The Struggle for Substitute Teachers: Low Pay and Safety Concerns

Schools across the United States are facing a severe shortage of substitute teachers, which is directly connected to the broader teacher shortage. Budget constraints and reluctance to pay subs a living wage contribute to the problem. Many substitute teachers are paid a fraction of what full-time teachers make, leading some to reconsider their careers. Lack of support and access to basic resources, such as keys to classrooms and parking spots, further exacerbate the issue. Substitutes often lack health benefits and sick days, and they are not always informed if they are filling in for a teacher who is out with COVID-19. Professionalizing substitute teaching and offering better compensation and benefits could help alleviate the shortage.