Yukon Public Schools Incentivizing Substitute Teachers With Higher Pay

Yukon Public Schools are raising the pay rate for substitute teachers to help fill a desperate need in the district. 

"On a typical year we ran a 85% to 95% fill rate which means 85% of our needs were filled. Last week we dipped down to a 45% fill rate and there were some days where we were able to hit a 65% fill rate,' said Jason Brunk, Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources. 

The district is trying to avoid hiring a third-party company to do their staffing. The hope the incentives they are providing will urge the community to step in. 

"As long as we can we are staying committed to having a community of employees here and continuing to grow our own, hire our own and train our own," said Brunk. 

The district has begun offering a $60 stipend to teachers that fill in for 10 days. They will also allow substitutes to attend school events like football games for free. 

The district is also providing 50% off tuition for one three hour course at Southwestern Oklahoma State University. 

Now they are adding a new incentive, at $15 a day pay bump. The bonus took effect this week. 

Uncertified teachers will now make $75 a day and certified teachers will make $85.  

"I believe we are 5 or 6 times voted the top workplace in Oklahoma. I think we are the only public school district, non- charter school that can say that. It is a tremendous place to work," said Brunk. 

To learn more about being a substitute teacher, follow this link.