Portsmouth, NH Substitute Teachers Get a (Temporary) Raise

One Seacoast school system facing a staffing shortage is hoping to entice potential substitutes with a pay raise.

The COVID-19 winter surge has caused teachers who test positive to call out often at the last minute, which puts pressure on the pool of substitutes available.

"In an effort to appreciate our current group of dedicated substitutes and attract more applicants to this rewarding work, we are increasing our extremely competitive call-in substitute rates starting January 18 up until at least February break," Supeintendent Steve Zadravec wrote in a message on the district website.

The temporary substitute rates are:

• Teacher substitutes $115/day
• Certified Teacher substitutes $125/day
• Paraeducator substitutes $16.80/hour
• School Nurse Substitutes $220/day

Those interested in substitute positions should complete the district's general employment application.

Dover school superintendent William Harbron warned parents that the next 4-6 weeks will be challenging as the spread of COVID-19 poses a risk for potential staffing shortages in the district.

"It remains the district's top priority to continue with in-person learning. Unfortunately though, there might be a day when the school might not have the adequate number of teachers to provide instruction and/or the staff to provide adequate supervision for student safety," Harbron said in a statement to the district. "In the event this occurs, we want parents/guardians to be prepared with a backup plan if a school or schools need to be closed for these reasons."

Contact reporter Dan Alexander at Dan.Alexander@townsquaremedia.com or via Twitter @DanAlexanderNH