NO-FILL REPORTING – MARCH & APRIL 2026
Many of you may remember the coverage tracking forms that RETTA previously used to advocate around
failure-to-fill situations and teachers being asked to cover classes. That practice was discontinued when we determined that the data being collected was incomplete and risked creating a false sense that the situation was better than it actually was.
Over the past few years, we have seen a significant increase in substitute shortages and in teachers being
asked to cover classes, often resulting in lost prep time. We are hearing from many members that there is
renewed interest in tracking this issue in a meaningful way.
We want to acknowledge that this issue not isolated to RETSD and that our Senior Admin Team is working hard to address the issues around substitute shortages with their own initiatives. RETTA is appreciative of that work to ensure that as many substitute jobs are filled as possible to support the work our schools do everyday.
What RETTA is Asking of our Membership:
RETTA will be collecting division-wide data during March and April 2026 to better understand the scope of prep time lost due to failure-to-fill substitute jobs.
We are asking ALL members to complete the reporting FORM each time they lose prep time to cover a class due to a substitute shortage.
Your participation is critical. In the past, incomplete data limited our ability to advocate effectively. The more consistently members report, the stronger and more accurate our data will be.
How to Report:
• A QR code poster will be sent to your Contact Representatives, they will ensure the poster is displayed
in your staff room on your RETTA board.
• The form will also be available on the RETTA website, in the RETTA Update, and on social media at this link: No-Fill Coverage Report
Privacy & Confidentiality:
The form will ask for your name and worksite
• This information will not be shared with the division without your consent.
• This information is being collected only to help RETTA ensure accurate, complete data, to understand
patterns across the division.
What Happens Next? :
We will spend the next several months collecting and reviewing the data. Once compiled, RETTA will work with MTS to determine next steps and advocate appropriately based on the findings.
This is an important opportunity for us to clearly demonstrate the impact of substitute shortages on teachers’ working conditions and instructional time. Your participation matters!