Gov. Wolf Signs Law To Ease Substitute Teacher Shortage 'Crisis'

PENNSYLVANIA — Gov. Tom Wolf has signed new legislation into law to help the state handle the ongoing shortage of substitute teachers. The move allows retired teachers to come out of retirement to help fill the gaps.

House Bill 412 also allows eligible recent graduates and college students to serve as substitutes.

“During the COVID-19 pandemic, we have learned how critical in-classroom education is for our K-12 students,” Wolf said in a statement. “I am proud to sign this legislation which allows schools the short-term flexibility to ensure children can safely learn in-person where we know is best for them and their futures. I look forward to continuing to work with members of the General Assembly to address these key issues longer term.”

Like health care workers, teachers and substitute teachers are among the front-line workers who have seen steep declines in numbers since the start of the pandemic. The Pennsylvania State Education Association called the shortage of teachers a "crisis level."

“For months, PSEA members have been stressed to the breaking point because of the shortage of substitute teachers,” PSEA President Rich Askey said in a statement. “Without enough substitutes, some students are missing lessons, learning in packed classrooms, or even gathering in cafeterias. PSEA members’ top priority is ensuring that all students receive the best possible education. This law will help students, educators, and support professionals do that essential work."

The stipulation to call back retired educators is in effect for the 2021-22 and 2022-23 school years.

Educators with inactive certificates can also now substitute for 180 days a year, up from just 90 days under existing law.

Finally, the law launches something called the "classroom monitor” pilot program through the 2022-23 school year. The law allows anyone with 60 college credits or paraprofessionals with at least three years of experience to act as "monitors" who oversee classes but do not instruct.

Not only have more teachers been resigning and shifting into other careers with lower stress levels since the start of the pandemic, but they've also been retiring at higher rates, according to an Associated Press report. Additional teachers, aides and tutors have also been needed to staff online classes and special instruction for those unable to return to in-person instruction.

"Returning retired teachers can help fill in the gap during this difficult time, and ensure that our children are provided with a proper education," said state Rep. Mark Rozzi (D-Berks), who introduced the bill. "It is vital that we take the education of young minds seriously and provide them with the resources they need to set themselves up for a lifetime of success."

The National Education Association also called the situation "severe" when warning of it in June.

"We face a looming crisis in losing educators at a time when our students need them most," NEA President Becky Pringle said in a statement. "This is a serious problem with potential effects for generations."

In an NEA survey of 2,690 members, 32 percent said the pandemic caused them to leave the profession earlier than they had anticipated.

Aside from putting pressure on already-overloaded school resources, the shortage has led some districts in the state to require teachers who want to retire or resign to give two months' notice.

“There are many people in Pennsylvania who will make good substitute teachers," Askey added. "This law will help give them the opportunity to become substitutes or classroom monitors and broaden the pool available to school districts.”

The PSEA added that increased funding for schools is needed to attract and retain the best teachers possible.