While schools across Iowa have had a shortage of substitute teachers in years past, the COVID-19 pandemic has made it worse, with many substitutes of an age considered at higher risk from the coronavirus. | Image Source: Flickr.com - Credit: Lucélia Ribeiro
While schools across Iowa have had a shortage of substitute teachers in years past, the COVID-19 pandemic has made it worse, with many substitutes of an age considered at higher risk from the coronavirus. | Image Source: Flickr.com - Credit: Lucélia Ribeiro
While Iowa schools have long struggled with a shortage of substitute teachers, educators interested in filling those positions are in even shorter supply since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The situation has been further exacerbated by the fact many substitute teachers are retired educators or older professionals who are considered at increased risk from COVID-19, according to reporting by KCAU.
Sioux City Community School District Superintendent Dr. Paul Gausman told KCAU that his district surveyed their substitute pool prior to the start of the year, and he believes they have enough for the time being.
Yet, to increase the potential pool of substitute teachers, Iowa has already lowered some of the requirements for substitute teaching, such as reducing the degree requirement from a bachelor’s to an associate degree or 60 hours of college coursework.
Substitute teacher Emily Cleveringa told KCAU that she has always enjoyed her experience as a substitute, as well as the flexible schedule that permits her time with her family.
“Substitutes are someone teachers always need all the time whether they have meetings or appointments,” Cleveringa told KCAU.
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