Melissa Agüero Ramirez
HR Consultant / Talent Development Director at STEDI.org
Substitute teachers are not just temporary stand-ins—they are vital partners in maintaining instructional continuity, student engagement, and school stability. Yet, districts across the country face ongoing challenges in attracting, retaining, and empowering substitute educators. In this engaging webinar, we’ll explore data-driven insights and proven strategies for elevating the substitute teaching experience.
Through real-world examples, innovative recognition programs, and targeted support models, district and school leaders will discover how to transform substitute teaching from a last-minute staffing solution into a respected, well-supported role that contributes meaningfully to student success.
Learning Objectives
During the webinar, participants will:
- Identify and address common needs of substitute teachers by interpreting exit surveys, feedback trends, and staffing data to inform strategic improvements.
- Implement training and onboarding practices that prepare substitutes for both instructional delivery and relationship-building with students and staff.
- Build a culture of connection and belonging that fosters loyalty among substitutes, improves job satisfaction, and strengthens school climate.
- Design recognition and incentive programs that align with district values while celebrating substitute contributions in authentic, sustainable ways.
- Leverage retention strategies to reduce turnover, improve fill rates, and maintain consistent learning experiences for students.
Presenters
Melissa Aguero Ramirez is a seasoned Human Resources leader with more than 25 years of experience in Texas public education. She served in HR leadership roles across multiple school districts, spending the majority of her career at Region One ESC, where she led the development and implementation of impactful initiatives including ONE*APP, an online application system; SubHub, a first-of-its-kind program enabling substitute teachers to contribute to TRS; and a regional substitute teacher certification program.
Following her retirement in August 2024, Melissa continues to support the field she is passionate about through her work with STEDI.org, where she collaborates to strengthen substitute teacher programs and share practical, research-based strategies with school leaders nationwide.
Melissa enjoys the country life and is a proud mother of two UT Austin graduates. She believes wholeheartedly that education is the foundation for a better future and feels fortunate to have built a career at the intersection of her passion for people and education.
Jessica Smith
Lead Education Officer at STEDI.org
As the lead education officer and content developer at STEDI.org, Jessica Smith has trained hundreds of thousands of substitute teachers nationwide. Since joining STEDI in 2008, she has focused on researching and teaching the essential skills required for substitute teachers to succeed in the classroom. Her background includes working for the Boys and Girls Club of America, substitute teaching, and teaching in her own classroom. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree from Utah State University.
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