Manitowoc school district boosts pay for substitute teachers. Here's how much you could make.

MANITOWOC — Got a college degree? Looking for some extra income?

You could move to the front of the class.

In attempt to fill a shortage of substitute teachers, Manitowoc Public School District administrators have raised the daily pay rate to $180 to $250 per day, depending on your education level.

And you don’t need to have a degree in education. The district is looking for anyone in the community with an associate's degree or bachelor’s degree to apply.

It’s always been the case that a person doesn’t have to have a degree in education to fill in for teachers in the district.

But with the shortage in substitute teachers, the district said it is boosting pay to encourage people to give it a try.

Substitutes can pick and choose how many hours or days they want to serve.

The district is also interested in hiring full-time substitute teachers.

Under the new pay system, someone with an associate's or bachelor’s degree in any field will earn $180 per day. If a person works more than four consecutive days, the daily rate increases to $200. A full-time sub earns $225 per day.

Certified and retired teachers also can step up to serve as subs. The Manitowoc district’s pay rates for state-certified teachers and retired state-certified teachers are now $225 and $250 per day, respectively.

Free meals: Manitowoc schools to resume free meals for all students Nov. 6

“The schedule is very flexible, and people can choose as few or as many hours as they want,” said district Human Resources Director Mike Nault in a news release. “Our pay is very competitive and it is a rewarding experience. You get to help students in your community as they work through the lesson plans their teacher left behind for you.”

The shortage of substitute teachers is not unique to Manitowoc and is part of the overall teacher shortage in the state.

According to a Wisconsin Policy Forum study, the number of students graduating with education degrees has been declining since 2011. In addition, the forum found the teacher turnover rate in the past 15 years has been about 11.8% annually. That number jumped to 15.8% for the 2022-23 school year.

'Parental bill of rights': Manitowoc school board puts pronoun use in hands of parents

In the past, school districts could hire education graduates who might not have secured full-time teaching jobs to fill in as subs. With fewer grads and more people leaving the profession, that’s no longer the case.

Anyone interested in subbing in Manitowoc’s classrooms can send an email with resume to kroghk@mpsd.school or drop it off in person at the district office, 2902 Lindbergh Drive. Call 920-686-4789 for more information.

Contact reporter Patti Zarling at pzarling@gannett.com or call 920-606-2575. Follow her on Twitter @PGPattiZarling.

This article originally appeared on Manitowoc Herald Times Reporter: Manitowoc school district raises substitute teacher pay amid shortage