By 1812Blockhouse
As students prepare their backpacks and sharpen their pencils, Mid-Ohio Educational Service Center (ESC) is bracing for a new school year and calling for substitute teachers to help fill classrooms. This effort resonates with the value that substitute teachers bring to education and the relief they provide to full-time staff.
The Importance of Substitute Teachers
According to Steve Earnest, Mid-Ohio ESC Executive Director, the role of substitute teachers cannot be underestimated. They offer continuity in education and lessen the burden on full-time teachers.
“When a substitute teacher can’t be found, schools will often ask full-time teachers to give up their planning hours in order to fill in. This has a negative effect on the teacher’s ability to plan their class effectively, ultimately affecting students as well,” said Earnest.
New Flexibility in Qualifications
With the introduction of HB 583, the educational qualifications for substitute teachers have become more flexible. This allows districts to employ substitutes with either an associate degree or a high school diploma.
How It Works
Each local Board of Education can decide the educational level for their substitute teachers by adopting a resolution. This flexibility is valid from September 23, 2022, through the 2023-2024 school year.
How to Apply for a Substitute Teacher Position
The application process has several essential steps to follow:
- Application Submission: Complete the Substitute Teachers application at Mid-Ohio ESC. The application fee has been waived for the 2023-2024 school year.
- Background Check: Candidates must also have a current BCI/FBI background check. Fingerprinting is available at the Mid-Ohio ESC office for a fee.
- Licensing: Apply for a substitute teacher license through the Ohio Department of Education. Please note, this step must not be done prior to completing the employment process at Mid-Ohio ESC, or the license application will be declined.
All applications and detailed information are available at Mid-Ohio ESC’s website.
Questions?
Potential candidates with inquiries can reach out to Mid-Ohio ESC at 419-774-5520 or email [email protected].
About Mid-Ohio ESC
Mid-Ohio Educational Service Center is a pivotal hub providing specialized academic and support services to 13 school districts and over 20,000 students in Crawford, Morrow, and Richland Counties. The array of services include professional development, gifted and special education consultation, therapy services, and much more.
As the school year approaches, the call for substitute teachers becomes more urgent, emphasizing the need for passionate and dedicated educators. By stepping into these roles, substitute teachers not only support full-time staff but also ensure the ongoing quality education that every student deserves.
Image by Xandra Iryna Rodríguez from Pixabay
