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Head-to-head · Substitute Teacher Management Software

DayReady vs Spur AMS

  • Updated Sep 2026
  • Both researched from official sources
  • 4 checks side by side
Higher score DayReady #3 in Substitute Teacher Management Software 8.2/10 From $4/yr · 60-day trial ✓ 3 of 3 features Visit DayReady
Spur AMS #5 in Substitute Teacher Management Software 7.5/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 3 of 3 features Visit Spur AMS

DayReady leads on 0 checks, Spur AMS on 1, and 3 are even. Who comes out ahead on the 4 yes/no, price and count checks where we have data for both products. The editor score weighs everything else too.

Our verdict

  • Highest scoreDayReady · 8.2/10
  • Free planonly Spur AMS

DayReady scores higher on our rubric for substitute teacher management software: 8.2 against 7.5 out of 10; our editors rank them #3 and #5.

Spur AMS offers free plan; DayReady doesn't. On absence entry, DayReady gives you Both where Spur AMS offers Staff.

DayReady is the better fit for districts needing deep workflows and payroll exports. Spur AMS is the better fit for districts seeking free dispatch and time-tracking tools.

  • DayReady fits best

    Districts needing deep workflows and payroll exports

  • Spur AMS fits best

    Districts seeking free dispatch and time-tracking tools

Advertiser disclosure: iTechGuides is reader-supported. We may earn a commission when you click some links. It never changes our verdict. How we rank.

Side by side

Feature DayReady 8.2/10 Visit ↗ Spur AMS 7.5/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score 8.2 7.5
Ranking #3 in Substitute Teacher Management Software #5 in Substitute Teacher Management Software
Best for Districts needing deep workflows and payroll exports Districts seeking free dispatch and time-tracking tools
Pricing model Paid Free plan + paid
Starting price Not published Not published
Free plan — ✓ (best)
Free trial — —
Deployment Cloud, Mobile Cloud, Mobile
Platforms Web Web
Integrations 8 integrations 4 integrations
Built for Mid-market, Enterprise Mid-market, Enterprise
Features DayReady 3/3 · Spur AMS 3/3
Automated calling ✓ ✓
Substitute mobile app ✓ ✓
Payroll export ✓ ✓
Specs
Absence entry Both Staff
Assignment alerts Multiple Multiple
District system integrations QSS, Escape, Tyler Munis, Aeries, PowerSchool, Google Workspace, Microsoft Entra ID, SFTP SIS; SSO; HRIS; payroll export
Our review
Pros
  • Ranks substitutes using preferences and do-not-use exclusions
  • Delivers lesson plans, classroom details, and accommodations
  • Exports payroll to QSS, Escape, and Tyler Munis
  • Ranked dispatch with escalation, text, and push notifications
  • Time tracking through approvals, timesheets, payroll, and HRIS export
  • Substitute mobile app with one-tap acceptance and pool ranking
Cons
  • Published plans use annual per-student pricing
  • Complete tier is required for payroll exports and SIS sync
  • The platform is focused on California K–12 districts
  • Standalone billing adds a $500 base fee
  • Large-district features depend on a staffing contract for free access
  • Designed for mid-market and enterprise districts rather than small schools
Our verdict

DayReady brings staff absence management, substitute matching and dispatch, classroom information, time tracking, and payroll export into one platform for California K–12 districts. It covers absence requests for teachers, classified…

Read the review →

Spur AMS is a K–12 absence-management system for districts coordinating staff absences, substitute coverage, time records, and payroll handoff. Staff can submit absences through the web, phone, or app, while automatic dispatch works…

Read the review →
  1. DayReadySubstitute Teacher Management Software 8.2From $4/yr · 60-day trial
  2. Spur AMSSubstitute Teacher Management Software 7.5Free plan

Strengths and trade-offs

  • DayReady — where it wins

    • Ranks substitutes using preferences and do-not-use exclusions
    • Delivers lesson plans, classroom details, and accommodations
    • Exports payroll to QSS, Escape, and Tyler Munis

    Where it doesn't

    • Published plans use annual per-student pricing
    • Complete tier is required for payroll exports and SIS sync
    • The platform is focused on California K–12 districts

  • Spur AMS — where it wins

    • Ranked dispatch with escalation, text, and push notifications
    • Time tracking through approvals, timesheets, payroll, and HRIS export
    • Substitute mobile app with one-tap acceptance and pool ranking

    Where it doesn't

    • Standalone billing adds a $500 base fee
    • Large-district features depend on a staffing contract for free access
    • Designed for mid-market and enterprise districts rather than small schools
  • DayReady8.2/10 · From $4/yr · 60-day trial

    A California-focused substitute platform pairing dispatch workflows with classroom and payroll tools.

    Visit DayReadyFull verdict →
  • Spur AMS7.5/10 · Free plan

    A broad K–12 absence and substitute workflow with a free staffing-contract tier.

    Visit Spur AMSFull verdict →

More comparisons

All substitute teacher management software comparisons → · Full ranking →

Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Sep 2026

Last updated · How we research and update