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The pandemic left school districts begging for substitute teachers to fill urgent, and often unexpected vacancies throughout the school year. A recent study found 35% of districts surveyed were struggling to fill paraprofessional positions.

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Substitute Teacher Shortage

As the anniversary of the first pandemic-related lockdown approaches, school districts are faced with the realization that the virus is not the only threat to school closures. Amidst navigating the shift to virtual learning, schools face another crisis: a substitute teacher shortage. While the nationwide shortage was a problem even before the pandemic, demand for… Read more »

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Let’s Fly Away Since my first flight at ten years old, I’ve had a lifelong interest in aviation history along with art. Teaching art for forty years allowed me the chance to indulge both. While teaching in Liberal, Kansas I volunteered and served on the board of the air museum there, so after retiring in… Read more »

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MHED chose Gary as our sub of the month for April because he is always very communicative with us, even when not able to work – which isn’t very often. Gary is willing to go wherever we need a substitute teacher and that has been so very helpful. He has been to virtually every school… Read more »

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By Allison Kirch, Staffing Specialist for MHED Understanding and Applying Tiers 3 through 5: Love and belonging, self-esteem and self-actualization Once our students’ basic needs are met, and they feel safe and comfortable in their classroom environment, we need to allow students to express themselves, boost their self-esteem and promote individuality. As educators, we do… Read more »

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By Allison Kirch, Staffing Specialist for MHED Understanding and Applying Tier 2: Safety and Security Students need their basic needs to be taken care of, but they also need to feel safe—in the school building, classroom, and safe with their peers and teacher.  Often, that starts with building teacher/student relationships as well as student/student relationships…. Read more »

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By Allison Kirch, Staffing Specialist for MHED Understanding and Applying Tier 1: Physiological Needs Maslow’s Hierarchy covers all needs we have as humans to be available for self-growth to meet full potential. The first tier being basic needs. As teachers, we need to be empathetic of each student’s unique situations. If a child is tired… Read more »

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Kelly was chosen as sub of the month because she has been in her current assignment at Tonganoxie Elementary since the beginning of the year and has been very dependable. She is a very hard worker, has been great in communicating with MHED, and she is a team player. She truly is making a difference… Read more »