The Substitute Teacher Shortage: Why Now Is the Perfect Time to Start Subbing

Districts across the country are desperate for substitute teachers. Some schools are combining classes, sending students home, or having administrators cover classrooms.

If you've been thinking about substitute teaching, this is your moment.

The Shortage Is Real

National statistics:

• 80% of school administrators report difficulty finding subs
• Average of 11% of teaching positions go unfilled daily
• Some districts have 50% unfilled sub requests

What this means for you: Unprecedented opportunity.

Why the Shortage Exists

1. Teacher Burnout

Full-time teachers are leaving the profession, creating more sub needs.

2. Retirement Wave

Baby boomer teachers retiring in record numbers.

3. Higher Standards

More background checks, fingerprinting, and requirements reduce the pool.

4. Better Alternatives

People who might have subbed are doing gig work (Uber, DoorDash) with fewer requirements.

5. Pandemic Impact

Many subs left during COVID and haven't returned.

The result: High demand, low supply = opportunity for you.

What This Means for Substitute Teachers

More Consistent Work

Pre-shortage: Fight for every decent job

Now: Choose from multiple available jobs daily

Translation: You can actually be selective about which jobs you take.

Easier to Get Started

Barriers are lowering:

• Faster background checks
• Streamlined application processes
• Remote orientation options
• Some districts waiving some requirements

If you've been on the fence about subbing, entry is easier than ever.

More Direct Requests

With fewer subs available:

• Teachers request specific subs more often
• Being "good enough" gets you repeat business
• Building relationships happens faster
• Long-term assignments easier to land

The Competitive Advantage

Here's the opportunity within the opportunity:

Most subs are still using outdated methods:

• Manually checking Frontline
• Waiting for email notifications
• Accepting jobs slowly

Meanwhile, the districts NEED subs urgently.

If you can:

• Respond faster than other subs
• Accept jobs within seconds of posting
• Be available consistently
• Show up reliably

You'll work as much as you want, at the schools you want, with the leverage to be selective.

How to Capitalize

1. Get Certified Quickly

Getting certified sooner rather than later can be beneficial. The shortage won't last forever.

Most districts: Application → Background check → Orientation → Start working within 2-4 weeks

2. Be Reliable

The bare minimum is now a competitive advantage:

• Show up on time
• Don't cancel last-minute
• Follow basic instructions

Do just this and you'll work constantly.

3. Build Relationships Fast

With the shortage, schools are desperate to find good subs to request repeatedly.

Your strategy:

• Pick 3-5 schools
• Work there consistently
• Be professional and competent
• Get on their "preferred sub" list

Timeline: 4-6 good days at a school = they're requesting you directly

4. Use Technology to Your Advantage

Most subs aren't leveraging technology effectively.

The ones who are:

• Get notifications instantly
• Accept jobs faster
• Work more consistently
• Earn more with less stress

This is your edge. While other subs are manually checking Frontline, you're getting push notifications and accepting with one tap.

Sub Hero was built for this exact moment: Instant notifications, smart filtering, fast acceptance.

5. Position for Long-Term

With the shortage:

Long-term assignments are more available and pay better.

Maternity leaves, sabbaticals, extended medical:

Schools need subs who can commit for weeks or months.

If you can handle long-term: You're in prime position to secure consistent, well-paying work.

The Income Opportunity

Pre-shortage typical sub:

• 100 days per year
• $110/day average
• $11,000 annual income

Now, with strategic approach:

• 140 days per year (more available)
• $125/day average (rates increasing)
• $17,500 annual income

Difference: $6,500 more per year

Add: One or two long-term assignments = another $3,000-6,000

Potential: $20,000-25,000+ annual income from subbing

The Window Won't Stay Open Forever

Economic reality:

• Districts are raising rates to attract subs
• Some are lowering requirements
• Demand is extremely high

But this will change when:

• Teacher retention improves
• Economy shifts
• More people enter the sub pool

Best time to start substitute teaching: Right now.

Best time to optimize your subbing: Also right now.

Don't Miss This Opportunity

The substitute teacher shortage is a problem for schools but an opportunity for you.

If you're subbing: Optimize your approach now while demand is high.

If you're considering subbing: The barriers have never been lower.

Either way: Stop doing it the hard way.

Sub Hero helps you capitalize on the shortage:

• Instant notifications for all available jobs
• Smart filtering for jobs worth your time
• Fast acceptance (beat other subs)
• Auto-accept for perfect assignments (Pro)

Learn more: app.getsubhero.com

Plans start at $6.99/month. Take advantage of the shortage while it lasts.