In Estonia, the ASÕP platform offers higher wages for substitute teachers compared to regular teachers, allowing substitutions to earn approximately 16.42 euros per hour. This initiative has attracted 154 kindergartens, with around 3,000 hours of teaching being substituted each month, resulting in an average of 150 substitute teachers engaging with the program monthly. Although the ASÕP website states that only individuals with higher education or ongoing pedagogical education are welcomed, the program's director, Gerli Neppi, indicates that this requirement is more flexible than advertised, allowing anyone to join regardless of educational background.

The ASÕP substitution program aims to address the shortage of educators in kindergartens by providing financial incentive for those willing to step in as substitutes. This program is particularly significant as it enables individuals without teaching qualifications to enter the workforce, thereby broadening the pool of potential substitutes. The wage discrepancy between regular teachers and substitutes raises questions about the structure of teaching salaries in Estonia and could influence how aspiring educators view their career paths.

As the minimum salary for teachers is projected to be 1,970 euros per month by 2026, the higher per-hour earnings for substitutes significantly highlight the financial rewards of temporary teaching roles. The growing reliance on substitute teachers could alter the teaching landscape in Estonia, prompting discussions among policymakers about how to best attract and retain qualified educators while ensuring that temporary faculty can effectively meet the needs of students in their care.