Quick Overview
- 1#1: Frontline Education - Comprehensive absence management and automated substitute teacher fulfillment for K-12 schools.
- 2#2: AbsenceSoft - Cloud-based platform for streamlined absence reporting and instant substitute matching.
- 3#3: SubFinder by ESP - Robust substitute staffing and absence management system with advanced scheduling features.
- 4#4: PowerSchool - Integrated K-12 platform with substitute management and absence tracking capabilities.
- 5#5: Skyward - K-12 administrative software featuring substitute assignment and notification tools.
- 6#6: Swing Education - On-demand substitute teacher platform connecting schools with vetted educators.
- 7#7: PickAtSchool - Mobile-first substitute teacher assignment and management application for schools.
- 8#8: TeacherTracker - Online system for tracking substitute teachers, absences, and lesson plans.
- 9#9: ReplaceMe - Simple web app for booking and managing substitute teachers quickly.
- 10#10: SubHub - Substitute teacher management software with automated notifications and reporting.
Tools were ranked based on feature depth (including automated matching and reporting), user-friendliness, reliability, and overall value, ensuring they meet the diverse needs of educational institutions.
Comparison Table
This comparison table examines top substitute management software, featuring Frontline Education, AbsenceSoft, SubFinder by ESP, PowerSchool, Skyward, and more, to guide educators and administrators in selecting tools that streamline scheduling, communication, and coverage. Readers will discover key features, usability, and unique advantages of each platform, empowering informed decisions to enhance substitute management efficiency.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Frontline Education Comprehensive absence management and automated substitute teacher fulfillment for K-12 schools. | enterprise | 9.5/10 | 9.8/10 | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 |
| 2 | AbsenceSoft Cloud-based platform for streamlined absence reporting and instant substitute matching. | specialized | 9.2/10 | 9.5/10 | 9.0/10 | 8.7/10 |
| 3 | SubFinder by ESP Robust substitute staffing and absence management system with advanced scheduling features. | enterprise | 8.6/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.4/10 | 8.1/10 |
| 4 | PowerSchool Integrated K-12 platform with substitute management and absence tracking capabilities. | enterprise | 8.2/10 | 9.0/10 | 7.4/10 | 7.9/10 |
| 5 | Skyward K-12 administrative software featuring substitute assignment and notification tools. | enterprise | 8.4/10 | 9.1/10 | 7.8/10 | 8.2/10 |
| 6 | Swing Education On-demand substitute teacher platform connecting schools with vetted educators. | specialized | 8.1/10 | 8.4/10 | 8.7/10 | 7.6/10 |
| 7 | PickAtSchool Mobile-first substitute teacher assignment and management application for schools. | specialized | 8.4/10 | 8.6/10 | 9.1/10 | 8.2/10 |
| 8 | TeacherTracker Online system for tracking substitute teachers, absences, and lesson plans. | specialized | 7.6/10 | 7.4/10 | 8.0/10 | 7.5/10 |
| 9 | ReplaceMe Simple web app for booking and managing substitute teachers quickly. | specialized | 7.6/10 | 8.1/10 | 7.2/10 | 7.4/10 |
| 10 | SubHub Substitute teacher management software with automated notifications and reporting. | specialized | 7.3/10 | 7.5/10 | 7.4/10 | 7.0/10 |
Comprehensive absence management and automated substitute teacher fulfillment for K-12 schools.
Cloud-based platform for streamlined absence reporting and instant substitute matching.
Robust substitute staffing and absence management system with advanced scheduling features.
Integrated K-12 platform with substitute management and absence tracking capabilities.
K-12 administrative software featuring substitute assignment and notification tools.
On-demand substitute teacher platform connecting schools with vetted educators.
Mobile-first substitute teacher assignment and management application for schools.
Online system for tracking substitute teachers, absences, and lesson plans.
Simple web app for booking and managing substitute teachers quickly.
Substitute teacher management software with automated notifications and reporting.
Frontline Education
enterpriseComprehensive absence management and automated substitute teacher fulfillment for K-12 schools.
AESOP's proprietary automated fulfillment engine that fills 90%+ of assignments overnight without manual intervention
Frontline Education's AESOP is the leading substitute management software for K-12 schools, automating the entire process from absence reporting to substitute assignment and fulfillment. It uses intelligent matching algorithms, automated notifications via phone, text, and app, and integrates seamlessly with HR, payroll, and SIS systems. The platform provides robust reporting, compliance tracking, and mobile access for admins, teachers, and substitutes, handling millions of absences annually across thousands of districts.
Pros
- Highly reliable 24/7 automated substitute placement with rapid fill rates
- Deep integrations with major edtech platforms like PowerSchool and Infinite Campus
- Comprehensive analytics and reporting for compliance and forecasting
Cons
- Steep initial setup and learning curve for new users
- Premium pricing may strain smaller district budgets
- Occasional mobile app glitches during peak usage
Best For
Large K-12 school districts needing scalable, enterprise-grade substitute management with extensive integrations.
Pricing
Custom subscription pricing based on district size and features; typically $5-15 per employee/month, with quotes required.
