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By Pepper Fisher

PORT ANGELES – The Port Angeles School District is in dire need of substitute teachers.

Describing the situation as “a critical moment in our school year”, when teachers are absent, district officials have so far addressed the shortage by using other staff like Principals, District administrators, and other staff who have other jobs to do during a typical school day. It’s an unsustainable model, and the worst-case scenario is to begin cancelling classes.

Communications Coordinator Carmen Geyer says they need 10-20 new subs, and they’ve streamlined the application process because time is of the essence.

“Yeah, absolutely. We’re trying to make it easy for people to apply. It can get a little tedious going online and filling out an application and uploading your references. So we want to make it as easy as possible. So people can contact me and we’ll schedule you a time to come in and walk you through the steps to apply.”

Geyer says the State of Washington is allowing for emergency certification right now because of the special circumstances during the pandemic response. So whether you’re a college student, retired, or somewhere in between, it’s all hands on deck.

“So, we are looking for people that are interested in teaching. And you must pass the background check, of course. We’re going to waive your fees, reimburse your fees associated with the application process. So if you have a background in teaching, even better, but we just really need some quality community members to step up and help us out.”

To sweeten the offer, the District has increased the pay for substitutes to $150 per day.

Geyer says the community rose to the occasion last month and she’s confident the trend will continue.

“We really appreciate, you know, that the community rallied. We have bus drivers. We have nurses that are being trained right now. So, you know, the community met our cry for help. And so, we’re really hoping that this substitute teaching shortage is going to be a thing of the past with the help of our community.”

You can email Carmen Geyer at cgeyer@portangelesschools.org or call her up at (360) 565-3703.