HELP WANTED: McLean County’s largest school district in dire need of substitute teachers

Unit 5
Unit 5 Superintendent Dr. Kristen Weikle spoke with WJBC’s Scott Miller. (Photo courtesy: WJBC/File)

By Blake Haas

BLOOMINGTON – McLean County’s largest school district is in dire need of substitute teachers and bus drivers.

According to Unit 5 Superintendent Dr. Kristen Weikle, the district is accepting applications to fill open positions for various jobs.

“We are in desperate need of multiple positions. So substitute teachers, individuals do need to hold a substitute teaching license. They can call our office and get more information, or the best place to go would be to go to the Regional Office of Education website or call them.”

The district requires 60-hours of college credit to apply for a substitute teacher’s license.

In addition, Superintendent Dr. Weikle says the district’s vendor First Student has been hiring and training drivers.

“First Student has been actively recruiting and training people for more than a year. And with that, you do need to hold a CDL License. And so, if someone does not hold a CDL license, First Student will train you. They are giving hiring bonuses. If someone has driving experience, you get a bonus of $2,500; if you have no driving experience as far as a CDL or school bus, there’s a hiring bonus of $2,000.”

Speaking with WJBC’s Scott Miller, Dr. Weikle said the district accepts applications on their website or by phone at 1-309-557-4000.

“We just need people who are willing to come to work every day. Work hard to do the best for our students and our school district, and we can help support and train them for the rest.”

Blake Haas can be reached at [email protected].

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