The Substitute Scoop

Season 2, Episode 2 of The Substitute Scoop Podcast features the Substitute Management Council’s newest member, Velia Verdiguel, from Gwinnett County Public Schools in the heart of Central Georgia. Whether you manage 4,000 or 40 substitutes district-wide — this podcast episode will leave you with ideas to create a servant leadership strategy on embracing your substitute pool with open arms. Velia chats with Jamie West, Executive Director, about how her district program has become sustainable and successful for both her Human Resources department and student achievement alike. 

What does excellence in substitute management actually look like? In this episode, we welcome Sofia Alvarez from Glenbrook High School District 225, honored as Substitute Manager of the Year at the Substitute Management Symposium. She shares her approach to building trust with substitutes, partnering with school leaders, and turning daily coverage challenges into opportunities for growth. It’s an inspiring start to Season 2 of The Substitute Scoop.

This week's episode spotlights the essential role of building-level sub managers. Dr. Erica Christmas, from Clarksville-Montgomery County School System, breaks down their daily routines, the tools they rely on, and the small but powerful practices that help substitutes feel informed, confident, and ready to teach. From morning check-ins to resource packets to culture-building moments, this episode offers real strategies you can bring back to your school.

In this episode, Tina Limmer from Puyallup School District joins Jamie West to recap their AASPA Annual Conference session, “Standin’ Tall + Stayin’ Strong: Sub Pool Health and Culture.” They share what it takes to build a strong, supported substitute community and cover strategies to boost engagement, strengthen culture, and keep your substitute pool thriving all year long. 

How can districts transform substitute teaching from a temporary role into a meaningful career pathway? In this episode, we discuss how to create an environment where substitute teachers feel a sense of exploration and possibility in their future. We’ll also cover strategies to optimize the substitute program experience, strengthen district culture, and open doors for long-term growth.

How do districts build a substitute pool that’s not just large, but effective? In this episode, The Substitute Scoop sits down with Sean Petro, Assistant Chief HR Officer at Columbia County Schools in Georgia, to explore how his team takes a thoughtful, strategic approach to substitute placement. Sean shares how the district maintains a dynamic sub pool and leverages selectiveness, detail, and data to ensure substitutes are matched with the classrooms where they can make the biggest impact.

In this episode, The Substitute Scoop explores what it takes to build the ideal guest teacher experience from the moment they walk through the doors to the end of a successful day in the classroom. Hear how Crete Monee School District supports and empowers their substitute teachers, ensuring every guest teacher feels prepared, valued, and ready to excel.

A conversation with the Substitute Management Advisory Council's 2025 Substitute Manager of the Year Winner. Learn how Justine Michaud has been so successful with substitute management at Lake County Schools.