CINCINNATI — The need for substitute teachers across Ohio is at an all-time high since the pandemic. And as classes start back up districts are looking to fill the gap.
Marquita Neyland is a substitute teacher serving the Cincinnati area. It’s a career she started more than 20 years ago.
“As my children were growing up, I saw where some of their friends had difficulties in class dealing with their studies,” he said.
It was her passion for helping children in need that sparked her interest in teaching.
“When I see that lightbulb go off and it’s like, ‘I got it,’” she said. “Yes, you got it. Yes, you’re capable of getting it.”
But the pandemic has brought some challenges along the way.
Neyland said one of those challenges was the back-and-forth between remote and in-person learning.
“They may not have participated in the remote part of the class and so, it’s like whatever they learned while they were there with you they lost during the following week,” she said.
Neyland is one of over 1,000 substitute teachers across Hamilton and Clermont County school districts. And finding substitutes within those school districts has been a challenge.
Matt Wendeln, the Hamilton County ESC comprehensive substitute solutions program manager, said one reason for the shortage is a third of substitute teachers in Cincinnati chose to stay home during the pandemic.
“There’s fewer people going into the field of education so less youngsters or novice teachers, who were maybe that second or third candidate and didn’t get that job, but are going to substitute for a year until that full-time job is secured,” said Wendeln.
Wendeln said school districts are making smart decisions to get the most out of the few substitutes they do have.
“They’re creating arrangements such as building substitutes who work and report to the same school every day and work virtually every day,” he said. “So, we certainly can accommodate folks who are looking for a five-day-a-week job.”
A bachelor’s degree and a substitute license are all you need.
Neyland said the job is well worth it.
“Every classroom gives you a different experience because you have a different group of students,” she said. “You have a different subject that you’re teaching, so it gives me a chance to add to my skill set as a teacher.”
Check for information on open substitute teaching positions in Cincinnati, here.
