TPS seeking substitute teachers

TULSA, OK – Tulsa Public Schools is encouraging Tulsans to help play a part in sustaining in-person learning by joining the district’s team of substitute teachers. To incentivize applicants, the district has increased the daily pay rate for substitute teachers through the end of the 2020-2021 school year.

“We faced substitute teacher shortages long before the pandemic, and we are facing them even more significantly now,” said Superintendent Deborah Gist. “Staffing capacity is a key factor for keeping students in classrooms during the COVID-19 pandemic, and we want to ensure that our classrooms will have coverage if they are not able to come to school in-person.”

The 2020-2021 school year rates are as follows:

Certified teacher will earn $115 per day. Certified teacher on long-term assignment (11+ consecutive days in the same position) will earn $140 per day.

Substitutes who have completed 48+ college credit hours will be paid $105 per day.

Substitutes with a high school diploma will be paid $90 per day.

Eligible applicants for these positions must hold a minimum high school diploma or GED equivalent, pass a background check and drug screening, and complete the district’s substitute training.

“During a typical year, we have 400 active substitutes who support our teachers, and we’ve seen a 75% decrease in active substitutes following the pandemic,” Gist said. “Time and time again, we’ve seen what Tulsans can do when we come together to support our educators, and this is a great opportunity to make a meaningful difference for our children and families.”

“Since September I have personally heard from many families - moms, dads and guardians - who said they would jump in to substitute if it meant helping to keep consistency for our students,” said Board President Stacey Woolley. “I, personally, am volunteering my time as a substitute because I know it is critical and the benefits immeasurable. I ask that all Tulsans consider contributing one day a week in order to help keep our students safe and in the classroom by signing up to be a substitute. Simply put, we won’t be able to do it without you!”

Visit www.tulsaschools. org/substitute or call 918746-6310 to learn more about substitute teaching opportunities with Tulsa Public Schools.