Brazos Valley school districts, both big and small, say they still need more substitute teachers as the school year quickly approaches.
Substitute teachers have always been essential for school districts, but now during a global pandemic, they are needed more than ever.
“I think we will definitely have a shortage because of the pandemic,” said Snook ISD Superintendent Brenda Krchnak.
School districts across the Brazos Valley are echoing the need for more substitutes as we approach the beginning of the school year.
“We’re trending a little lower. We’re still trending in the right direction in terms of our goal [which] is to have 400 substitutes on file by the end of August. Right now we’re at 222,” said Dr. Nkrumah Dixon with College Station ISD.
On average, College Station ISD has about 130 substitute teachers working daily.
“We average about 125 to 130 substitutes, and that includes substitutes teachers and instructional assistance also,” said Dr. Dixon.
Smaller school districts like Snook ISD see much lower numbers.
“I would say we have 8 to 10 people who are dependable, but they are not available daily. We have more on the list, but more often than not they’re not available because they are subbing in multiple districts,” said Krchnak.
To become a substitute teacher in the Brazos Valley you must be at least 18-years-old and have a high school diploma.
“And then from there they go to well, it used to be an orientation and training, but now it's virtual, where we go through things,” said Dr. Nixon.
Anyone applying to be a substitute teacher should know that they will have to consent to a background check.
For both College Station ISD and Snook ISD you can apply by going to the school district's website.