Colorado School District Is Asking Parents To Substitute Teach

A Colorado school district is so short on substitute teachers that they are pulling from the bench.

Staffing shortages are forcing Colorado Springs schools to call on parents to become subs. District 49’s Inspiration View Elementary principal Pamela Holloman says the school needs at least three subs every week.

Almost a 100 parents stepped in to substitute teach or support aides since the district’s Parent Star program started in 2021. The problem? They still need more.

Sadly, not just any old Joe off the street can do it, though. A parent can become a substitute if they have a bachelor’s degree, a three-to-five year substitute teacher authorization, or a Colorado teacher license.