Lawmakers look into substitute teacher shortage in Pennsylvania
(Harrisburg) — The House and Senate Education Committees held a joint session on a growing concern in Pennsylvania,.. the shortage of substitute teachers.
Lawmakers heard a number of reasons for the shortage, including low pay and lack of benefits in some districts, along with the fact that teachers from Pennsylvania are pursuing better opportunities in other states. State Education Secretary Pedro Rivera testified that scheduling difficulties is another major concern.
“The school day starts very, very early and substitutes who may have famlies of their own may have difficulty maintaining the schedule,” he said.
The shortage also has an effect on teachers who are on the job, being forced to cover classes when a sub can’t be found, cutting into the time needed to prepare for their own classes.