Proposed bill would lower substitute teacher requirements in Kentucky

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- While some school districts struggle to find substitute teachers to help cover classrooms, Kentucky lawmakers are looking to help that problem.

House Bill 387 would lower the bar to be a substitute teacher in Kentucky and it is making its way through the state legislature.

The bill passed the Kentucky House by an 88-4 vote last Wednesday. It proposes eliminating the requirement that substitutes have some college credit hours. Right now, the requirement is at least 64 hours, but the bill would make it zero.

Those with just a high school diploma could get a one-year emergency substitute teaching certificate. Additionally, it would allow for five-year substitute teaching certificates to anyone with a bachelor's degree, 10-year certificates would be allowed for those eligible for a Kentucky teaching certificate, previously held one, or were certified to teach in another state.

The goal is to help get more substitutes in the door, and prevent teachers from having to cover other classrooms, in addition to their own classes.

Lance Faith has worked as a substitute in Jefferson County Public Schools for several years, and witnesses first-hand how short-staffed subs are.

"Every day I go to the high schools they’re like, 'Wow, we’re so happy you came back Lance, we don’t have anybody else,' or 'We only have one person,’” Faith said.

Faith said it is a big responsibility, and is concerned that if the requirements are lowered, an 18- or 19-year-old could be in charge of a classroom. He described student behavior as unsafe.

"It's a huge responsibility," Faith said.

One of the bill's sponsors is Rep. Timmy Truett, R-District 89, who is also the principal of an elementary school in Jackson County.

"I know most districts may not need this bill, but I know one close to my heart that does," Truett said.

While age of potential substitute teachers is a concern, Rep. Tina Bojanowski, D-District 32, reminded other lawmakers that schools have a say in who enters the building.

"A building doesn't have to take certain subs, so if you have a high school, you may not choose to have someone in this age range of someone newly out of high school," Bojanowski said.

The push to lower requirements comes as lawmakers try to address the state's teacher shortage as well.

Four lawmakers voted "no" on the bill.

Democratic Louisville Rep. Daniel Grossberg, who was among the "no" votes on the bill, said he would like to see 18- and 19-year-olds exempt, to prevent them from being substitute teachers to other teenagers.

To read more about HB 387, click here.

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