March 28, 2024
Demand for substitutes, not enough teachers to reopen
As if school officials didn't already have a long enough to-do list before considering whether to reopen classrooms amid a global pandemic, here's one more thing to add: deepening their pools of substitute teachers.

"Without a question, that's going to be a challenge," said Randy Liepa, superintendent of the Wayne County Regional Educational Services Agency, which supports schools in one Michigan county.

"Remember, schools are vying for the same substitute teachers. If there is a need for additional substitute teachers, there are only so many that are out there."

Schools across the nation struggle during normal times to find enough substitute teachers to fill classrooms when the assigned teacher calls in sick or must attend a training session. With increased teacher absences expected due to COVID-19, the need for subs is even greater.

"It is a mathematical certainty that we are not going to have enough teachers to reopen schools," said Nicola Soares, president of Kelly Education, the school staffing division of Troy, Michigan-based Kelly Services.

Soares said that her company filled almost four million assignments last year at schools in 41 states. About 20% of those subs worked in classrooms where the school was unable to find a full-time teacher. Many of those spots still must be filled again this year as will other spots left vacant by teachers who are ill, quarantined, immune-compromised or caring for a loved one at home who is at high risk of infection, Soares said.

Story Date: July 13, 2020
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