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More Than Shortages: The Unequal Distribution of Substitute Teaching

Author

Listed:
  • Jing Liu

    (College of Education University of Maryland College Park, MD 20742)

  • Susanna Loeb

    (Annenberg Institute Brown University Providence, RI 02912)

  • Ying Shi

    (Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs Syracuse University Syracuse, NY 13244)

Abstract

Classroom teachers in the United States are absent on average approximately 6 percent of a school year. Despite the prevalence of teacher absences, surprisingly little research has assessed the key source of replacement instruction: substitute teachers. Using detailed administrative and survey data from a large urban school district, we document the prevalence, predictors, and distribution of substitute coverage across schools. Less advantaged schools systematically exhibit lower rates of substitute coverage compared with peer institutions. Observed school, teacher, and absence characteristics account for only part of this school variation. In contrast, substitute teachers' preferences for specific schools, mainly driven by student behavior and support from teachers and school administrators, explain a sizable share of the unequal distribution of coverage rates above and beyond standard measures in administrative data.

Suggested Citation

  • Jing Liu & Susanna Loeb & Ying Shi, 2022. "More Than Shortages: The Unequal Distribution of Substitute Teaching," Education Finance and Policy, MIT Press, vol. 17(2), pages 285-308, Spring.
    • Handle: RePEc:tpr:edfpol:v:17:y:2022:i:2:p:285-308
    DOI: 10.1162/edfp_a_00329
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