**FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE**
October 23, 2024
Contact: AJ Graffeo, Director of Communications
agraffeo@putnamcityschools.org
405-495-5200 ext. 1216
Putnam City Schools Launches Innovative Guest Teacher Program to Enhance Classroom Support, Recruit, and Retain
Putnam City Schools is excited to announce the implementation of a new Guest Teacher Program, aimed at increasing the pool of guest teachers by 20%. Unanimously approved by the Putnam City School Board on Tuesday, October 22nd, this initiative includes a competitive tiered compensation schedule and incentive package aimed at boosting retention rates and providing a more supportive environment for substitute teachers across the District.
The Guest Teacher Program is designed with a multi-pronged approach, focusing on recruitment, retention, and ongoing support. Substitute teachers will benefit from tiered compensation, including bronze, silver, and gold categories, with rewards that increase based on the number of days worked. In addition to base pay, guest teachers can earn incentives for reaching key milestones at 60, 90, and 120 days of service, culminating in a Gold Level badge for those who work 120 days or more, along with four hours of professional development.
Exciting Features of the Guest Teacher Program Include:
- Tiered Competitive Compensation: Daily rates start at $75 for non-certified guest teachers and go up to $110 after 120 days. For certified and/or degreed guest teachers, daily rates start at $95 and go up to $130 after 120 days. Additional payments are awarded based on days worked, whether consecutive or non-consecutive and are retroactive to the start of the 2024-2025 school year.
- Gold Level Status: Achieved after working 120 days, providing substitutes with ongoing higher pay and recognition as elite dedicated members of the Guest Teacher Program.
- Welcome Package: Each guest teacher will receive a welcome bag filled with Putnam City merchandise, useful materials, teaching tips, and more.
-Free Pass to District Events: Each Putnam City Guest Teacher will receive a District pass for free entry to any athletic or fine arts event hosted by the District.
- Free Professional Development: Guest teachers will have access to the new “PC University,” a District training program designed to equip staff with the skills they can utilize to succeed.
With this forward-thinking program, Putnam City Schools aims to foster a positive working culture, streamline onboarding for new guest teachers, and offer continuous development opportunities. Furthermore, this program is not only about filling classrooms but about creating an inclusive and supportive environment for those who step in to ensure that learning is not severely disrupted and our Putnam City students can continuously “Go Boldly.”
Working as a Guest Teacher in Putnam City Schools is a fantastic choice for local college students, retirees, parents, and those looking to earn some extra money with the flexibility to create their own schedule. To learn more about the Guest Teacher Program at Putnam City Schools, please visit our website at https://www.putnamcityschools.org/page/guest-teaching
