UC School Systems Seeing Positive Change In Substitute Teacher Shortages

Upper Cumberland School Districts seeing more success in keeping substitute teachers on their roster.

Putnam County Schools Communication Director Hannah Davis said while they always need more, their concern about having enough have lessened as applications have increased. She said they attribute that to putting more effort into supporting current subs in hopes of learning how to attract and retain substitutes.

“It is a little different from the past and how standards, and teaching and behaviors and how to go into schools and the world of teaching is ever-changing,” Davis said. “So it is really important to communicate that to our subs so they understand it and ”

White County Schools Director Kurt Dronebarger said his system has also seen solid numbers. He said they have new substitute hires weekly.

Dronebarger said the system has been lucky to have licensed teachers in their classrooms all year long. He said when they have vacancies, they have been able to fill them swiftly.

“We’re really blessed here in White County with our faculty and staff that we have,” Dronebarger said.