As school year approaches, District 93 looks for more substitutes

Many of us do not want to hear these words, but school is back in session in about a month. School districts across the area have already begun hiring staff for the 2019-2020 school year. One position that is tough to fill? Substitute teachers.

“I am probably good for the first couple of weeks of school, then it starts to get crazy and I’m going to need substitutes,” said Nancy Peterson, the substitute placement clerk for Bonneville School District 93. “We are in desperate need.”

School District 93 has a shortage of subs for the upcoming school year. That is because many of their previous substitute teachers have become full-time teachers.

“I used to be a substitute with District 93 and I loved it,” said Allyson Anthes, a new sixth-grade teacher.

Anthes said subbing was the perfect opportunity to get her foot in the door for her career.

“It was just a great experience to really validate that I wanted to be in the classroom,” Anthes said.

People interested in substitute teaching do not have to follow the career path of being a teacher. Anyone 21 and older can apply for the position and no college degree is required.

“Pay is commenced with their experience, so we have non-degree subs all the way up through payment for certified subs,” Peterson said.

Unlike many other jobs, substitute teachers are able to pick and choose when and where they would like to work.

“I have people who want to work every day and some who just want to work a couple of days a week,” Peterson said.

While Anthes was working as a substitute, she worked alongside many full-time parents that enjoyed the flexible hours subbing brought.

“Where they didn’t want to quite have all of the hours of teaching or all of the responsibilities just because their lives couldn’t really permit that,” Anthes said.

Bonneville School District 93 said that subbing is a vital role in the education of children. Many find it very rewarding.

“It’s a great job, it’s a great job,” Peterson said.

Bonneville School District 93 has a bonus program for substitute teachers. Those who teach 10 or more days a month get a bonus of $100. All substitutes have to do is take a test to be eligible.

If you are interested in subbing, click HERE.