Jan 22, 2022

USD 305 hoping to increase substitute teacher pool with job fair

Posted Jan 22, 2022 8:30 PM
<b>The USD 305 district office building at&nbsp;1511 Gypsum Avenue. </b>Salina Post file photo
The USD 305 district office building at 1511 Gypsum Avenue. Salina Post file photo

By SALINA POST

Salina USD 305 is taking another precaution in its effort to keep schools open during the coronavirus pandemic.

The district announced that, for the first time, it would be conducting a substitute teacher job fair on Thursday.

"COVID’s impact includes a need to increase our substitute teacher pool," Jennifer Camien, district public information director, told Salina Post. "Along with other community members, teachers are affected by COVID. It’s important that we have substitutes to fill in when teachers have to be out, so that we can keep classrooms and schools open."

The substitute teacher job fair is scheduled for 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Thursday at the district office building, 1511 Gypsum Avenue.

"If someone has wondered about becoming a substitute teacher or wanted a chance to get their foot in the door, this is a great opportunity," said Eryn Wright, executive director of human resources.

Simple requirements for substitutes include enjoying working with students and being a high school graduate. According to the district, substitutes are not required to be certified teachers or to hold college degrees but must be able to pass background checks and pre-employment screenings.

USD 305 substitutes have flexible scheduling that includes choice of work locations and assignments, according to information from the district.

Additionally, the district offers paid orientation and training, as well as licensure application assistance and cost reimbursement up to $60 for first-time substitutes. There also is up to $250 in incentives per semester for substitutes who qualify, the district noted.

The district maintains a substitute teacher pool of approximately 90 people each year, according to Camien.