The School District of Lee County is proud to announce it has engaged Kelly Education Services to administer and manage its guest teacher program. The Lee County School Board approved the contract for the rest of this school year in a unanimous vote at its November 7, 2023 meeting.
“Our goal is to provide our students with instruction from a qualified teacher to ensure minimal disruption in the classroom,” said Executive Director of Human Resources Rob Dodig. “Kelly Education’s level of expertise and resources to effectively manage and maintain fill rates, along with their ability to secure qualified guest teachers eliminates the time our schools will spend working to fill classrooms. Kelly also offers benefits to employees and other perks to keep them engaged and providing services to the District.”
Kelly Education Services is used by more than 1,100 school districts’ nationwide to manage their guest teacher program. Eight districts in Florida current use the service, with one just beginning and another starting in January. The eight active districts fill an average 86% of their daily substitute teacher needs. The District is currently filling 57% managing the program itself.
“it’s a win win,” said Superintendent Dr. Christopher Bernier. “It’s a win because our teachers will still be able to access their same substitutes. Our substitutes will be working with a reputable company that supports them full time.”
The transition to Kelly Education Services will be seamless. Current guest teachers will be contacted to simply transition their employment to the company. Kelly Services will start assigning guest teachers to fill classroom vacancies in January.
As part of the agreement, the School Board of Lee County also raised the pay for guest teachers by a minimum of $2 an hour. The new pay rates are:
- Less than Bachelor’s Degree- $127.50/day
- Bachelor’s Degree or Higher- $165.00/day
- Verified Retired Educator- $202.50/day
- Guest Instructional Assistant- $15.00/hour
Under the terms of the contract, Kelly Services, Inc. will now handle all the administrative tasks associated with the hiring of guest teachers. This will include the screening and vetting of potential candidates, ensuring they meet the necessary qualifications and background checks required. This will save the District time and resources, allowing employees to focus on providing quality education to students.