An average day managing substitutes can face challenges like keeping classrooms covered, supporting staff, and ensuring students continue to learn with minimal disruption. While juggling the many responsibilities of an administrator, you don’t have time to waste when searching for strategies to elevate the substitute experience at your district.
That's why the Substitute Management Symposium has become a must-attend event for K-12 leaders who are ready to transform their approach to substitute management.
This is your chance to connect with peers, share ideas, and explore what's working in districts nationwide. We'll dive into culture, training, and pay, among the many parts that impact the substitute experience.
If you're considering whether to join us in 2026, here are five reasons you won't want to miss it.
The Substitute Management Symposium dives into all parts of the substitute experience, from culture to compensation. Sessions cover how to build welcoming school environments, provide meaningful professional development, recruit and retain great substitutes, and compensation. You'll also hear practical guidance for building administrators who manage substitutes every day. By exploring a wide range of substitute management strategies, the Symposium gives you a comprehensive view of what’s working in districts like yours.
Hear from nearly two dozen fellow practitioners, administrators, and leaders who have faced the same challenges you have, such as finding, retaining, and supporting substitutes. District HR teams and industry leaders will share what has worked for them and give you ideas to build creative, sustainable systems to fill classrooms and improve substitute satisfaction.
You won't want to miss opening session keynote speaker Jon Colby, who has crafted a meaningful and interactive experience to help our audience become better communicators, leaders, and teammates. From an energizing opening session to thought-provoking closing conversations with industry leaders, every presentation is designed to equip you with insights that make a real difference in your district.
It's time to move beyond viewing substitute management as simply filling empty classrooms. The symposium challenges you to assess every aspect of your substitute program, including how you hire, assess, compensate, engage, support, and retain substitutes.
You'll walk away with a comprehensive framework for building a world-class substitute program though dedicated sessions on topics like substitute learning environments, culture creation, professional development, and recruitment and retention strategies.
Have your own customized experience, as the symposium offers multiple breakout sessions, allowing you to choose a learning path based on your district's unique needs and challenges. Whether you're focused on recruitment strategies, professional development, or building administrator support, you can select the sessions that matter most to you.
These breakout rooms give you the opportunity to dive into specific topics and ask questions about your personal paint points. The virtual format keeps things simple and focused, allowing for direct interaction with presenters.
There’s no need to choose between compliance and meaningful learning. The symposium offers pHCLE credits through AASPA, so you can meet your professional development requirements while gaining valuable knowledge. That makes it simple to justify the time investment and ensures your participation is recognized as part of your ongoing professional growth. Ready to revolutionize your substitute management program? Registration is now open for the 2026 Substitute Management Symposium. Secure your spot today!