When Is Substitute Teacher Day in 2026?

Substitute Teacher Day—officially known as Substitute Educators Day—is observed each year on the Friday of American Education Week.

In 2026, Substitute Educators Day will fall on Friday, November 20, 2026.

This day highlights the essential role substitute teachers play in keeping schools running, maintaining learning continuity, and supporting students when their regular teacher is absent. For many districts, it’s also a moment to recognize just how much stability, patience, and professionalism substitutes bring into classrooms every single day.

Below is a clear explanation of the celebration, how it fits into American Education Week, and simple ways schools and students can show appreciation.

Substitute Teacher Day

Substitute Teacher Day is part of American Education Week, a nationwide celebration that honors everyone who contributes to student learning—from classroom teachers and bus drivers to counselors, paraprofessionals, and substitutes.

For substitute teachers, the day is an opportunity to highlight:

• Adaptability: Stepping into new classrooms, routines, and grade levels with very little notice.

• Commitment: Supporting students even without long-term relationships or preparation time.

• Professionalism: Keeping learning moving forward while maintaining a calm, structured environment.

• Impact: Providing continuity that allows schools to operate smoothly day after day.

Unlike traditional appreciation days tied to fixed dates, Substitute Teacher Day shifts each year depending on the calendar for American Education Week. But its purpose stays the same: to recognize the essential role substitutes play in the education system.

Why Substitute Teachers Deserve Recognition

Substitute teachers do far more than supervise classrooms. They:

• Manage unfamiliar lesson plans and expectations

• Build trust with students they may only meet once

• Keep students engaged while ensuring learning continues

• Support school staff by maintaining classroom stability

• Help create consistent learning environments across grade levels

Every school district depends on substitutes to function. Without them, classes would be combined, schedules would break down, and learning disruptions would be constant.

Substitute Teacher Day is a chance to pause and acknowledge this foundational work.

How Schools Can Celebrate Substitute Teachers

Here are simple, meaningful ways schools and districts can show appreciation:

1. Share public thank-you messages

Include substitute teachers in newsletters, social media posts, and morning announcements.

2. Provide small gestures of gratitude

A handwritten note from administrators or students goes a long way.

3. Offer preferred scheduling or early booking

Recognize high-performing substitutes by giving them first choice of upcoming assignments.

4. Highlight success stories

Celebrate substitutes who made a difference in student learning or classroom culture.

5. Create a welcoming environment

Clear lesson plans, accessible seating charts, and organized materials help substitutes succeed—and feel valued.

How Substitute Teachers Can Make the Most of the Day

Substitutes can use the day as an opportunity to:

• Refresh their teaching profiles

• Explore new school partnerships

• Reflect on what makes their work rewarding

• Connect with other educators

• Celebrate the impact they’ve had on hundreds of students

It’s more than a holiday—it’s a reminder of the difference substitutes make every time they step into a classroom.

Substitute Teacher Day on November 20, 2026 is a moment to recognize the critical role substitutes play in education. Schools rely on them to maintain continuity, support learning, and keep classrooms running smoothly. Whether you’re a substitute teacher, a school administrator, or a student, this day is a chance to show appreciation for the people who step into classrooms and make an immediate difference.