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 Agüero Ramirez has dedicated her career to human resources in education, holding various leadership roles since 1999. She served as Chief of Human Resources at Pharr San Juan Alamo ISD and as an HR Director for several school districts. During her time at Region One ESC, she was instrumental in creating and implementing initiatives like the ONE*APP online application system and the SubHub program, a unique substitute teacher program for the state of Texas.
Ms. Agüero Ramirez is a graduate of UTRGV (UTPA), where she earned her BBA in 1992 and her MBA in 1999. She is actively involved in state-level committees for the TEA and TASPA and currently serves as a mentor for new HR directors.
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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