As the holiday season approaches, while you’re getting ready to spend time with family and reflect on the past year, don’t forget to show some love to your kids’ teachers. The pandemic has revealed many uncomfortable truths, and one of the most glaring is how undervalued teachers—especially substitute teachers—truly are.
In the past, substitutes were usually called in for the occasional sick day or maternity leave, but the last two years have seen a significant shift. Many teachers are leaving the profession, with research from CNBC indicating that 1 in 4 teachers are now contemplating quitting, a stark increase from 1 in 6 pre-pandemic. This trend has resulted in a heavier reliance on substitute teachers, who are already in short supply.
Why Are We Facing a Substitute Teacher Shortage?
We’re all aware that teachers are overworked and underpaid. But what about substitutes? They face similar risks as full-time teachers without enjoying the same benefits. Many substitutes are retired educators, which means they’re more likely to fall into a higher COVID risk category. The uncertainty around masking and vaccinations adds to the mix; substitutes have to consider whether the pay they receive will cover any potential medical bills if they catch COVID at work.
The average pay for substitutes hovers around $14 an hour, or about $100 a day, to manage our kids, supervise them at lunch, and handle all their antics during recess. This shortage is creating a ripple effect, impacting the educational experience for our kids. In some districts, teachers have been reassigned from their own schools to fill gaps, leading to larger class sizes as students are shuffled around.
The Classroom Impact
An elementary school teacher, Sarah, who has been in the field for over a decade, shared her perspective on the shortage. “Honestly, it’s a nightmare. We have no time to prep,” she explained. With teachers stepping in as substitutes two to three times a week, their own workload becomes unmanageable. Instead of getting a much-needed break during recess or lunch, they find themselves rushing to different classrooms.
“We just can’t continue to give more,” Sarah added. “In my years of teaching, I’ve never seen morale this low. Teachers, both permanent and substitute, feel invisible. Losing prep time without any relief feels impossible, and we’re pushed to do more at home.”
A Heartfelt Thank You to Our Educators
Let’s be real: every teacher is a superhero. Despite the staggering substitute teacher shortage, which has hit an all-time high, it’s essential to remember that these educators don’t do this job for riches. They’re driven by a passion for education and a commitment to shaping future generations.
As a parent, I’m grateful for all our education staff, including substitutes. This holiday season, let’s take a moment to appreciate their hard work.
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In summary, the challenges facing substitute teachers today are significant, and they deserve our recognition and gratitude. They play a crucial role in our educational system, and it’s time we give them the appreciation they rightly deserve.
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