Building a culture that values substitute teachers helps ensure classroom coverage and a continuation of learning, even when full-time teachers are absent, Lake County Schools recruitment partner Jamie West and HR specialist Justine Michaud explain in The K-12 Culture Playbook, a publication recently produced by Red Rover, a software company that specializes in school workforce management.
“If we want our substitute pools to stay strong (and our classrooms covered), we need to rethink how we engage these educators,” they wrote. “Feeling seen, supported, and included is a core part of workplace satisfaction – so why should it be any different for subs?”
Substitute teacher management is a key part of the roles West and Michaud play in the district. Along with recruiting employees, West, a former substitute teacher, also oversees a recognition program that celebrates employees, including substitutes, with monthly gift baskets and social media posts. She also serves as executive director of the Substitute Management Advisory Council.
Michaud was named the 2024-25 Substitute Manager of the Year at this year’s Substitute Management Symposium. This national award celebrates her leadership, creativity, and commitment to building a substitute program that works for schools and guest teachers.
The two recount in the article how the district’s substitute fill rates hovered around 70-80% a few years ago, but now sit at 95%. What changed? Culture.
“Feedback isn’t just about improving instructional practices,” they wrote. “It’s about building trust. When substitutes feel like their voices matter, they are more likely to return, stay engaged, and invest in the school community. … Our subs feel valued, and they’re showing up.”
Lake County Schools is always looking for substitute employees to help ensure smooth day-to-day operations. Learn how to become a substitute in Lake at https://www.lake.k12.fl.us/page/substitutes
