Substitute Teachers Serve as Educational Bridges

While we’ve spent significant time and attention on improving teaching and learning in America’s public schools over the past 25 years, there is one part of the education equation that is rarely addressed: The important role that substitute teachers play in America’s public schools.

The National Education Association recognizes that effective substitute teachers make a significant contribution to the school program. They serve as educational bridges when regular classroom teachers are absent. The Association urges school districts to employ highly qualified individuals to fulfill the critical role of substitute teachers.

Substitute educators play a vital role in the maintenance and continuity of daily education.

Substitute Educators Day is a result of the National Education Association Representative Assembly’s New Business Item 2003-41, which called for an increase appreciation of school substitute employees. These professional educators provide a critical link in the education of public schoolchildren by serving as a bridge to provide continued quality education to children in the temporary absence of regular classroom educators.

#SubstituteEducatorsDay

Celebrate the substitute teachers who work at your school. Recognize their dedication and support them as they provide a bridge to your child’s education.

• Give a shout-out to a substitute teacher you know.
• Recommend a substitute teacher to your school.
• Let your child’s school know how well a substitute teacher did.
• Teach your children to respect a substitute teacher and classroom teacher.
• While it might be difficult to do, learn the names of the substitute teachers who frequently work in your school.
• Send a note of encouragement.
• If you are interested in becoming a substitute teacher, learn the requirements in your state.
• Share your experiences as a substitute teacher.

Use #SubstituteEducatorsDay to give a shout-out to the excellent substitute teachers in your district.