The National Substitute Teachers Alliance, NSTA, is here! It is an outgrowth of the "first" National Substitute Teachers Conference that brought substitutes from 16 states to Washington, DC this past July. Substitute leaders from LA, San Francisco, Oakland, Berkeley and Fresno were Conference presenters and explored themes of respect for the work of substitutes; organizing methods; and ways of promoting substitute professional development and training programs.

 Leonard Segal, Chair of the UTLA Substitute Teacher committee, underscored the value of lobbying for positive statewide legislation to improve the lot of substitutes and their students.  He also emphasized the need for professional development to upgrade the skills of substitutes.

 By the conclusion of the National Conference, a Substitute Teacher Bill of Rights was adopted and a slate of NSTA officers was elected. Planning for next year's conference is already in progress. An NSTA State representative Executive Committee is working with the Board to increase NSTA's visibility and to further the interests of  our nation's substitutes.

 NSTA has a vision that substitute teachers will be a part of our country's mainstream educational family -- appreciated, respected, and nurtured along with professional supports, adequate wages, health benefits, and a fair system of due process.

By becoming a member of NSTA, you will receive our Newsletter that will inform you about what your colleagues are doing in their school districts to improve the substitute work environment so our children benefit day to day in their classrooms. And we'll keep you up to date on innovative educational approaches and lesson plans that will make your life easier as you travel from school to school. Our expanding database will provide you with quick reference to substitute demographics in your state and others, and will include key contact persons and guides to Education Codes and Offices of Education. Since our new Website is under construction, you may find media and other coverage of NSTA and the National Conference at www.netword.com/fasta.

 NSTA is an organization with a bright, new vision for substitute teachers. So we may realize our educational value, and have a voice that resonates from State to State and District to District please join us. Membership is only $10 a year and information is available by contacting: Millie McBee   mmcbee@aol.com

2. Substitute teachers will be provided with all the information they need  to create a successful learning experience for all students.

3. Substitute teachers will be provided a safe working environment and a complete list of procedures and policies of the building to which the teacher is assigned.

4. Substitute teachers will be kept informed about appropriate training and professional development opportunities offered by the district.

5.  Substitute teachers will have equal access

 to employer provided health services.

6.  Substitute teachers will have equal access to due process.

7. Substitute teachers will receive compensation commensurate with the essential services they perform.

8. Substitute teachers as invaluable assets to the entire school community will receive full consideration for full contractual employment, as positions become available.