Local school districts in need of more substitute teachers
Several school districts are needing more substitute teachers to help fill out their ranks to make sure your students have teachers in the classroom and online.
We’re finding out for you tonight how they're bridging the gap so your kids can make the most of their time in the classroom.
A couple of school district officials say even before the pandemic, there was a shortage of substitute teachers.
The COVID-19 pandemic is adding an extra challenge.
“A lot of my coworkers that were substitutes at various campuses I worked at were older,” said Amador Salazar, a substitute teacher.
Salazar has been substitute teaching, mostly at San Antonio ISD, since 2016.
He’s not subbing this year because of health and safety concerns.
“My fiancé has family member who are immuno-compromised,” Salazar said. “What if I am carrying something and I'm not exhibiting symptoms and i come back home."
Officials with North East ISD say they have reduced the qualifications for subs to try and add more to their roster.
Sometimes, staff at the district central office are stepping in to help cover classrooms.
“It’s still a challenge on a daily basis to make sure that everything is covered when you have a whole lot of teachers out for quarantine,” said Aubrey Chancellor, spokeswoman for North East ISD.
Administrators at Northside ISD say they are allowing teachers in quarantine to continue working virtually.
“Allowing that certified teacher to continue to deliver instruction,” said Mark Rustan, director of human resources with Northside ISD.
Salazar says he likely won't return to a classroom until the spread of COVID-19 is more under control.
“It really puts a strain on educators and the students,” said Salazar.
We also checked, all of these districts require fingerprinting as part of the application process to become a substitute.
For more on qualifications and the application process, click on the following links below.