AbsenceSoft
specializedCloud-based platform for streamlined absence reporting and instant substitute matching.
Intelligent auto-fill algorithm that matches substitutes based on qualifications, preferences, and availability in real-time
AbsenceSoft is a cloud-based substitute management platform tailored for K-12 schools, automating the process of notifying, assigning, and tracking substitute teachers for staff absences. It features real-time notifications via text, email, and app, intelligent matching algorithms to fill positions quickly, and comprehensive reporting for compliance and analytics. The software integrates with popular student information systems like PowerSchool and Infinite Campus, streamlining district-wide absence management.
Pros
- Highly automated substitute matching and filling with high success rates
- Mobile app for substitutes enabling quick acceptances and GPS check-ins
- Strong integrations and detailed compliance reporting tools
Cons
- Pricing can be steep for very small districts
- Initial setup requires some district-specific configuration
- Limited advanced customization for unique workflows
Best For
Mid-sized to large K-12 school districts needing reliable, automated substitute placement and absence tracking.
Pricing
Custom quote-based pricing per full-time equivalent (FTE) staff, typically $5-10 per FTE annually with volume discounts.
SubFinder by ESP
enterpriseRobust substitute staffing and absence management system with advanced scheduling features.
SmartMatch AI-driven algorithm that intelligently pairs the best-suited substitutes with job requirements based on skills, preferences, and availability.
SubFinder by ESP Solutions Group is a robust substitute management software designed to streamline the process of finding, scheduling, and managing substitute teachers for K-12 schools and districts. It automates daily sub assignments through intelligent matching algorithms, real-time notifications, and mobile accessibility for both admins and substitutes. The platform also includes compliance tracking, reporting tools, and integrations with student information systems (SIS) to ensure seamless operations and regulatory adherence.
Pros
- Automated SmartMatch technology for quick and optimal sub assignments
- Comprehensive mobile apps for substitutes and admins with real-time updates
- Strong reporting and compliance tools for district-wide oversight
Cons
- Pricing can be steep for smaller schools or districts
- Initial setup and training may require significant time investment
- Limited advanced customization options compared to some competitors
Best For
Medium to large school districts seeking an automated, scalable solution for high-volume substitute management.
Pricing
Custom subscription pricing based on district size and number of schools, typically starting around $5,000-$10,000 annually for mid-sized districts; contact for quote.
PowerSchool
enterpriseIntegrated K-12 platform with substitute management and absence tracking capabilities.
Deep native integration with PowerSchool SIS for automatic roster updates and attendance tracking during substitute assignments
PowerSchool is a comprehensive K-12 education management platform that includes robust substitute management tools, enabling schools to automate substitute finding, scheduling, and assignment processes. It integrates seamlessly with PowerSchool's core Student Information System (SIS) for real-time access to student data, teacher rosters, and compliance tracking. The solution supports automated notifications, availability matching, and reporting to streamline daily operations for district administrators.
Pros
- Seamless integration with PowerSchool SIS for real-time data syncing
- Scalable for large districts with advanced automation and compliance tools
- Reliable vendor support and extensive customization options
Cons
- Steep learning curve due to enterprise-level complexity
- High implementation and ongoing costs
- Overkill for small schools without full PowerSchool ecosystem
Best For
Large K-12 school districts already using PowerSchool SIS that need integrated substitute fulfillment and management.
Pricing
Custom enterprise pricing, typically subscription-based per student or district-wide, starting at $10,000+ annually with implementation fees.
Skyward
enterpriseK-12 administrative software featuring substitute assignment and notification tools.
Deep integration with Skyward SIS for real-time attendance syncing and absence auto-filling
Skyward is a comprehensive K-12 student information system (SIS) with an integrated Substitute Management module that streamlines substitute teacher assignments, availability tracking, and daily communications. It allows school administrators to quickly fill absences by matching qualified substitutes to open positions via an intuitive dashboard and automated notifications. The tool also provides reporting on sub performance and integrates seamlessly with other Skyward modules for attendance and scheduling.
Pros
- Seamless integration with Skyward SIS for unified data management
- Automated notifications and mobile app for substitutes
- Robust reporting and analytics for sub performance tracking
Cons
- Steep learning curve for users new to the Skyward ecosystem
- Pricing can be high for smaller districts
- Limited customization options compared to standalone sub tools
Best For
Mid-to-large K-12 school districts already using Skyward's SIS who need integrated substitute management without switching platforms.
Pricing
Custom quote-based pricing, typically $5-15 per student annually including the full SIS suite; substitute module often bundled.
Swing Education
specializedOn-demand substitute teacher platform connecting schools with vetted educators.
Real-time shift claiming via the Swing Shift mobile app, allowing substitutes to pick up jobs instantly from their phones
Swing Education is a substitute teacher staffing platform designed for K-12 schools, connecting them with a large network of pre-vetted, credentialed substitutes via an intuitive app. It automates shift posting, real-time claiming by substitutes, scheduling, payroll processing, and compliance management like background checks. The platform reduces administrative workload for schools while ensuring reliable daily coverage.
