The Clinton-Jefferson-Marion-Washington County Regional Superintendent of Schools office is seeking help from the community to help school districts in the four-county area fill open positions.
The schools need teachers, substitute teachers, short-term substitute teachers, substitute and full-time paraprofessionals (teacher aides), bus drivers, and cafeteria staff.
Regional Superintendent Matt Renaud says the shortages are worse this school year, possibly as a result of COVID-19, or as part of the overall shortage of workers across the region and nation.
Teachers, those with a bachelor’s degree in an educational field, are needed full and part-time. If you have a bachelor’s degree in any other discipline besides teaching, you may be eligible to become a substitute teacher and teach in a classroom.
ROE 13 can assist you with finding a fast-track college program to obtain a degree in education while you are working in the classroom.
Short-term substitute positions are open to anyone who has at least 60 college credit hours. In addition, the Regional Office of Education 13 offers a 2.5-hour short-term substitute training to ensure you are successful in the classroom. Licensure fees for both substitutes ($50) and short-term substitutes ($25) can be refunded upon completion of substituting ten full days in schools.
Paraprofessionals work directly with students and teachers in the classroom. Paraprofessionals must have at least 60 college credit hours or pass the paraprofessional test that is offered at the Carlyle and Mt. Vernon ROE offices, and have a high school diploma or GED.
School bus drivers are vitally important to our districts. Bus drivers are required to have a CDL license and attend an initial bus driver training (also provided through ROE 13). Fees for bus driver training will be waived for all initial bus driver training upon successful employment in an ROE 13 school.
Schools are also searching for food service staff. A school food service training course may be required. Contact your local school districts for job availability.
The Regional Office of Education is also reaching out to the retired teaching community for their expertise. Teachers may substitute teach on their original teaching certificate if it is current.
ROE 13 is available to assist potential hires with the application requirements. They will work with candidates to locate open positions after obtaining certification. Some fees may be waived for training. Schools need community support to continue providing students with the high-quality education they deserve.
You may contact Assistant Regional Superintendent John Consolino or Regional Superintendent Renaud at 618-244-8040 or 618-594-2432 for more information.
