If you have children enrolled in school, you’ve likely noticed the ongoing struggle to secure substitute teachers. Your child might come home to tell you that their class was merged with another or that the principal had to step in to cover a lesson. This is the reality of public education in the U.S.—a situation that was already precarious long before the pandemic hit.
Even prior to COVID-19, many school districts faced significant challenges in finding licensed substitutes. They often had to settle for any available adult to maintain a semblance of educational structure, even if it meant students spent their day working on worksheets. The pandemic has only intensified these issues.
Due to COVID-19 protocols, classes cannot be combined if a substitute is unavailable, as social distancing must be maintained. Additionally, teachers who have been exposed to the virus, even without symptoms, are required to quarantine for 10 to 14 days. With kids eating lunch in classrooms and needing constant supervision during recess, both teachers and substitutes are finding it increasingly difficult to catch a break, let alone manage the added stress of pandemic-era teaching.
As a result, the shortage of qualified teachers and substitutes has become even more pronounced. Districts already struggling with budget shortfalls are now facing greater pressures—especially those categorized as “disadvantaged” or “low-income.” These are schools where students are receiving far less educational support compared to their more affluent counterparts, making the impact of COVID-19 even more severe.
The reasons for the shortage of substitutes are well known. The job can be incredibly challenging. Even those who have never substituted in a classroom understand that students often see substitutes as opportunities to push boundaries. By the end of the day, many substitutes are left utterly drained for a modest pay of around $100.
During the pandemic, the stakes are even higher. Subs must enforce safety protocols, including mask-wearing and social distancing, all while worrying about their own health. Many substitutes are retired teachers who may find themselves in the high-risk age group for COVID-19, or they might have family members at home who are vulnerable, forcing them to withdraw from the substitute pool just when they’re needed most.
Reports from districts like Brookfield Public Schools near Milwaukee highlight that many substitutes have decided to stop taking assignments, citing large class sizes and inadequate safety measures. Unfortunately, many schools lacked the funding for necessary improvements before the pandemic, and now they’re expected to quickly secure resources for better ventilation and safety measures.
It’s no wonder that school districts nationwide are experiencing a significant shortage of substitutes, leading to scenarios where principals or administrative staff have to fill in as teachers. Would you be willing to step into a classroom right now, knowing you might be exposed to COVID-19, for a pay rate of $10-15 an hour? Most people wouldn’t.
Currently, many schools are barely managing to stay afloat, relying heavily on the remaining staff, who are stretched thin and burdened with additional responsibilities. Large districts such as Denver Public Schools are operating with only a quarter of their usual substitute workforce. The quality of education is suffering as untrained individuals are being asked to step in, while specialist teachers are reassigned to cover basic classroom needs.
These conditions are not sustainable. Despite the government’s insistence that schools remain open, they have provided little support to mitigate the spread of the virus or to address the staffing crisis. The focus has shifted from whether schools are safe to the pressing issue of shortages among teaching staff.
Superintendent Emily Carter of Rhode Island’s second-largest school district has pointed out that the challenge now lies in maintaining enough licensed teachers to provide quality instruction. Schools are experiencing alarming gaps in staffing—one elementary school near Milwaukee recently reported being short ten teachers. This is a widespread issue; districts across the country are finding themselves similarly understaffed.
The ramifications of these shortages are most acutely felt in disadvantaged schools, which were already facing challenges in providing basic resources. These students, often coming from unstable home environments, rely heavily on the support of dedicated teachers. They need the assurance that they matter and belong in school.
A Brookings study highlights that the pandemic has further widened the educational gap in America, with substitute teacher availability playing a critical role. Schools with higher populations of Black and Hispanic students report significantly lower rates of substitute coverage compared to those in more affluent areas. This stark disparity raises serious concerns about equity in education.
There will always be a need for substitutes, as teachers are human and require time off for various reasons. Even after the pandemic, the shortage is likely to persist, particularly in underfunded districts. Therefore, it’s crucial for the new administration to prioritize solutions for the substitute staffing crisis, especially in schools that were already struggling.
First and foremost, an increase in substitute pay is essential. Additionally, substitutes should receive adequate training and resources to handle the unique challenges of the classroom. Schools must implement strategies that promote positive behavior and respect for substitutes, ensuring that they are equipped to manage classrooms effectively.
Substitutes play a vital role in our education system, especially in disadvantaged districts that face more obstacles than their better-funded counterparts. It’s time to recognize their importance and make necessary changes to support them.
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Summary:
The search for enough teachers and substitutes in schools has intensified due to the COVID-19 pandemic, exposing pre-existing vulnerabilities in the education system. As districts struggle with budget constraints and staffing shortages, particularly in disadvantaged areas, the need for solutions such as increased pay and better training for substitutes becomes crucial. The current situation highlights the importance of prioritizing educational equity and support for educators.
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