Supporting substitute teachers

Q: Our district has many teacher vacancies, and we have been forced to use substitutes and other uncertified staff to ensure student education isn’t interrupted. Our state has laws against uncertified substitutes being in the same classroom for more than four days in a row. How can we support these substitutes, some of whom would like to get a teaching license and others with no desire to do so?

Signed, Desperate instructional leader

A: First, let me acknowledge the challenging situation you face with teacher vacancies. Many districts are grappling with the necessity of relying on substitutes and uncertified staff, and it’s commendable that you’re looking for ways to support these individuals. One district I’m working with is struggling with this issue and has worked hard to sustainably support its people. Let’s explore some actionable steps you can take to provide practical support to your substitutes, fostering a more stable educational environment for your students.

Understand the needs of your substitutes

Before implementing strategies, it’s vital to understand your substitutes’ diverse motivations. Some may aspire to become certified teachers, while others prefer to remain in their current roles. Conduct informal surveys or one-on-one conversations with your substitutes to gauge their interests, challenges, and professional learning needs. This will help you tailor your support strategies effectively. In the same way, we want to help regularly certified and tenure-tracked educators; we want to ensure all our instructional staff have what they need to be successful on their career paths and, more importantly, they have the tools to provide students with the education they need to not fall behind.

Establish a mentorship program

Creating a mentorship program can be a game-changer. Pairing substitutes with experienced teachers can provide them with guidance, resources, and a sense of belonging. It can also ensure that each sub is connected regularly and doesn’t fall through the cracks. Here’s how to implement this:

1. Identify mentors: Select enthusiastic and experienced teachers willing to mentor substitutes. If at all possible, provide a stipend of some kind to these folks, as it will be an additional workload for them. If a stipend can’t be afforded, find another mutually agreed-upon perk that will honor the time being offered by the mentor.
2. Set clear expectations: Define the mentorship relationship’s roles, responsibilities, and goals. Have both the mentee and the mentor keep a log of interactions and questions that arise that can be addressed during check-ins.
3. Regular check-ins: Schedule consistent meetings to discuss challenges, share strategies, and celebrate successes. You will want to meet with the duo together and individually to ensure that the partnership is working for both of them. Consider creating a cohort for these pairs that meets less frequently but provides a forum to share ideas and resources.

Fostering connections between substitutes and certified staff creates a supportive network that enhances the teaching experience for everyone involved.

Provide professional learning opportunities

Investing in professional learning for your substitutes can help them feel more confident and prepared in the classroom. Consider the following options:

• Workshops and training: Organize workshops on classroom management, lesson planning, and instructional strategies. Tailor these to address the specific needs and interests of your substitutes. Programs like Educators Rising can offer a curriculum to support students who want to go into education and substitutes who need support now on the nuts and bolts of teaching.
• Online resources: Share access to online courses and resources that can help substitutes develop skills at their own pace. This can be done through platforms like EdWeb, Cult of Pedagogy, or other accredited organizations that provide professional learning in short bites.
• Certification pathways: For those interested in obtaining a teaching license, provide information on local teacher preparation programs and financial support options, if available. You will need to look into the qualifications for your state as they vary.

Professional learning enhances your substitutes’ skills and boosts their morale and commitment to the role.

Create a resource hub

A centralized resource hub can be a go-to place for substitutes to find lesson plans, classroom management tips, and other essential resources. Additionally, if the subs find invaluable resources, they can add their curated choices to the hub. Here’s how to set it up:

1. Digital platform: Store resources on a shared drive or school website. Include templates for lesson plans, classroom activities, and behavior management strategies. Try to align these resources with specific teaching standards, particularly for those taking the certified pathway approach.
2. Collaborative space: As mentioned above, encourage substitutes to contribute their successful strategies and resources to the hub, fostering a sense of community and collaboration. They can also discuss how they have adapted the resources and what works well with students.
3. Regular updates: Keep the resource hub current by regularly updating it with new materials and feedback from substitutes. Also, check links regularly to ensure the sites function well and no links are broken.

This resource hub will empower substitutes, allowing them to feel more prepared and confident when entering classrooms.

Foster a positive school culture

Building a positive school culture is essential for creating a supportive environment for all staff, including substitutes. As we don’t want subs to feel like they are second-class citizens, we need to include them regularly in our plans to support students. Here are some strategies to promote a sense of belonging:

• Recognition programs: Implement a recognition program to celebrate substitutes’ contributions. Simple gestures like “Substitute of the Month” can go a long way toward making them feel valued.
• Inclusive events: Invite substitutes to participate in school events, staff meetings, and professional learning days. This inclusion helps them feel connected to the school community. If possible, pay them for their time like you would for full-time employees.
• Open communication: Foster an open-door policy where substitutes feel comfortable sharing their thoughts, concerns, and suggestions. Regular check-ins can help you stay informed about their experiences.

Engage parents and community

Engaging parents and the community also can provide additional support for your substitutes. Some ideas to bring community support are volunteer programs that encourage parents to volunteer in classrooms alongside substitutes, providing extra support and resources. This could come with its challenges, but if you have a supportive community that is used to being a part of the school culture, use those connections. Community partnerships offer collaboration opportunities. Local organizations and businesses can provide classroom resources and professional experience that could be helpful for students. As parents will be curious about who is teaching their children, keep parents informed about the role of substitutes and the importance of their contributions to the educational process. This transparency can foster understanding and support from the community. Communication is essential to maintain strong school communities.

Supporting substitutes and uncertified staff is not just about filling vacancies; it’s about ensuring all students receive a quality education. By understanding the needs of your substitutes, establishing mentorship programs, providing professional learning, creating resource hubs, fostering a positive school culture, and engaging the community, you can create a supportive environment that benefits everyone.

Remember, the goal is to empower substitutes, whether they wish to pursue teaching credentials or remain in their current roles. With actionable steps and a focus on collaboration and support, you can navigate this challenging time with resilience and optimism.

Taking a structured approach to address the issue of supporting substitutes and uncertified staff in a district facing teacher shortages. By implementing these strategies, you can create a more stable and supportive educational environment for staff and students.

 

Have a question that you’d like Career Confidential to answer? Email ssackstein@educatorsrising.org. All names and schools will remain confidential. No identifying information will be included in the published questions and answers.