LEXINGTON, Ky. — Schools around the state have been struggling during the pandemic, with COVID-19 and substitute shortages. 

What You Need To Know

  • Mario J. Radford is a lead pastor and helps substitute when needed

  • School districts around the state have seen shortages in staff members, including substitute teachers

  • Woodford Co. Superintendent says the shortage is a combination in a lack of interest and COVID-19

  • Radford is encouraging community members to help and positively impact the future generation

A full-time pastor, Mario J. Radford, is working around the clock to help his community.

“I want to make sure that not just in the pulpit or in the stage, that I am inspiring or lifting or reaching people but also out in the community as well,” Radford said.

And one of those ways he helps is filling in as a substitute teacher.

“Teachers are tired. They are trying to run their own classrooms as well as filling the void for somebody else’s classroom. They already have one field of study and that they went to school for and we’re stressing them,” Radford said.

Stresses that Woodford County Superintendent Danny Adkins says has been a problem for the last few months. 

“I’d like to say that, you know, sometimes folks think that the teacher shortage may not be real, but it is. It’s real. I mean, we’re seeing it every day,” Adkins said.

And the school district needs people to fill the void.

“The fact that folks have decided it’s just not for them anymore. And maybe they had two or three years in and I’ve even had folks that are like 10 to 12 years and just resign because it’s, you know, the past it’s not there anymore. The love is not there anymore. It’s just becoming so difficult,” Radford said.

With the lack of interest added to the existing pressure of the COVID-19 pandemic, some teachers have had to cancel or rely on NTI days. 

“We ended up having two or three classrooms that are uncovered that we have to take other teachers, planning times and those types of things just to get these classes covered,” Adkins said.

Stepping up to sub, Radford said, is more than helping the school district. It’s a chance to create those positive relationships.

“I remember the teachers and the ones who influenced me to do what I do, not just as a leader in the community but just as an influencer and making sure that you never know what a conversation in the hallway does or what speaking to a child who doesn’t have a positive male figure at their house or you have no clue what that means,” Radford said.

With his opportunity to give back, Radford is encouraging people to serve where they can and impact on both the teachers and the future generation. 

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