‘We Can’t Get Subs’: Sub Shortage May Cause Schools To Go Remote

Michael Macijeski taught at Northfield Middle & High School for two decades. Now he is a substitute teacher, although he does worry about the coronavirus’ potential danger to his health. (Anna Van Dine/VPR)

The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated the need for substitute teachers. And although some continue to work despite health risks, cold and flu season could cause the need for subs to far surpass what’s available, and force schools to send students home.

Mike Macijeski was a history teacher for 20 years at Northfield Middle & High school before retiring in 2019. Now, he subs.

“I love teaching,” he said. “You know, some teachers retire and they’re like, ‘Never setting foot in there again.’ I’m the other kind.”

Last year, he was signed up to be a substitute in every school district in Washington County. But this year, Macijeski hesitated. There’s a pandemic, and he’s 67.

He asked himself: “Did I want to do it? I mean, in my heart, I wanted to do it. But, you know, I kind of would like to live to play with my grandchildren and get old together with my wife and all that.”

On the other hand, he said, “I’d like to be there for my colleagues, and I know there’s a shortage of subs.”

Read the rest of the story at VPR’s website.