We've talked about substitute teachers before. The recent pay cut, and whether they deserve parity with full-time teachers. Overall teacher retention rates, and how salaries are negotiated. The Honolulu Advertiser takes a big-picture look at the substitute teacher situation today, with several articles.
They talk to some substitutes about the ups and downs of their jobs. They posted updates on two pending lawsuits, one for back pay and one over the pay cut. And some substitutes are continuing the drive to unionize.
Some substitutes on the mainland are part of regular teachers' unions, but Hawaii law doesn't allow for it. The state says substitutes enjoy "casual employment" at a decent $17 an hour, and that a union would set a bad precedent for other casual employees.
Substitute teachers do good work, but I really think the focus should be on recruiting and retaining full-time, fully-certified, qualified teachers. Substitute ranks are dwindling, but I imagine that happens any time there's a growing economy where "casual workers" have lots of other options. But people who devote their lives to education should be rewarded for that, else we end up with schools led entirely by people who come and go as they choose.
They talk to some substitutes about the ups and downs of their jobs. They posted updates on two pending lawsuits, one for back pay and one over the pay cut. And some substitutes are continuing the drive to unionize.
Some substitutes on the mainland are part of regular teachers' unions, but Hawaii law doesn't allow for it. The state says substitutes enjoy "casual employment" at a decent $17 an hour, and that a union would set a bad precedent for other casual employees.
Substitute teachers do good work, but I really think the focus should be on recruiting and retaining full-time, fully-certified, qualified teachers. Substitute ranks are dwindling, but I imagine that happens any time there's a growing economy where "casual workers" have lots of other options. But people who devote their lives to education should be rewarded for that, else we end up with schools led entirely by people who come and go as they choose.
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