K12LEADERS

Category: School Improvement

  • Quality Training for Substitute Teachers: How Addressing Quality Can Enhance Staffing Pools

    Quality Training for Substitute Teachers: How Addressing Quality Can Enhance Staffing Pools

    The role of substitute teachers has grown increasingly significant as schools work to provide quality instruction with the growing frequency of teacher absences. Substitute teachers were once viewed as occasional stand-ins, but today, they are essential for educational continuity. Schools face a dual challenge: ensuring there are enough substitutes available, while ensuring students still receive quality instruction during these periods. Interestingly, there may be ways that the push for quality actually increases the staffing pool.

    As a point of reference, before the Pandemic, students spent around 10% of instructional time with substitutes—a figure that has since doubled to nearly 20% as districts grapple with persistent teacher shortages The Journalist’s Resource.

    This shift raises a vital question: Are today’s substitute teachers adequately prepared to meet classroom demands?

    School districts face ongoing challenges in filling substitute positions. By late 2023, 77% of district leaders reported “considerable” difficulty in finding substitutes, and over 93% experienced at least some staffing shortage National Center for Education Statistics.

    Many districts have implemented temporary solutions, such as increasing pay, lowering qualification requirements, and recruiting college students and parents K-12 Dive. While these measures help keep classrooms staffed, they often do little to ensure students receive quality instruction while their regular teacher is out.

    A well-prepared substitute teacher plays a critical role in maintaining a stable and engaging learning environment. It’s no surprise that poorly managed classrooms often lead to disengaged students, behavioral issues, and lost instructional time. In contrast, capable substitutes uphold lesson continuity, engage students, and foster a positive classroom atmosphere The Thomas B. Fordham Institute.

    Unfortunately, substitutes generally lack access to professional development opportunities available to full-time educators, which impacts their effectiveness. While 80% of large districts have raised substitute pay since early 2022, many districts are now recognizing that structured training and certification are essential to improving substitute teaching quality Red Rover.

    One effective approach to improving substitute teaching quality is certification. Programs like the The Fundamentals of Substitute Teaching K-12—a certification course offered by TransendED Learning through K12Leaders—equip substitutes with essential skills and strategies for effective classroom management and engagement. Key training areas include:

    • Classroom management techniques
    • Student engagement strategies
    • Adapting to diverse educational environments

    “In my years working across various districts, the need for skilled and dependable substitute teachers has been a constant challenge. I’ve seen first-hand how the lack of training and preparedness can impact not just the classroom environment, but student learning as a whole.” say’s Dr. Dawson. “This online pathway for subs introduces  essential classroom management skills, engagement strategies, and a clear framework to succeed from day one. This program should both  address the staffing gap and raise the bar for what we expect from our subs.”

    This certification provides substitutes with comprehensive preparation, building both their skills and confidence, and also coaches them through creating a “survival kit” of resources to help them be ready for any challenges they face in the classroom.

    Certification also helps address one of the core issues substitutes face: assignment inconsistency. Districts are more likely to rely on certified substitutes, knowing they meet quality standards required for successful classroom management and instruction. This consistency benefits both substitutes, who gain regular assignments, and students, who receive dependable, quality instruction K-12 Dive.

    Certification and training programs can increase a district’s substitute pool by empowering more individuals to consider these roles. Many potential substitutes may be intimidated  and hesitate due to a lack of confidence or preparation. With formal training, they gain the knowledge and skills necessary to succeed, making them more likely to enter the classroom as substitutes. Not only does this expand the substitute pool, but it also raises the quality of instruction, as certified substitutes are better equipped to manage classrooms effectively Red Rover.

    Investing in substitute teacher certification isn’t merely a temporary fix for staffing shortages; it’s a sustainable strategy for enhancing instructional quality. Certified substitutes do more than just fill a gap. They engage students, follow lesson plans closely, and contribute to a positive learning environment. Districts that prioritize certification set a high standard for substitute teaching, recognizing the long-term value of well-prepared substitutes.

    With federal pandemic relief funds winding down, districts increasingly need sustainable solutions for staffing challenges. Certification provides one such solution, transforming substitutes from temporary classroom managers to skilled educators ready to teach whenever needed National Center for Education Statistics.

    By reflecting on these questions, district leaders can make informed decisions to enhance substitute teaching programs. Programs like the “Professional Pathway” offer a structured way to improve substitute quality and positively impact student outcomes K-12 Dive.

    The demand for substitute teachers remains steady, and the need for quality instruction—whether from a permanent teacher or a substitute—remains essential. Investing in certification helps ensure that every classroom has a teacher prepared to lead.

    Districts prioritizing higher standards  for substitute teaching should consider easy access certification programs like Dawson’s The Fundamentals of Substitute Teaching K-12  to support both their educators and students. Quality substitutes make a lasting, positive impact, contributing to the stability and effectiveness of our educational systems.

