An Analysis of Teacher Shortages and the Use of Daily Substitutes

This mixed methods research study sought to find solutions to teacher absenteeism and the lack of daily substitutes at the Canon-McMillan School District. The ability to fully staff when teacher absences occur a problem for the Canon-McMillan School District. The objectives of this study included: (a) exploring the relationship between staff absences pre- and post-pandemic, (b) exploring the relationship between fill rates of staff absences pre- and post-pandemic, (c) exploring the relationship between levels of satisfaction when serving as a day-to-day substitute teacher at the Canon-McMillan School District. 
The results of this study indicated that when comparing pre- and post-pandemic staff absences, the number of staff absences post-pandemic was higher than pre-pandemic. The analysis revealed that fill rates were also higher post-pandemic at a fill rate of79%, while pre-pandemic, the fill rate was 77%. However, when comparing pre- and post­- pandemic absences, post-pandemic absences were higher, and fill rates did not appear to rise as much. Ultimately, fill rates were proportional to the number of absences, and the end result was more substitute teachers were available post-pandemic. A Google Form Survey was sent to 288 substitute teachers, of which 72 responded, giving the researcher insight into the satisfaction of substitute teachers, areas of weaknesses, and areas upon which to improve. The responses were analyzed, and the researcher was able to formulate conclusions and provide operational and fiscal recommendations based on their findings.