7/28/2000

On Requirements for Substitute Teachers

In response to the opinion from a Japanese woman that U.S. substitute teachers should be certified, readers, educators and non-educators alike, say that the market is so tight these days, schools can't find certified teachers who are willing to accept subbing jobs. The minimum standard in Connecticut is a college degree, but even that standard is tough to meet for such a low-paying, thankless job. I think it might be time for school districts to develop permanent positions for one or more certified substitutes, with salary and benefits, befitting their important role in the classroom. On days when no teacher is out, the substitute could provide tutorial instruction to students who need it.

What do you think?

Reader opinions:

"While I agree that it is best for qualified individuals to work with US school children in the classroom, the reality is that school districts cannot find qualified, or even unqualified, people to work. Even teaching is affected by the booming economy. During this labor shortage that we are facing, we take what we can get. In a tighter economy, school systems can be, and are, more selective."

***

"In Connecticut, substitutes have to have at least an associate's degree in order to work. While it isn't formal training, it doesn't just put the local barfly in a classroom. On the other hand this requirement has severely limited the number of qualified subs, thus leading to a shortage. Qualified and well-trained subs are hard to find; that is true. But Connecticut, unlike some other states, does have some requirements."

***

"While it would be ideal for subs to be certified, it is not realistic. Even the current standard of requiring subs to hold a four-year degree has significantly decreased the number of eligible subs. As a teacher, I have seen days where there weren't enough substitute teachers in the building. Consequently, administrators and teachers have been asked to fill in, leaving us less time to prepare for our own students."

Note: State law says substitutes must hold bachelor's degrees but that the requirement can be waived.

***

"Perhaps a solution might be to require prospective teachers in a certification program to intern for a year in a school system. To me, it's a win-win situation. The district gets "free" labor and a good look at a possible future employee, and the student teacher gets a year's worth of experience. Think about how people in the trades learn their craft; they apprentice."

***

"I have recently received my CT certification in Elementary Education (in January) and worked the remaining part of the school year as a substitute teacher. While the intention of having all substitute teachers be certified is admirable it's not very realistic. Substituting is very difficult work - you have to prove yourself every class - and all students have their prize story of what they did to a sub.

"This is just "survival" we're talking about here. What if you are a person who really is there to teach? Then you have to go that extra mile and make sure, God willing, that all the materials are there, then move through the proper steps of a lesson plan, all on little or no preparation. And the best part - all for VERY LITTLE money. Let's face it. With the Connecticut Education Enhancement Act in the 80's teacher's salaries were finally brought up to a reasonable level. (No teacher is going to become a millionaire on their salary, but it's a good salary.) Then you look at what they pay substitutes! It's a wonder they can get anyone at all. Substitutes are paid less than EVERYONE in the buildings; secretaries, janitors, and even "para-educators" (who aren't required to have gone to college, never mind have a degree).

"In Connecticut, to substitute you need to have a college degree -- to make $55 a day (before taxes) -- and we have to tell the students we teach to work hard, go to college and. ... I feel substitutes are undervalued and taken advantage of. Eventually the schools get what they pay for."

***

"I read the letter you posted from the Japanese-American woman commenting on our substitute teachers. I agree with her in many ways, however, it is not realistic to expect this in today's economy/society. I am a twenty-six year old certified English teacher. I have taught in a variety of settings and completed student and substitute teaching. I agree with her commentary relating to training and experience of substitutes. In an ideal world, substitutes would be certified and experienced in classroom management and theory. This is not an ideal world. Substitutes make anywhere from $50.00 to $70.00 a day, do not have benefits and usually deal with children who are not accountable to them. There is no guarantee of work on regular basis. Quite often substitutes are put into unplanned and unorganized situations, leaving them to fend for themselves. These factors weigh heavily against this line of work as a profession.

"Most people who have completed their Bachelor's Degree and teacher preparation programs need full-time employment. They are often not financially able to support themselves with the wages a sub makes. More often than not, graduates seek employment elsewhere. As a graduate, I know I could not afford my bills, cost of living, student loans etc. I also did not want to be without health and dental benefits. If school systems invested in year-round subs (maintaining offices in the building), paying them a salary and providing some benefits, the certification requirement would then seem more appropriate. Teaching is not an easy profession or anything to be taken for granted."

***

"I just read the article written by the woman with experience in Japan's education system. I disagree that the only quality teacher is certified. Just because you have the degree and have jumped through the bureaucratic hoops doesn't mean you are good. The most prime example is the success seen by homeschooling families. I have seen excellently educated children who were taught by high school grads, high school dropouts and by college educated, not teaching certified, individuals like myself. It has a lot more to do with desire to do what you do well and not just pick up a paycheck. Why do you think the State of Connecticut has tightened it's belt on what potential certified teachers must do, because among other reasons they are paid well and they want people who truly have the desire to educate children not just receive a good salary. It is the desire that counts."

Please send questions or comments to bbruno@snet.net.