The Fort Madison School Board spent this week’s meeting discussing solutions to the district’s substitute teacher shortage.
The substitute roster lists about 30 people, but availability is uneven, so staff are making direct calls to fill classrooms.
Officials said the shortage reflects a broader trend, with fewer applicants for open teaching jobs and fewer students pursuing education degrees. Options on the table include targeted outreach to retirees and parents, stronger onboarding and classroom support for new subs, and continued pay review.
Interested residents can qualify to substitute through the Iowa Department of Education via a substitute license or a substitute authorization.
