Schools all over Illinois are seeing a sharp decrease in substitute teachers. (WJBC Photo)

By Andy Dahn

BLOOMINGTON – Concerns are beginning to grow over the lack of substitute teachers in McLean County and the rest of the state.

Regional Superintendent of Schools Mark Jontry said that with a growing economy, Illinois school districts are seeing a sharp decrease in substitute teachers. He said besides financial reasons, another possible answer for the shortage is the difficulty of the work.

"It can be an intimating type of job to take on for people that aren't sure if it's something they want to do," Jontry said. "Especially if they are talking about dealing with students at the secondary level."

Jontry said with required fees to earn a substitute teaching license, the daily pay may also be scaring teachers away.

"The average going rate in our area is about $80, $85 (per day)," Jontry said. "So when you look at that, you have to put in at least three full day assignments in order to recoup your up-front costs. And those fees are set by the state through legislation, and they were increased a few years ago."

Despite the negatives, Jontry said substitute teaching has its benefits.

"I don't want people to be discouraged," said Jontry. "We really have a lot of substitutes that find it a tremendously rewarding experience, and it is a rewarding experience. It's an opportunity to work with kids and help shape their future going forward, while also providing a much needed service to our districts."

Jontry said districts are continuing to look for incentives to bring more substitute teachers to schools, but they likely won't involve pay increases due to district budget deficits.

Andy Dahn can be reached at [email protected].