Whitmer signs bill expanding who can substitute teach amid shortage

[TexasTowelie]

Lansing — Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signed a bill Monday that will allow more school district employees, including administrative staff, bus drivers and cafeteria workers, to serve as substitute teachers as long as they have high school diplomas.

Normally, state law requires schools to hire substitute teachers who have at least 60 semester hours of college credit. The bill allows districts, for the current school year only, to hire any school employee as a substitute as long as the person has a high school diploma.

In a statement, Whitmer's office said the bill would address a substitute teacher shortage that officials have described as "severe" and a "crisis" during committee hearings.

"The pandemic has been challenging for our children, teachers and parents, and our educators have gone above and beyond to ensure Michigan’s children have a bright future," the Democratic governor said in a statement Monday. "Allowing schools to employ school staff that students know as substitute teachers will help keep school doors open and students learning in the classroom the rest of the school year."

Read more: https://www.detroitnews.com/story/news/politics/2021/12/27/michigan-substitute-teachers-shortage-expansion-bus-drivers-cafeteria-workers-classrooms/9028025002/

[sinkingfeeling]

1. Couldn't they fill the gap with retirees or volunteers who

have experience in a given area?

[Irish_Dem]

2. I am a retiree with teaching experience but no way I am going into the schools.

A friend of mine is a retired teacher who is subbing and has had Covid twice now.

The pay is fabulous so I am sorely tempted.