“The shortage of substitute teachers, both in quantity and quality, across the country has never been more severe,” wrote Geoffrey Smith, director of the Substitute Teacher Training Institute, in a 2022 article for the National School Superintendents Association website. Though Smith penned those words last year, the issue remains and is true for South Dakota as well: There are not enough substitute teachers to go around. Yet, area principals say that it can be a great job for many reasons and invite local people to learn more about the position.
Britton-Hecla School District’s principals Kyla Richter and Carrie James say that substitute teachers are needed on a daily basis all over the school for many reasons. Teachers, paraeducators, and nutrition staff of course get sick or might have to stay home with a sick child. They have medical appointments or coaching obligations that take them away in the afternoon. When the above occurs, a substitute is needed.
Middle/High School Principal James says that she can only remember one day last year that they did not need a sub and no days this year yet when at least one wasn’t needed. Richter, B-H Elementary Principal, adds, “Some days we might need five subs.”
When asked who can be a sub, the administrators say almost anyone would be eligible. “We have people from college students to retired folks who sub for us,” said James. Though they note that some of their subs are retired teachers, the principals emphasize that you don’t need an educational background to sub. In other words, you don’t have to be a teacher or have ever been a teacher.
Additionally, when you sub, you don’t have to be an expert in the subject you’re subbing for. B-H Administrative Assistant Traci Malpert who helps organize the district’s subs said, “If you substitute in band, you don’t need to be a band director.” She adds that the teachers you sub for always leave notes and materials so you know exactly what to do. And if you’re never been in the school before, there are also plenty of folks to guide you.
What you might do as a sub is as variable as what teachers and staff in the school do every day. “You might be in charge of a full size class or could work with small groups or one on one,” says Richter. You might help with lunchroom duty or monitor recess. You can even pick where you sub if you have a preference. “If you just want to work in the high school, we can do that. If you like the lower grades, we can put you there,” noted James. “We really try to be accommodating.”
In fact, the flexibility is one of the big perks of the job. Malpert said, “You can basically pick your own hours and days.” The B-H district uses an app called Red Rover you can get on your phone that makes the process very easy. They send out a message when they need a sub and Red Rover pops up with a notification. You can accept the job or decline it right on the app without ever talking to anyone.
Jodi Kraft who is a frequent substitute at Britton-Hecla says the flexibility is one of the best parts for her. “You pick and choose when you want to work and where you sub,” noted Kraft. “I can say no if I have something going on. The Red Rover app makes it very easy.” She can almost work as much as she wants she added. “Some weeks, I might sub four days and other weeks, one day.”
One thing that school officials wished people also knew about subbing is that it isn’t necessarily a full day commitment. A big need for the districts is subs for just part of the day, especially the last few hours of school. “We often need subs for that eighth hour of the day since coaches have to go to activities,” said Malpert. “If parents who pick their kids up at school would want to come a little early and help out that last hour, that would be great.”
Beyond the flexibility, most substitutes say they find the work very rewarding. Kraft, who was formerly a hairstylist for over 20 years, loves the position. “I have always enjoyed working with children and love a school setting,” she said. Kraft subbed one Friday a few years ago and has since embraced it wholeheartedly.
“It is contagious being around happy kids at school,” Kraft emphasized. “Seeing smiles on faces and helping students understand something is so rewarding and feels great.” Tom Shileny, who has been a frequent elementary and middle school sub at BH this year, echoed Kraft’s sentiments. “You feel valued by both the staff and the students,” he said. “It’s a great feeling when kids run up to you and ask if you’ll be their sub that day.”
Regular subs also point out that working at the school is a great work environment in general. “The staff is easy to get along with and very helpful,” said Shileny. “Everyone is willing to go out of their way to help you.” Kraft agreed. “We are lucky to have such great school administrators and staff in a small town setting,” said Kraft. “That school is like a well-oiled machine. Everyone is so amazing.”
James added, “Most of our subs say that they love the energy of the school and working with the kids. And the kids really benefit from positive interactions with people outside the school.” Both James and Richter added that they would love seeing more men come in as substitute teachers. “Having positive male role models in the school is excellent for the kids,” said Richter.
One such role model is Terry Nelson. Nelson, who was a teacher for 34 years, is back subbing at B-H after years of being retired and working elsewhere. He says he still loves the environment. He likes to keep up with his players (he coaches girls basketball) and “be back in the groove with the kids.” Nelson admitted, “It has changed from when I taught, but I still enjoy being in the school.”
Both Britton-Hecla and Langford Area Schools are in need of more subs currently. Applying to be a sub is a pretty easy process. You can come to the schools’ offices and get an application or visit their websites. Subbing does require fingerprinting and a background check, which the school reimburses the cost of when they get it back. Richter encourages, “Apply or come in to talk to us about it, even if you don’t think you’re a candidate. We’re happy to visit with you and give you more information.” You can call either school for more information at 605-448-2234 (for Britton-Hecla) and 605493-6454 (for Langford Area).
