Teachers, just like every other adult in the workforce, have to take sick days on occasion. In most workplaces, everyone pulls together to cover for a co-worker who’s out sick. But education is different.

The relationship between students and teachers is so vital to educational success that another teacher just can’t look in on a sick colleague’s students a couple times a day. The students need a teacher in the classroom all day. That’s why there are substitute teachers to step in when a regular teacher is ill.

Recruiting and retaining substitute teachers is tough. The COVID-19 pandemic just made it tougher.

In response, Gov. Kim Reynolds has modified the requirements for becoming a substitute teacher. Perhaps the most notable change is to the educational requirements a prospective substitute must meet. Under the governor’s proclamation, substitute teachers no longer have to have a bachelor’s degree. Instead, they can have an associate degree or have completed 60 hours through a regionally-accredited institution. Holders of a career or technical authorization with at least one year of experience may also serve as substitutes.

Prospective substitute teachers must complete the substitute authorization training course offered by area agencies on education. The Prairie Lakes Area Education Agency serves the Fort Dodge region.

The proclamation also makes changes to the amount of time a substitute can serve.

These changes are not permanent. They are for the duration of the COVID-19 emergency.

These changes open up the opportunity for more people to become substitute teachers, and there’s no doubt the demand for substitutes is real.

By becoming a substitute teacher a person can help to shape the lives of many young people. Becoming a substitute teacher could also launch a productive career in education. We encourage anyone who has ever contemplated a career in education to seriously consider becoming a substitute teacher now.