What Challenges do K-5 Substitute Teachers Face and How can a School Support Their Efforts

This paper poses the question “What Challenges Do K-5 Substitute Teachers Face and How Can A School Support Their Efforts?” The subject is explored both by literature review and a questionnaire sent to currently active classroom teachers and substitute teachers. The questions posed in the survey were designed to elicit responses clarifying problems faced by both substitute and regular teachers. Findings from the questionnaire were presented in the form of a table. This enabled the researcher to identify problems and propose solutions. Sample of the questionnaire is included. Data collected showed that the primary problems faced by substitutes include classroom management and discipline problems, lack of appreciation, lack of cooperation by classroom teachers, and a general lack of support from school administrations. Suggested remedies are substitute training programs by individual schools, permanent dedicated pools of substitutes for individual schools and unionization