to a collaborative profession with shared standards and practices.
Identify opportunities for substitutes to connect with one another and their school community. Creating a dedicated space with information and updates specifically for substitute teachers can improve connectedness and foster community.
Recruiting and training substitute teachers represents a significant investment—one that pays dividends only when quality substitute teachers are happy, engaged, and working. Successful retention strategies focus on creating pathways for growth while demonstrating genuine appreciation for substitute teachers' contributions.
Kelly Education offers substitute teacher certifications and pathways for specialization in areas including early childhood education and special education. These opportunities help substitute teachers learn new skills and advance their careers.
Like all teachers, substitute teachers work hard and deserve recognition. Our substitute teacher appreciation campaigns offer them treats, incentives, and gift cards. In addition, yearly awards and year-end parties not only celebrate their work but also foster a sense of community and belonging. By making substitute teachers feel valued, schools encourage them to stay committed, improving their morale and creating a powerful sense of belonging.
An example of how this approach can benefit teachers and their students is Jane Abrams, a teacher whose career was sidetracked by a serious injury. She returned to the classroom as a substitute teacher and went on to teach every grade at Miami-Dade’s Fulford Elementary School. In honor of her deep connections with students and staff, she earned the 2024 Kelly Education Substitute Educator of the Year award.
Evaluate how to recognize and appreciate this critical role. Are substitute teachers called out during appreciation weeks or recognized at school board meetings for outstanding performance?
Leveling up substitute teaching requires intentional investment in each of these four factors—training, support, community, and appreciation. When schools prioritize these elements, they upgrade the substitute teaching experience for everyone involved. Students benefit from consistent, high-quality instruction even when their regular teacher is absent. Schools gain reliable partners in education rather than last-minute resources. And substitute teachers themselves experience greater professional fulfillment, leading to improved performance and retention.
In today's staffing environment, substitute teachers are too important to be treated as an afterthought.
If you’re having trouble implementing these four priorities, a partner like Kelly Education, the nation’s largest provider of substitute educators, can help. Kelly Education Learning Pathways ™, our new professional learning platform, helps districts effectively train substitute teachers to deliver quality teaching, improve outcomes, and reduce headaches.
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About the authors:
Dr. Stephanie Wall is the Director of Learning Services at Kelly Education. She can be reached at stew823@kellyservices.com.
Amy Tisdale is VP of Recruiting and Onboarding at Kelly Education. She can be reached at TISDAAE@kellyservices.com.