Substitute teachers in high demand

Rochester area school districts say they're dealing with an acute shortage of substitute teachers.

Principals and superintendents are pitching in to cover the vacancies. Full-time teachers are giving up their preparation time to cover classes that don't have an instructor.

Kingsland High School Principal Jim Hecimovich says he's had to fill in for sick teachers regularly due to the substitute shortage.

Byron Public Schools Superintendent Jeff Elstad tells the Post-Bulletin the area's strong job market has people turning to other positions, not substitute teaching.

Education leaders say the shortage reflects a deeper issue. There are simply fewer people in teaching.

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