QuickTake:

The Eugene Substitute Teachers Association won a 5% increase in base pay for two consecutive years, an increase in the district’s monthly insurance contribution, protections for long-term substitute rates and access to specialized student plans.

The substitute teachers’ union in Eugene School District 4J came to a tentative agreement with the district April 27, winning better pay, benefits and protections. If ratified, the contract would run through June 2028.

According to a joint statement by the district and the Eugene Association for Substitute Teachers (EAST), the tentative agreement includes a 5% increase in the daily base pay rate for the 2026-27 school year and another 5% increase the next year. Substitutes will make $242.55 a day in 2026-27 and $254.68 a day in 2027-28. The district will also increase its health insurance contribution for substitutes who qualify by $40 a month, according to the statement.

The Eugene Education Association, the union that includes branches for 4J and Bethel’s licensed teachers and 4J substitutes, posted on Facebook on April 27, saying the tentative agreement would protect long-term substitute wages and increase access to sick leave and insurance. The union also said the agreement includes expanded access to student plans such as individualized education plans, an important point for members. The two parties did not share additional details about the agreement.

4J and EAST spent two days short of a year bargaining, which was more formal than in past years. Sessions were public, bargaining teams were bigger and there was more member participation. EAST is one of three substitute unions in the state, alongside unions in Beaverton School District and Portland Public Schools.

“The agreement represents the parties’ determination and collaboration to provide fair, responsible consideration and benefits for the district’s experienced and highly skilled substitute teachers who are essential in supporting instructional excellence in 4J classrooms at all levels, every day,” the district-union joint statement said.

Substitute teachers will vote to ratify the temporary agreement in mid-May. If passed, the school board will consider the contract for approval.

Lilly is a graduate of Indiana University and has worked at the Indianapolis Star and in Burlington, Vermont, as well as working as a foreign language teacher in France. She covers education and children's issues for Lookout Eugene-Springfield.