Many school districts in central Illinois are struggling with the same issues when teachers are unavailable. 

Dr. Emily Weidner, Superintendent of Cerro Gordo Schools explains they, and other districts, have been suffering from a substitute teacher shortage for some time now. 

Dr. Weidner says in her district, they try to have competitive pay rates, host substitute teacher recruitment nights, and teach people how to become licensed to increase their pool of subs. 

The first step to becoming a sub is to reach out to your Regional Office of Education. According to Dr. Weidner, as long as you have a bachelor's degree, you can apply for a 5-year license. 

This is an important and widespread issue in Illinois, if you'd like to help end the substitute teacher shortage you can find your Regional Office of Education at isbe.net/roe