Providence Substitute Teachers Face Pay Cuts, Seek New Opportunities
Providence Public Schools have caught substitute teachers off guard by reducing daily pay rates from $140 to $130, effective this school year. Many, including per diem substitute Phe Mackessy, were only informed of the change six days before classes commenced. Mackessy expressed frustration, suggesting the district’s late notification was intentional, leaving substitutes little time to seek other work.
The pay cut has resulted in a noticeable decline in available substitutes; Providence had 274 substitutes in early March 2025, down from 366 in the previous year. Year to date, 129 per diem substitutes have opted not to return. Despite this, the district claims that their substitute pool remains stable, attributing the pay reduction to a new tiered structure that favors long-term service.
Mackessy argues that the new pay framework will further alienate potential substitutes, particularly when neighboring school districts like Lincoln and Middletown offer more competitive rates. Although committed to serving students, Mackessy and others are left in a bind, balancing financial needs with the desire to remain in the profession.
Despite nationwide challenges in securing substitute teachers, Providence has no plans to revise its pay structure.
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