Assembly Member Valencia introduces AB 1224 to extend substitute teaching days in California

Assembly Bill 1224, introduced by Assembly Member Valencia and coauthored by Assembly Members Garcia and Ávila Farías, aims to address the ongoing teacher shortage in California by modifying regulations surrounding substitute teaching. The bill, which was amended on March 17, 2025, seeks to indefinitely reestablish the authorization for substitute teachers to serve in a single assignment for up to 60 cumulative days, provided that local educational agencies have made reasonable efforts to recruit qualified substitutes.

Currently, California law limits the number of days a substitute teacher can serve in one assignment to 30 days for emergency substitutes and 60 days for career emergency substitutes. This bill would allow local educational agencies to extend this limit indefinitely, contingent upon their compliance with specific recruitment requirements. Before utilizing this extended authorization, agencies must first employ all available substitute teachers holding a teaching permit for statutory leave and make reasonable efforts to recruit qualified candidates.

The urgency of this bill is underscored by the pressing need for qualified educators in California, where many districts are grappling with teacher shortages exacerbated by recent educational challenges. Proponents argue that this measure will provide greater flexibility for schools to maintain continuity in education, especially in special education and career technical education settings.

However, the bill has faced some opposition, primarily from educators concerned about the potential for over-reliance on substitutes and the impact on educational quality. Critics argue that while the bill addresses immediate staffing needs, it does not sufficiently tackle the root causes of the teacher shortage, such as low salaries and challenging working conditions.

The implications of Assembly Bill 1224 are significant. If passed, it could lead to a more stable teaching environment in the short term, but experts warn that without addressing broader systemic issues, the long-term effectiveness of such measures may be limited. The bill is set to take effect immediately upon passage, reflecting the urgency of the situation facing California's educational system. As the legislative session progresses, the outcome of this bill will be closely monitored by educators, administrators, and policymakers alike.