Substitute teaching is an essential,yet challenging, role within our education system. Understanding the hurdles that substitute teachers face can help schools and districts better support them. Based on a Zippia study and Swing Education’s research, here are the top five challenges for substitute teachers and ways to address them to improve their experience and retention.

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1. Student behavior and lack of familiarity

For newer substitutes, one of the most daunting challenges is managing student behavior and dealing with an unfamiliar classroom environment. New subs often worry about whether students will listen to them and how they will handle behavioral issues. These concerns can be exacerbated by not knowing the students’ routines or having limited experience managing diverse classroom dynamics.

Solution: Schools can support new substitutes by providing clear behavioral expectations and offering orientation or training sessions. Establishing a welcoming environment and providing resources to help new subs familiarize themselves with the students and classroom routines can significantly reduce their stress and improve their effectiveness.

2. Absence of lesson plans and logistical issues

As substitutes gain more experience, their concerns shift towards practical issues like missing lesson plans and logistical challenges. Experienced substitutes prioritize preparation, so arriving to find no lesson plans or broken equipment can be frustrating. Logistical concerns such as locating the classroom or parking can also add to their difficulties.

Solution: Schools should ensure that lesson plans are prepared in advance and that all necessary equipment is in working order. Providing clear logistical instructions, including maps and parking information, can help experienced subs feel more prepared and focused on teaching.

3. Low pay

Low pay is a significant factor driving substitutes out of the profession. Many substitutes feel that the compensation does not adequately reflect the work they do or the preparation required. This issue often leads to a higher turnover rate among substitutes.

Solution: While pay rates may be determined by budget constraints, schools can explore ways to offer non-monetary benefits or incentives. Recognizing substitutes’ efforts through acknowledgment or small tokens of appreciation can also help offset dissatisfaction with pay.

4. Unmet preferences

Substitutes often have preferences regarding grade levels, school environments, and schedules. When there are fewer options to choose from, substitutes are less likely to sign up for jobs.

Solution: Schools and districts can use scheduling systems that allow substitutes to specify their preferences and try to accommodate these as much as possible. Building strong relationships with substitutes and understanding their needs can help ensure that their assignments align with their preferences.

5. Lack of respect and support

Respect from students and school staff is the most highly valued aspect of a substitute’s quality of experience. Many substitutes report feeling undervalued as they face challenges integrating into temporary learning environments. This lack of respect can affect their ability to manage the classroom and create a positive learning atmosphere.

Solution: Cultivating a culture of respect is essential to retaining quality substitutes. School administrators should model the kind of supportive behavior they expect to see from their staff members and students. Providing substitutes with a comprehensive introduction to the school environment, ensuring they’ve been giving adequate preparation information, and being attentive to their needs can dramatically impact the experience for substitute teachers.

Addressing these challenges can directly help schools attract and retain high-quality substitutes.  With high-performing substitutes in your classrooms, students benefit from a higher standard of learning continuity in the absence of their regular teachers.