A Needs Assessment Study for an Ongoing Professional Development Program Called Some Saint for Subs for Substitute Teachers in Florida Public School Districts
The purpose of this study was to determine if there was a need for an ongoing professional development program for substitute teachers in Florida public school districts. For some time now, many public school districts in Florida have faced huge teacher and substitute teacher shortages which has a substantial academic impact on the students who attend these schools. A survey was administered to principals, assistant principals, certified teachers, and substitute teachers who work in a public Florida school district to determine if there was a need for talented substitute teachers in their area. Some questions on the survey were modeled after Marzano evaluation questions for certified teachers to see how a talented substitute teacher could be identified as effective while other questions focus on the demographics and substitute teaching experience of those who currently work for a public school district in Florida. Findings include that Florida school districts needed and would benefit from an ongoing professional development program for substitute teachers. The researcher also found that the ongoing professional development program created for substitute teachers, Some Saint for Subs, could increase student achievement as well as solve the substitute inadequacy in Florida public school districts. Recommendations include time (a full school year) and money to thoroughly review the effectiveness of Some Saint for Subs
