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HD 746

An Act relative to wages for substitute teacher

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Bill Galvin

Massachusetts bill establishing minimum wage standards for substitute teachers to improve compensation and workforce stability across school districts.

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Bill Summary · HD 746

Legislative bill overview

HD 746 proposes to establish wage standards for substitute teachers in Massachusetts. The bill addresses compensation levels for educators who temporarily fill teaching positions when regular teachers are absent. This legislation aims to ensure substitute teachers receive fair and consistent pay across school districts.

Why is this important

Substitute teachers often earn significantly less than full-time educators and lack benefits, creating financial instability and workforce retention challenges. Improving substitute teacher compensation could make the profession more attractive, ensure classroom continuity, and reduce reliance on costly external staffing agencies. This directly affects both educator livelihoods and educational quality in Massachusetts schools.

Potential points of contention

  • Cost to school districts: Mandated wage increases could strain already tight education budgets, potentially forcing cuts elsewhere or increasing municipal tax burdens
  • Implementation variation: Determining uniform wage standards across diverse districts with different cost-of-living areas and fiscal capacities may prove challenging
  • Labor market effects: Higher substitute pay might reduce the incentive for substitute teachers to pursue full-time positions, potentially affecting long-term educator supply
  • Definition scope: Unclear whether the bill applies equally to all grade levels, districts, and types of substitute assignments

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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