Tag

Substitute Teachers

All articles tagged with #substitute teachers

education2 years ago

"High Absenteeism Plagues Portland Public Schools During Make-Up Days"

Approximately 20% of students in Portland Public Schools, or about 9,000 students, were absent on the first day of a make-up week that was originally scheduled as winter break but repurposed to make up for lost school days due to a teacher strike. The district expects both student and educator absences to increase throughout the week, potentially straining the school system. While some schools faced challenges finding enough substitute teachers, no buildings were closed and significant disruptions were avoided. The make-up week is particularly important for high school students who need to accumulate credits and prepare for pre-college tests.

education2 years ago

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.

education2 years ago

The Growing Crisis: Tackling Teacher Shortages in American Schools

Teacher shortages in the United States are worsening, with schools struggling to fill vacancies and resorting to hiring long-term substitute teachers and underqualified educators. Research shows that teacher turnover rates are increasing, exacerbating the problem. The shortage is particularly severe in states with low teacher pay and schools serving high concentrations of students of color and students in poverty. The consequences of the shortage are far-reaching, affecting not only teachers but also school bus drivers, cafeteria workers, and instructional aids. Some districts have resorted to four-day school weeks to attract more candidates. However, there is hope for improvement, with efforts to raise teacher pay, expand teacher apprenticeship programs, and invest in high-quality educator programs. The shortage of qualified educators is detrimental to student learning, especially for disadvantaged students, and addressing the issue is crucial for the future of education.