As of January 2024, the El Paso Independent School District (EPISD) reported 162 unfilled teaching positions across its 85 campuses including 73 vacancies in elementary schools, 45 in middle schools, and 44 in high schools. To manage the ongoing shortage, the district has increasingly relied on long-term substitute teachers, who now play a critical role in maintaining classroom continuity for hundreds of students. These long-term subs, often stepping in for entire semesters, are filling instructional gaps in core subjects like math, science, and English.
This shift hasn’t gone unnoticed by students, who are feeling the effects of long-term substitutes in their daily learning. Gabriella Aguilar, a senior at the school, shared how the constant presence of subs has impacted her and her classmates.
“It’s hard to stay motivated when your teacher keeps changing or isn’t a full-time part of the school,” Gabriella said. “Some long-term subs try really hard and I respect that but it’s not the same as having a teacher who’s fully invested and knows the school system inside and out.”
While exact numbers on long-term subs are not found public ally through the EPISD website , recent data shows EPISD still has a lot of teaching vacancies around 160 openings as of early 2024. That means a good chunk of classes are probably being run by substitutes for a while.
EPISD has been working on this issue by boosting substitute pay and lowering some requirements to bring in more qualified subs. Right now, substitutes with a degree can make up to $160 a day, which is more than before. Plus, they’ve dropped the college credit needed to sub from 90 hours to 30 to open the door for more people.
Martin Hernandez, is an assistant soccer coach at the school but also a long-term substitute teaching Pre-Calculus this year. He knows firsthand what it’s like to step into a classroom for the long haul as he took over being the pre cal teacher for Robert Keith after his retirement, Starting Jan. 8 till the end of the school year, Matin has taught the students for the class.
“Mr. Hernandez really knows how to break things down in a way that makes Pre-Cal less intimidating,” junior Maximo Rodriguez said. “He’s patient, and you can tell he actually wants us to get it. Honestly, he teaches like he’s been doing this full-time for years.”
Long-term subs remain a big part of how EPISD handles teacher shortages. For students and teachers alike, having a consistent teacher in the classroom makes a big difference and that’s something Hernandez hopes the district keeps working toward.
“Even though he’s a sub, Mr. Hernandez treats the class like it’s his own,” junior Hazel Garcia said. “He brings a lot of energy, and he’s super approachable. I never feel nervous asking him questions, he’s one of the best math teachers I’ve had.”
“Long-term subs have definitely become more common,” Hernandez said. “Sometimes we’re here for a whole semester or longer. I do my best to keep students engaged, but it’s tough because it’s not the same as being a permanent teacher.”
He added that having consistent teachers is especially important for student athletes juggling practice and schoolwork.
“Our players need stability, and when their teachers keep changing,” Hernandez said. “It can mess with their routine both on the field and in class.”
Despite the challenges, Hernandez is committed to helping his students succeed.
“I try to keep things moving as smoothly as possible,” Hernandez said. “Being a long-term sub isn’t easy, but it’s important work.”
