(WSIL) -- Missouri education officials will permanently reduce the requirements to become a substitute teacher in public schools. Now you can get certified by completing a 20 hour course of state-approved online training.
Before, substitutes had to complete 60 college credit hours. Officials hope this will fix a persistent shortage of substitutes in Missouri. And it's gotten worse during the pandemic.
"Especially the longer the pandemic goes on, the more substitutes are going to be needed at schools. And so I think it's a positive move to open up more avenues for us to fill those spots." said Jeremy Siebert, Superintendent, Charleston, MO.
The policy was originally approved August of last year as an emergency order. You still have to have a high-school diploma or equivalent to apply.
