Substitute Educators Day

Celebrated on 11/21/2026

Quick Fact

Substitute Educators Day is celebrated on the Friday of the first full week in May each year, aligning with Teacher Appreciation Week. It was established by the National Education Association (NEA) in 2016 to honor the often-overlooked contributions of substitute teachers, who collectively cover over 10 million absences annually in U.S. schools.

Origins and Establishment of Substitute Educators Day

Substitute Educators Day was first recognized in 2016 by the National Education Association (NEA) as a way to honor the vital role substitute teachers play in maintaining educational continuity. The NEA, the largest labor union in the United States, created this day to address the lack of recognition for substitutes, who often face challenging working conditions and low pay. The date was chosen to fall during Teacher Appreciation Week, ensuring substitutes are celebrated alongside full-time educators.

Evolution and Modern Commemoration

Since its inception, Substitute Educators Day has grown in visibility, with schools and districts organizing appreciation events such as breakfasts, thank-you notes, and social media campaigns using #SubstituteEducatorsDay. The day has also highlighted the critical shortage of substitutes, which has worsened due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Modern celebrations often include professional development opportunities and advocacy for better wages and benefits for substitutes.

Facts & General Observations

• There are approximately 600,000 substitute teachers in the United States, covering over 10 million teacher absences each year.
• The average pay for a substitute teacher is about $105 per day, with significant variation by state and district.
• Substitute teachers are required to have at least a bachelor's degree in 35 states, though requirements vary widely.

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