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BOISE, Idaho (KIFI) – With Idaho school districts reporting a shortage of substitute teachers, Gov. Brad Little on Friday announced new steps he is taking to expand the supply of substitute teachers so students can continue to learn in person.
“My priority throughout the pandemic has been to ensure in-person instruction for our students and to minimize disruption to learning as much as possible. The availability of substitute teachers to step in when needed is essential to ensure our students have the best chance of success, ”Governor Little said.
Some school districts face a shortage of hundreds of substitute teachers on a daily basis, mainly due to the increased spread of COVID-19 in recent weeks.
Governor Little is investing $ 10 million in new “substitute teacher recruitment grants” so school districts are better able to recruit and retain substitute teachers and other classroom support staff.
School districts can use the funds to provide bonuses to substitute teachers in addition to what the substitutes are already doing.
“I urge Idahoans who are able to serve as a substitute teacher or other classroom support staff to contact your school district and register. The students of Idaho and our communities need you, ”Governor Little said.
Governor Little also announced that he would offer Idaho State Executive Agency employees a new benefit – paid time off to serve as a substitute teacher. This means that state employees will not have to tap into their vacation or sick leave to serve their communities as substitute teachers. Interested persons must meet all school district requirements to be hired as a substitute teacher, and they must pass all selection processes to ensure the safety of school children.
“A key component to keeping schools open for in-person instruction is having the necessary staff,” said Twin Falls School District Superintendent Brady Dickinson. “Substitute teachers and other support staff play an important role in this, and I am very grateful for the governor’s action today as it will provide additional support to schools as we work to deliver the best. educational experience for students in these difficult times. “
“Our members have consistently expressed the urgent need for replacements and other personnel essential to the continued operation of our public schools. This support from Governor Little will be extremely helpful in ensuring that our schools can remain open to in-person learning, ”said Idaho School Boards Association Executive Director Misty Swanson.
In addition to new steps being taken to expand the supply teacher pool in Idaho, Governor Little recently invested $ 30 million in COVID-19 testing in schools to help minimize outbreaks and ensure as much as possible the in-person learning.
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