S.B. 1251 Summary

• Substitute teachers working 90 or more days must receive compensation equivalent to the daily rate for an entry-level teacher salary based on their Class I, II, or III placement, effective July 1, 2023.

• Substitute teachers working 89 days or fewer continue to receive per diem rates of at least $125 (Class I), $136 (Class II), or $147 (Class III) for a full work day.

• Legislation aims to incentivize substitute teachers to accept long-term positions by raising salaries to reflect additional responsibilities such as lesson planning.

• Acknowledges critical teacher shortage within Hawaii Department of Education and importance of substitute teachers for classroom continuity and student relationships.