The COVID pandemic is making for a crisis in Oklahoma classrooms.
What's making it even worse is substitute teachers are in high demand but there just aren't enough of them to go around.
"The number of subs that we have available as a district working in our schools everyday has plummeted, to desperation levels to be honest," said Edmond's Central Middle School Principal Keith Pautler.
Pautler says the substitute teacher shortage is putting pressure on his staff.
"At the end of the day it's certainly putting a tire and strain on the profession, there's no extra minutes for all the other things we have going on during the day."
On any given day, he says there are about four-eight teacher absences at the school and often times they're not getting filled.
Pautler says the impact of the shortage trickles down to the student - and other areas in the building.
"In areas like child nutrition, bus driving or maintenance all those areas right now are heavily strained," said Pautler.
It's a problem happening at school district across the state, some larger districts are needing up to 200 subs. The COVID pandemic amplifying the shortage, hitting Oklahoma classrooms hard.
"What they're looking at is, am I walking into a safe working environment? Are they walking environment that is supportive of them," said Katherine Bishop, President of the Oklahoma Education Associatiom. "Right now compared to last year, the tone is different."
Some districts like Mustang Public Schools are investing in their subs. Their school board of education recently approved a pay raise, hoping it might get more people to consider the job.
Executive Director of Human Resources for Mustang Public Schools, Chris Tobler, says the district has filled 100 more sub positions this year than last year. However, they're still concerned over the sub fill rate. Tobler says they've been seen more teacher absences this year than they have last year.
Oklahoma City Public School is also planning to talk about the shortage the district is facing. They have a meeting scheduled for Thursday morning.
In the meantime, educators like Pautler are begging the community to get into what he calls the 'kids business'
"If you have available time or if you've ever thought about this is the time to do it, we could really use your help now," said Pautler.
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