    Essential Questions for School Leaders

    To assess their substitute staffing and training needs, district leaders can consider the following questions:

    • What percentage of instructional time in our district is led by substitute teachers?
    • How does the quality of substitute-led instruction compare to that of permanent staff?
    • What training and development opportunities are available to substitutes?
    • Are substitutes included in our professional development programs, and if not, why?
    • What steps ensure that substitutes have the necessary classroom management skills?
    • How can we support substitutes in becoming consistent and reliable members of our educational team?
    • What long-term benefits could substitute certification bring to our district?
  • Why Certifying Substitute Teachers is Crucial for Every Classroom

    Why Certifying Substitute Teachers is Crucial for Every Classroom

    Imagine walking into a doctor’s office and discovering that your doctor for the day is a substitute—someone with no formal medical training or certification. You’d likely feel anxious and worried about their ability to meet your needs. You most likely would walk out and reschedule your appointment. This situation, though extreme, mirrors what happens in many classrooms when schools place uncertified, unprepared substitute teachers in charge. While substitute teachers may not need to perform surgeries, they do have a significant responsibility: guiding, supporting, and educating students when the regular teacher is absent. This is why certification and proper training for substitute teachers should be a priority for every educational institution.

    Substitute Teachers: More Than a Stopgap Solution

    Substitute teachers are more than just temporary placeholders. They are the linchpins that hold a classroom together during a regular teacher’s absence. A well-prepared substitute can maintain the continuity of learning, minimize disruptions, and ensure that students stay engaged and productive. However, without proper training, substitutes might struggle to manage the classroom effectively or adhere to school policies, potentially compromising students’ education and well-being.

    The skills and knowledge required to succeed in a classroom—understanding lesson plans, managing student behavior, and creating an inclusive environment—are not intuitive. These require training, which is where certification courses come in. Certification helps equip substitute teachers with the tools they need to thrive, ensuring they understand the role and responsibilities of a temporary educator.

    Understanding the Complexities of the Classroom

    Today’s classrooms are as diverse as ever. Substitute teachers might find themselves teaching students with special needs, English language learners, or high achievers who require advanced instruction all in one classroom. Navigating these needs without preparation is unfair to both the substitute and the students. Certification gives substitutes a solid foundation in supporting diverse learners and adapting to varied classroom needs.

    • Supporting Special Needs and Gifted and Talented Students: Certification programs teach substitutes how to prepare for and support students needing extra attention or having unique learning needs. This can make all the difference in maintaining continuity in their learning.
    • Cultural Responsiveness: Certified substitutes are better equipped to create an inclusive environment where students feel respected, seen, and heard, regardless of their background.
    • Managing Student Behavior: Classroom management is often cited as a significant challenge for substitutes. Certification offers practical strategies for maintaining order and engagement, turning potential chaos into a productive learning session.

    Navigating Legal and Ethical Standards

    A classroom is a complex space governed by various legal and ethical considerations, especially when working with special education students or adhering to district policies. Certified substitutes are trained in these areas, ensuring they understand the responsibilities that come with the role. This training helps them make informed, ethical decisions that align with district standards, reducing the risk of misunderstandings or legal issues.

    Certification ensures that substitutes are aware of the professional boundaries and conduct expected in a classroom. This safeguard for the school also provides peace of mind for parents, knowing their children are in capable hands.

    A Small Investment, A Significant Return

    The idea of requiring certification might seem like an additional expense or hoop to jump through, but it’s an investment with significant returns. A certified substitute is more likely to foster a positive classroom environment, reducing behavioral issues and improving student outcomes. This means fewer headaches for administrators, more productive classrooms, and, ultimately, a better experience for students.

    When substitutes are prepared, it shows in their ability to jump into any classroom and keep learning on track. Schools prioritizing certification essentially say, “We value every student’s learning experience, every day, no matter who is teaching.”

    Access Certification Resources Today

    For schools looking to elevate their substitute teacher program, consider providing access to a certification course and accompanying resources. Certification courses like “The Fundamentals of Substitute Teaching K-12” offer comprehensive training on effective classroom management, creating inclusive environments, and supporting diverse learners. With this training, substitutes can walk into any classroom with the confidence and skills they need to succeed.

    Don’t leave your classrooms to chance. Equip your substitutes with the tools they need to become valuable contributors to your school’s learning community. After all, if we wouldn’t settle for an uncertified doctor, why would we settle for an uncertified substitute teacher?

    Posted by: Dr. Kathleen A. Dawson

    This article was developed through a collaborative process where Dr. Kathleen A. Dawson provided the key insights and direction, while an AI assistant supported in refining the content and structure, ensuring the message was clear, persuasive, and accessible to a wide audience. Together, they crafted a compelling call to action on the importance of certifying substitute teachers.

