In Response To Substitute Teacher Shortage, Sarasota County Schools Recruiting Parents

SARASOTA COUNTY, FL — As Sarasota County Schools continue to face a substitute teacher shortage, the district is recruiting parents to fill the roles.

In a recent email to all parents in the district, Dr. Allison S. Foster, executive director of human resources and labor relations, urged them to consider applying to become a substitute instructor.

“Substitutes play an essential role in the delivery of instruction when teachers cannot be in the classroom,” she wrote. “As we begin the second semester, we are reaching out to recruit parents to work as substitutes in our schools. If you normally volunteer in our schools or if you have time available, please consider working as a substitute in our district.”

The district has been looking to fill substitute and full-time positions since the start of the school year, Kelsey Whealy, media relations specialist, said. “Their message to families on Monday was just the most recent effort.”

The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted staffing districtwide, especially during the current surge in cases.

“The omicron variant has certainly contributed to call-outs, but the exact amount/rate is not recorded in our system,” Whealy said. “They are all processed the same regardless of the reason for the call-out.”

Since schools reopened following winter break, the district has needed just over 300 subs on most days, she added. “Pre-pandemic, our needs wouldn’t usually exceed the 200s.”

The current substitute pool has more than 1,000 people in it, but the district is always looking to add to it.

According to Foster’s email, the rates for instructional substitute positions through June 30 are:

• $105.68 with a high school diploma
• $125.31 with an associate’s degree
• $141.38 with a bachelor’s degree
• $152.09 with a master’s degree

Substitutes are needed to fill other roles, including cafeteria monitors, classroom aides, office positions and more, she said.

or start the process by emailing recruitment@sarasotacountyschools.net.