Missouri training officers hope to maneuver up sub coaching change
The 20 hours of online training replaces 60 hours previously required for certification as a substitute teacher
NS. LOUIS – The Missouri State Board of Education authorized the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) to request the permanent establishment of a pandemic program that dramatically shortened the replacement teacher training program.
If approved by the Foreign Minister and the Joint Administrative Regulations Committee, it would come into force next month, not next year.
The St. Charles School District, with an enrollment of 5,000 students, places substitute teachers every school day.
“Two years ago our filling quota – which means how successful we were in filling this position – was not there when we were teachers,” said Dr. Rodney Lewis, Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources. “Right now, our percentage is in the 70’s to give you an indication of how bad this is.”
Fort Zumwalt, with an enrollment of 17,500, uses up to 320 subs every school day. Superintendent Dr. Bernard DuBray said a lack of educator replacements was an ongoing problem.
“Yes, it did,” said DuBray, “and it continues. If anything, it is made worse by COVID as employees often have to stay home with their children and are exposed to themselves. So, if anything, it’s worse. “
During the pandemic, Missouri education officials allowed replacement classes after just 20 hours of training instead of 60. This should become permanent on January 1st.
Now, Missouri education officials want to postpone this replacement certification change to next month instead of next year.
“I think DESE is on the right track to alleviate the problem,” said Lewis. “Hopefully, if you lower the requirements, we’ll bring people to the table. We have increased our grant and many school districts are increasing their grant. I know we’re not busting the piggy bank here, but we went from $ 96 to $ 100 a day to try and get our submarines at a more competitive market price. “
DuBray said the change helped and hopes it will continue to help.
“More substitutes came,” he said. “People who didn’t have 60 hours of college were able to take the 20 hour course that DESE put together to teach people how to become subs. As a result, it opened it up to a lot of people who didn’t have that associate degree or 60 hours. “
DESE officials say the 20-hour online training includes honoring diversity, engaging students, classroom management techniques, teaching strategies, and helping students with special needs and youth at risk.
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