  • Spark School Transformation: The Power and Potential of a School-Improvement Sprint

    Spark School Transformation: The Power and Potential of a School-Improvement Sprint

    As school leaders we want to invite new, innovative strategies to elevate teaching and learning.  How we balance this without overwhelming an already taxed staff is a true leadership challenge. Initiative fatigue is real.  

    If we look outside education, we find an approach, the Design Sprint, that offers promise and potential.  Reframed for addressing educational challenges, the School-Improvement Sprint offers a structured path to drive meaningful change within the context of ever-present demands and limited resources.

    What is a School-Improvement Sprint?

    A School-Improvement Sprint is an 8-week intensive process, inspired by Design Sprints, a methodology pioneered at Google Ventures to foster rapid innovation and problem-solving. Design Sprints have been successfully applied in various industries to accelerate product development, streamline processes, and tackle complex challenges.

    In schools, the “sprint” framework allows educators to test innovative ideas quickly.  The sprint brings together a diverse team of educators, administrators, students, and other stakeholders to address a specific challenge. The focus is short-term, and narrowly confined, thus addressing concerns of initiative overreach that frustrate educators.  The goal is to try new solutions to vexing challenges and quickly learn what works and doesn’t work. 

    The School-Improvement Sprint fosters innovation through:

    • Focused Problem-Solving: By zeroing in on a specific challenge and setting clear goals, School-Improvement Sprints eliminate distractions and create a sense of urgency, fueling creativity and productivity.  
    • Collaboration and Diversity: Bringing together diverse perspectives ensures that solutions are considered from all angles, leading to more innovative and robust outcomes.  
    • Rapid Prototyping and Testing: By quickly creating and testing tangible ideas, School-Improvement Sprints allow teams to gather valuable feedback early in the process, mitigating risks and accelerating learning.  
    • User-Centric Approach: School-Improvement Sprints prioritize the needs and experiences of teachers and students, ensuring that solutions are relevant, practical, and impactful.  

    The 8-Week School-Improvement Sprint Journey

      • Week 1: Align & Identify
        Once the “Sprint Team” of diverse stakeholders is identified, the sprint is kicked off with a dynamic full-day workshop.  The team will:

        • Identify the Challenge: Clearly articulate the problem or opportunity you wish to address.
        • Brainstorm Innovative Solutions: The short-term, focused nature of sprints allows testing of unique, out-of-the box ideas.
        • Focus and Prioritize: Evaluate and select the most promising solution to implement that has the greatest potential impact on teaching and learning.
        • Develop Implementation Plan: Determine the process and steps necessary to implement chosen solution.
        • Establish Key Metrics: Determine the data that will be collected during the implementation phase of the sprint.
      • Weeks 2 – 7: Implement & Track
        Test, iterate, and learn.

        • Pilot: Implement your solution in a controlled environment with a small group.
        • Gather Valuable Insights: Collect feedback and data from the pilot to assess effectiveness.
        • Analyze and Adapt: Scrutinize results and make necessary adjustments to your solution.
        • Check-in: Hold weekly sprint team meetings to support each other, evaluate progress, and address potential roadblocks.
      • Week 8: Review & Reflect
        At the end of the sprint, the team comes back together to do a deep dive into the results.

        • Review data: What story do the key metrics and data captured tell.
        • Determine next steps:  Assess the best path forward.  Options could include adjusting the solution and running another sprint; rolling out the solution to the broader school community; going back to the drawing board.
        • Communicate: Share what was learned with the broader community of stakeholders, both successes and failures.  

    The Essential Role of a Skilled Facilitator

    A skilled facilitator is important to the success of a School-Improvement Sprint.  The staff are the experts, implementing the sprint.  The facilitator acts as the guide, steering the process, ensuring the team remains focused, productive, and aligned. Their expertise encompasses:

    • Process Management: Navigating the team through the Sprint stages, overcoming obstacles, and maintaining momentum.
    • Creative Facilitation: Fostering an environment where collaboration and innovation flourish.
    • Equitable Participation: Managing diverse perspectives and making sure the process is inclusive and everyone feels heard and valued.
    • Decision-Making: Guiding the team towards consensus and actionable outcomes.
    • Time Management: Optimizing productivity within the workshops and meetings throughout the 8-week timeframe.

    Share Your Thoughts!

    The School-Improvement Sprint, built upon the proven foundation of Design Sprints, holds immense potential to transform teaching and learning. I’m eager to hear your thoughts on this approach. Have you experimented with similar methods in your school? What challenges and successes have you encountered?

    Share your feedback and comments – let’s spark a conversation about how we can collectively innovate and create thriving learning environments for all students.

    Posted by: Greg Runyan