US - Schools Scramble for Substitutes as Teachers Opt to Retire Amid COVID-19 Concerns - September 14, 2020

[sharon sanders]

Schools Scramble for Substitutes as Teachers Opt to Retire Amid COVID-19 Concerns

The departures are straining staff in places that were dealing with shortages of teachers and substitutes even before the pandemic created an education crisis

By Casey Smith • Published September 14, 2020


With many teachers opting out of returning to the classroom because of the coronavirus, schools around the U.S. are scrambling to find replacements and in some places lowering certification requirements to help get substitutes in the door.

Several states have seen surges in educators filing for retirement or taking leaves of absence. The departures are straining staff in places that were dealing with shortages of teachers and substitutes even before the pandemic created an education crisis.

more..

https://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/cor...e-schools-scrambling-for-substitutes/2615484/

 

[Mary Wilson]

... "easier to become a substitute teacher under an emergency rule. Instead of the previous requirement — 60 hours of college credit — eligible substitutes now only need to obtain a high school diploma, complete a 20-hour online training course and pass a background check....

The only words I have are, what a disgrace in the United States' quality of education for our future generations.

 

[Emily]

As bad as that is, it is supposed to be temporary and is just one state, Missouri. Utah is fining retiring teachers $1,000 each for failing to give 30 days notice. That's a lousy way to treat them!

Washington state is in the top 5 states academically and they are still doing a lot of distance learning. The dark side is that there are massive furloughs now of support staff. They will continue health benefits, but no salary.