It doesn't make sense that substitute teachers can be so easily fired.

Last edited Sun Sep 7, 2025, 05:50 AM - Edit history (1)

Yes, a principal can simply decide not to use a sub again, even for minor issues or vague accusations, as it is often less complicated than a formal dismissal process for a tenured teacher.

But whether a substitute is a real teacher who can take over the agenda for an absent teacher, a manager, a babysitter, or a place-holder, there is a limited supply of them. And they are needed. A class can't run itself.

Why would a principal fire a substitute teacher for any action that a tenured teacher would be excused for?

By diminishing the supply of substitute teachers, the principal is undermining his/her school and its organization.

Finally, there's a business in several states named ESS (formerly Source for Teachers). They make contracts with school districts to provide qualified substitute teachers. If you screw up in an ESS district, you're more or less done teaching in all districts that have ESS. My question reiterated: where do they expect to get an unlimited supply of substitutes?