Seeking substitute teachers to fill in for those who call out sick, the Princeton Public Schools Board of Education has raised the daily rate to entice would-be substitute teachers to step forward.
The school board approved raising the per diem rate from $85 and $90 per day to a range of $95 to $105 per day.
There are nearly 200 substitute teachers on the school district’s substitute teacher roll, but the district is always searching for more substitutes.
“Due to COVID-19, we want to ensure that if staff is out sick, we have substitutes,” school board member Debra Bronfeld said at the school board’s Sept. 29 meeting.
Bronfeld said the school district is increasing its daily rate to be more competitive with surrounding school districts and their substitute teacher pay scale.
Prospective teachers need to have a minimum of 60 college credits, school district officials said. A bachelor’s degree is desirable, but the district will hire someone who earned 60 credits.
Becoming a substitute teacher is a good way to become involved in the school community, as well as serving as a realistic proving ground for anyone who may be looking for a full-time job in the Princeton Public Schools, officials said.
Many school district teachers were on the list of substitute teachers and taught in the classroom on that basis, school district officials said. It is not unusual for a substitute teacher to find full-time work in the school district when there is a vacancy.
Being a substitute teacher on a per diem, or daily, basis also allows for flexibility, school district officials said.
Persons who are interested in becoming a substitute teacher can find additional information on the school district’s website at www.princetonk12.org, and by scrolling down to the human resources menu.