Substitute teachers needed
Jul. 31—LIMA — There are teacher shortages. Some states are having problems filling their teaching vacancies. Some districts in Ohio are experiencing difficulties hiring teachers for the approaching school year. However, not in this immediate area. Most local school districts seem to have their previously vacant teaching positions filled.
When asked about a teacher shortage, Bluffton superintendent Greg Denecker explained, "I think the difference is when we used to have an opening say at the high school, you may have had thirty applicants. Now you may get six. There's not just as many applicants for a new job."
In a 2018 brief published by the American College Test, researchers examined the responses of students who were "very" or "fairly" sure about their college major. From 2007 to 2017, high schoolers' interest in teaching decreased significantly. Education was third among the top ten intended majors in 2008, but by 2012 it had dropped to eighth place and it's remained there since. It's a fact that fewer students are choosing education as a career.
With most teaching positions filled, local schools are looking for substitute teachers. In a recent school board meeting, Bluffton Local Schools hired thirty-three substitute teachers.
The passage of House Bill 583 allows the Ohio Department of Education to issue a nonrenewable temporary substitute teaching license for the 2022-2023 and 2023-2024 school years. The 1-Year Temporary Non-Bachelor's Substitute Teaching License allows an applicant who does not hold a postsecondary degree but meets the employing school or district's set of educational requirements to serve in the role of a substitute teacher.
The Allen County Educational Service Center credentials substitutes and aides for Allen East Local Schools, Bath Local Schools, Bluffton Exempted Village Schools, Delphos City Schools, Elida Local Schools, Lima City Schools, Perry Local Schools, Shawnee Local Schools and Spencerville Local schools, as well as the Allen County ESC. Individuals wishing to serve as a substitute teacher/aide in any of the districts listed must complete the proper paperwork through the ACESC. There are similar educational service centers in Putnam and Auglaize Counties.
When people apply to be a sub, they become part of a centralized pool. The core job responsibility for a substitute teacher is classroom management. Few school districts offer classroom-management training to subs. If they do, it's usually a one-time orientation to the job. As a result, people go into the classroom unprepared. Not surprisingly, lots of people don't stay. Even when people do stay, without basic training and support, and the classroom experience isn't great.
Reach Dean Brown at 567-242-0409
