Restore fair compensation for JCPS long-term substitute teachers
The Issue
Jefferson County Public Schools relies on long-term substitute teachers every day to provide stability and continuity for students when teacher vacancies occur. These substitutes step into classrooms, build relationships with students, follow lesson plans, manage behavior, communicate with families, and often take on many of the same responsibilities as the certified teacher they are replacing.
Recently, JCPS announced changes that reduce compensation for long-term substitute teachers, including the elimination of the $1,000 long-term substitute incentive and a reduction in the additional pay received after the 20th day in a long-term vacancy.
These changes are concerning because they come at a time when schools are already facing challenges recruiting and retaining qualified educators. Long-term substitutes fill critical roles, especially in high-needs classrooms such as Emotional and Behavioral Disorders (EBD) classrooms, where the demands of the job can include crisis management, physical and emotional challenges, and a need for consistency and strong relationships.
Reducing compensation for these positions may cause experienced substitutes to leave long-term assignments or discourage others from accepting them. Ultimately, this impacts students who depend on stable, familiar adults in their classrooms.
We are asking JCPS leadership to:
• Reevaluate the reduction in long-term substitute compensation.
• Restore fair incentives that recognize the commitment of substitutes who remain in long-term vacancies.
• Consider the additional demands placed on substitutes working in specialized and high-needs classrooms.
• Include substitute teacher voices in future decisions that directly impact recruitment and retention.
Long-term substitutes are not simply filling a seat. We are supporting students, maintaining classrooms, and helping JCPS continue providing quality education during teacher shortages.
We respectfully ask JCPS leadership to recognize the important role long-term substitutes play and take action to ensure these positions remain sustainable and attractive to qualified educators.
Please sign this petition to support fair compensation and stability for JCPS students and the substitute teachers who serve them.
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The Issue
Jefferson County Public Schools relies on long-term substitute teachers every day to provide stability and continuity for students when teacher vacancies occur. These substitutes step into classrooms, build relationships with students, follow lesson plans, manage behavior, communicate with families, and often take on many of the same responsibilities as the certified teacher they are replacing.
Recently, JCPS announced changes that reduce compensation for long-term substitute teachers, including the elimination of the $1,000 long-term substitute incentive and a reduction in the additional pay received after the 20th day in a long-term vacancy.
These changes are concerning because they come at a time when schools are already facing challenges recruiting and retaining qualified educators. Long-term substitutes fill critical roles, especially in high-needs classrooms such as Emotional and Behavioral Disorders (EBD) classrooms, where the demands of the job can include crisis management, physical and emotional challenges, and a need for consistency and strong relationships.
Reducing compensation for these positions may cause experienced substitutes to leave long-term assignments or discourage others from accepting them. Ultimately, this impacts students who depend on stable, familiar adults in their classrooms.
We are asking JCPS leadership to:
• Reevaluate the reduction in long-term substitute compensation.
• Restore fair incentives that recognize the commitment of substitutes who remain in long-term vacancies.
• Consider the additional demands placed on substitutes working in specialized and high-needs classrooms.
• Include substitute teacher voices in future decisions that directly impact recruitment and retention.
Long-term substitutes are not simply filling a seat. We are supporting students, maintaining classrooms, and helping JCPS continue providing quality education during teacher shortages.
We respectfully ask JCPS leadership to recognize the important role long-term substitutes play and take action to ensure these positions remain sustainable and attractive to qualified educators.
Please sign this petition to support fair compensation and stability for JCPS students and the substitute teachers who serve them.
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Petition created on July 31, 2026