Finding substitutes is hard for Kinnikinnick schools

At their May 25 Kinnikinnick school board meeting, Superintendent Keli Freedlund described the challenges of finding substitutes when teachers and staff are out. While school secretaries used to line up substitutes, Kelly Education now manages the staffing for these positions. That helps, because schools have more trouble finding substitutes since the pandemic began. Besides substitute  teachers, Kinnikinnick also needs substitute  teacher's aides and other paraprofessionals, such as food service workers.

Freedlund told the board, "We've never been filled to capacity... I don't think we could do it by ourselves [without Kelly Education]... Before, maybe the secretary could call and get a few people to come in but now... We cannot fill all the spots we have."

Freedlund  stressed that this is not just a Kinnikinnick  problem. For example, since older people are more vulnerable to COVID, when the pandemic hit, every school lost its pool of retirees who had been available as substitutes. According to Freedlund, "When you call in for a sub and can't get one, we do a lot of swapping around." Some staff have dual certificates and can be temporarily reassigned, or administrators may have to fill in for missing teachers. "Every day we have that," said Freedlund. "Some days are better than others."

School Board President David Young commented, "It's a job I wouldn't want."

Freedlund presented new pay rates for substitute teachers and para-professionals for the 2021-2022 school year. She proposed an increase in long-term rates next year; that is, for substitute assignments lasting 15 days or more, though not an increase for full day and half-day rates. She added, "We currently share our pool of teachers with Belvidere," and she wants to match Belvidere's rates so potential subs don't choose Belvidere over Kinnikinnick because of pay. Furthermore, Kelly Education is talking about possibly increasing what they charge the school district. But Freedlund says, "[Business Administrator] Brett [Hruby] and I feel that if we go back with these rates, there's no reason for them to increase their markup."

In some parts of Illinois, substitutes can earn up to $195 a day, though these are often more in difficult schools or for more experienced teachers. Belvidere School District currently pays $105 per day for substitute teachers, but $125 per day for long-term substitutes and for retired teachers.

To qualify for a five-year renewable substitute teaching permit, candidates need a bachelor’s degree. The application fee is $50, but that can be reimbursed by the Illinois State Board of Education. The permit makes candidates eligible for long term assignments as both a sub teacher or a sub paraprofessional. Candidates with only an associates degree or 60 college credits can get a short-term permit valid until  June 30, 2023, but it may not be renewed and they cannot teach more than 5 consecutive days.

For more information about being a substitute with Kelly Education, email 24x4@kellyservices.com. Or schedule a phone call with Macey Lewis, who can answer all your questions.