"Mom, Are You Free to Sub?"
Good House Keeping - US|September 2023
With teacher vacancies at record highs, parents are being asked to step in
MEG ST-ESPRIT
"Mom, Are You Free to Sub?"

When Christine Webber* heard that her children's school was facing a substitute teacher shortage, she decided to sign up to fill in herself. With two girls in school full-time, the Albany, NY, mom thought it might be a good fit. The pay was low, but other factors made the role appealing to her. As a parent-teacher organization mom who was on multiple committees, she already knew the school well.

"I'm here all the time anyway," she laughs.

"I might as well get paid for it." Christine is one of many parents across the country stepping up to fill in amid growing teacher shortages. At the start of the 2022-2023 school year, 45% of America's schools were operating with teacher vacancies. According to Chalkbeat, teacher turnover rates are the highest they've been in the past five years, having risen about 2% across the country. This means that in a school with 100 teachers, two more per year quit than in a typical pre-pandemic school year.

This mass exodus from the teaching profession also means that each day about 20% of substitute teacher openings remain vacant. There are perks to subbing, Christine says, such as having a schedule similar to that of her kids, but filling in at their school can burden her with guilt. "I had to make the tough choice one day to take a sub job when my child wanted me to be at the bookfair when she went," she says. "I felt bad that either they needed to find someone else for coverage or my daughter would be disappointed." She chose the bookfair, but the tension between the needs of the school and those of her kids weighs heavily on her. She's not alone: The current teacher shortage is yet another gap in American society being filled by moms.

ASKING TOO MUCH

Diese Geschichte stammt aus der September 2023-Ausgabe von Good House Keeping - US.

Starten Sie Ihre 7-tägige kostenlose Testversion von Magzter GOLD, um auf Tausende kuratierte Premium-Storys sowie über 8.000 Zeitschriften und Zeitungen zuzugreifen.

Diese Geschichte stammt aus der September 2023-Ausgabe von Good House Keeping - US.

Starten Sie Ihre 7-tägige kostenlose Testversion von Magzter GOLD, um auf Tausende kuratierte Premium-Storys sowie über 8.000 Zeitschriften und Zeitungen zuzugreifen.

WEITERE ARTIKEL AUS GOOD HOUSE KEEPING - USAlle anzeigen
THESE small changes CAN TRANSFORM YOUR health
Good House Keeping - US

THESE small changes CAN TRANSFORM YOUR health

There's no need to rethink your entire way of life! These incremental moves will yield big payoffs.

time-read
3 Minuten  |
March - April 2025
CLEAN LIKE AN EXPERT
Good House Keeping - US

CLEAN LIKE AN EXPERT

The GH Cleaning Lab is the first stop for insight on removing spots and stains. But there's no shortage of expertise throughout the GH Institute. For this guide, we tapped some of our key Lab leads for the tips and tools they swear by. Give them a try to become a cleaning whiz in your own home.

time-read
3 Minuten  |
March - April 2025
FRESH SCENT
Good House Keeping - US

FRESH SCENT

Fight kitchen odors with this hardworking spray that leaves behind a refreshing citrus smell.

time-read
1 min  |
March - April 2025
A PLACE FOR Everything
Good House Keeping - US

A PLACE FOR Everything

Make every room more functional (and pleasing to the eye) with these brilliant space-saving tips from organizing pros.

time-read
2 Minuten  |
March - April 2025
HOW TO FORGIVE A FRIEND
Good House Keeping - US

HOW TO FORGIVE A FRIEND

In close relationships, hurt happens. If you're ready to let it go, here are some guidelines.

time-read
2 Minuten  |
March - April 2025
Lilies and Raisins and Soap, Oh My!
Good House Keeping - US

Lilies and Raisins and Soap, Oh My!

Unexpected seasonal dangers can put your pet at risk. A few simple precautions can help.

time-read
2 Minuten  |
March - April 2025
Spring Cleaning for CAT OWNERS
Good House Keeping - US

Spring Cleaning for CAT OWNERS

Reduce household allergens with these easy moves.

time-read
2 Minuten  |
March - April 2025
FRIENDS WITH (HEALTH) BENEFITS
Good House Keeping - US

FRIENDS WITH (HEALTH) BENEFITS

It can be tricky to find time for human connection (because, life). But friend time benefits your health in far more ways than one.

time-read
3 Minuten  |
March - April 2025
Pretty PASTELS
Good House Keeping - US

Pretty PASTELS

Embrace the season with easy Easter and Passover crafts for an unforgettable celebration.

time-read
2 Minuten  |
March - April 2025
Why I RAGE CLEAN
Good House Keeping - US

Why I RAGE CLEAN

How my compulsion to tidy reveals more about my stress and mental load than it does about my need for spotless countertops

time-read
4 Minuten  |
March - April 2025