TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WTXL) — Leon County Schools has increased the hourly rate for substitute teachers from $12 per hour to $14 per hour.
According to a press release, this is the second time in the previous three years.
“Substitute teacher pay in Leon County had been stagnant at $10 for more than decade prior to our increase last school year. We understand the significant role substitute teachers play in the day to day education of our children. This increase will help us to recruit and retain highly-qualified substitute teachers back into our schools and classrooms.” said Superintendent Rocky Hanna.
Currently 3,500 teacher vacancies in the state of Florida, according to LCS officials.
Many schools now depend on substitute teachers to help serve students for extended periods of time.
However, officials say a low pay rate for subs has led to a shortage of substitute teachers that has had a reaching impact on school communities.
LCS says some teachers have also mentioned not being able to take leave or sick days due to the lack of coverage for their classes.
Leon County School’s commitment to increasing the hourly rate for substitute teachers is based on supporting teachers and school communities and recruiting the best individuals into our classrooms.
This pay increase went into effect on Friday, November 1.
