OHIO — There’s hope that a Substitute Teacher Shortages Study Committee will get a jump on finding out the real problems behind why districts across the state struggle to fill teacher positions. 


What You Need To Know

  • According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor and Statistics, Ohio had 16,240 substitute teachers in 2018 and just 5,030 in 2021

  • Educators are wondering if things like pay and safety conditions are the culprits 

  • The Substitute Teacher Shortages Study Committee, made up of Ohio House and Senate members, is expected to come up with permanent solutions by the end of the year once they complete a study on the issue

Those 18 and older with a high school diploma have the ability to sub in a classroom through the 2023-24 school year with a few provisions, including meeting district requirements, having good moral character and completing a criminal background check.

Melissa Cropper, president of the Ohio Federation of Teachers, struggles with the length of time and with the diminished requirements.

“We believe that it takes—there's a certain skill set and a level of content knowledge that's needed to effectively be a substitute teacher, and we want people in the classroom who are able to not only keep this classroom safe, but continue with instruction. We're not looking for babysitters," she said.

Ultimately, she said they just want the right people for the job. Even so, some districts like Washington Local Schools said ​​“only 30% of the people in our entire city have a bachelor’s degree. Finding substitute teachers who are degreed with a very low unemployment rate will continue to be a problem.”

Plus, there are those who aren’t going to work for less than what they’d get paid at a fast food restaurant. 

As school starts this year, districts will have the temporary reprieve. However, the Substitute Teacher Shortages Study Committee, made up of Ohio House and Senate members, is expected to come up with permanent solutions by the end of the year once they complete a study on the issue.