There are nearly two million substitute teachers and paraprofessionals in the United States, and these roles are growing. A recent study found paraprofessional growth outpaced teacher growth by approximately 21 percent.

This Teacher’s Appreciation Week, incorporate paraprofessionals and substitute teachers into planning. There are a few reasons why these important individuals deserve acknowledgment.

Dennis Liflyandchick noticed a student was off task in his tenth-grade biology class. Upon closer look, the student was preoccupied with Dungeons and Dragons (D&D), a fantasy role-playing game. Created in 1974, the tabletop game grew popular in the 1980s and has continued its growth.

Seeing an opportunity for connection, Liflyandchick struck up a conversation about the game.

In honor of Teacher Appreciation Week (May 5-9, 2025), many businesses are celebrating educators by offering exclusive discounts. Teachers can redeem coupons for school supplies, insurance and auto repair deals, clothing discounts, and more.

Over the past six years, staffing agencies have grown to help address a serious teacher shortage. Districts that are stretched thin can turn to a staffing agency to save time recruiting, training and onboarding substitute teachers.

Agencies and districts collaborate well together, but what about the individuals navigating these systems? Is going with one more beneficial than going with the other? To find out, we searched a few subreddits to get opinions of people with direct experience.

For many people, substitute teaching offers the benefits of teaching with more flexibility. Subs can choose which subjects they cover and which buildings they prefer to work in. Additionally, there is no full-time requirement—substitute teachers can work as many as five days a week, as little as one day a week, or even a couple days a month.