Pros
- Extensive network of vetted substitutes available on-demand
- Mobile app enables instant shift claiming and easy scheduling
- Handles payroll, compliance, and performance tracking seamlessly
Cons
- Coverage quality and availability vary by geographic location
- Higher per-day costs compared to traditional in-house management
- Limited customization for complex district-wide integrations
Best For
K-12 schools and districts in urban or supported areas seeking to outsource substitute recruitment and management without building their own pool.
Pricing
Usage-based pricing with a daily fee per substitute (typically $150-200 including sub pay and platform markup); custom quotes for districts.
PickAtSchool
specializedMobile-first substitute teacher assignment and management application for schools.
Intelligent auto-dialer and multi-channel alerts that claim to fill 90%+ of absences in under 20 minutes
PickAtSchool is a substitute teacher management platform tailored for K-12 schools, automating the process of notifying and assigning substitutes for teacher absences. It uses intelligent algorithms to match subs based on preferences, certifications, and availability via phone calls, texts, and emails. The system also manages timesheets, attendance tracking, and reporting to ensure compliance and efficiency.
Pros
- Lightning-fast automated notifications fill most absences quickly
- User-friendly mobile app for substitutes and admins
- Affordable pricing with strong ROI through reduced admin time
Cons
- Limited integrations with major student information systems
- Reporting lacks advanced customization options
- Support response times can vary during peak seasons
Best For
Small to mid-sized K-12 schools seeking a simple, reliable tool to minimize unfilled teaching positions without complex setups.
Pricing
Pay-per-use at $1.49 per confirmed assignment or subscription from $199/month for schools with up to 75 staff.
TeacherTracker
specializedOnline system for tracking substitute teachers, absences, and lesson plans.
Automated multi-channel notifications that significantly speed up substitute filling
TeacherTracker is a substitute management software that automates the process of finding, scheduling, and managing substitute teachers for schools. It offers features like automated notifications via phone, text, and email, an online portal for subs to update availability, and comprehensive reporting for attendance and performance tracking. The platform aims to reduce administrative workload and improve fill rates for absences.
Pros
- Reliable automated notifications via multiple channels
- User-friendly online portal for substitutes
- Strong reporting tools for compliance and analytics
Cons
- Limited integrations with modern SIS platforms
- Dated user interface in some areas
- Occasional delays in customer support response
Best For
Mid-sized school districts seeking a reliable, straightforward substitute calling and scheduling system without needing advanced AI features.
Pricing
Subscription-based starting at around $1,000/year per school, scaling with district size and features.
ReplaceMe
specializedSimple web app for booking and managing substitute teachers quickly.
Smart qualification-based auto-matching that prioritizes substitutes with specific certifications and past performance data
ReplaceMe is a cloud-based substitute management software tailored for educational institutions to efficiently handle substitute teacher staffing. It automates the process of notifying available substitutes, matching them to absences based on qualifications and preferences, and tracking assignments in real-time. The platform also provides attendance tracking, reporting dashboards, and compliance tools to ensure smooth daily operations.
Pros
- Automated notifications via SMS, email, and app for rapid substitute filling
- Robust reporting and analytics for attendance and performance insights
- Customizable qualification matching to ensure skilled assignments
Cons
- User interface feels dated and occasionally clunky
- Limited integrations with popular SIS platforms like PowerSchool
- Customer support response times can be slow during peak seasons
Best For
Mid-sized school districts seeking reliable core substitute management without advanced enterprise features.
Pricing
Starts at $4 per active teacher/month for basic plan; scales to $8/month for premium with unlimited subs and advanced reporting.
SubHub
specializedSubstitute teacher management software with automated notifications and reporting.
SmartMatch automated assignment engine that prioritizes qualified subs based on preferences and certifications
SubHub is a cloud-based substitute teacher management platform tailored for K-12 schools and districts. It streamlines absence reporting, automated substitute assignment, and real-time notifications via phone, email, and app. The system also tracks sub qualifications, compliance, and performance to ensure reliable coverage.
Pros
- Automated calling and filling reduces unfilled absences
- Mobile app for subs and admins improves accessibility
- Comprehensive reporting for compliance and analytics
Cons
- Limited integrations with popular SIS platforms
- Customer support response times can vary
- Higher pricing tiers needed for larger districts
Best For
Small to mid-sized school districts seeking reliable, straightforward substitute scheduling without advanced customization.
Pricing
Custom quotes based on district size; typically $1.50-$3 per student annually with modular add-ons.
Conclusion
The top substitute management software offers robust solutions, with Frontline Education leading as the standout choice, providing comprehensive absence management and automated substitute fulfillment for K-12 schools. AbsenceSoft and SubFinder by ESP also excel—AbsenceSoft for its cloud-based efficiency and instant matching, and SubFinder for advanced scheduling—making them strong alternatives tailored to different operational needs. Together, these tools redefine seamless substitute management.
Schools are encouraged to explore Frontline Education first to leverage its transformative capabilities for streamlined absence tracking and substitute staffing
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison
