SOUTHEAST MISSOURI (KFVS) – Right now, people can become certified substitute teachers by taking advantage of free, grant-funded training at various schools across the Heartland.

Mineral Area College offers the training, approved by the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education.

The certification process lasts 20 hours and requires in-person attendance at all sessions. Locations, dates and times are as follows:

Chaffee High School Library

5 p.m. to 9 p.m. from November 11 to 15

Perryville Area Career and Technical Center (waiting list)

4 p.m. to 9 p.m. from November 18 to 21

Thomas W. Kelly High School

5 p.m. to 9 p.m. from November 5 to 9

Scott City High School

4 p.m. to 8 p.m. on December 2, 4, 9, 11 and 13

Doniphan Schools

5 p.m. to 9 p.m. from December 10 to 12, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on December 14

Dr. Shawn Young of Mineral Area College called the need for more people to obtain certification “disastrous.”

“There is a teacher shortage in the state of Missouri, and when we start looking at more rural communities, we see that shortage getting even more pronounced due to population density,” said Dr. Young.

Many who wish to begin a career in education begin by becoming substitutes. “A lot of times we have people who become substitute teachers and then come back and get their teaching certification and become teachers. So if there is a shortage of teachers, that usually means there is a shortage of substitute teachers.

Individuals wishing to register must have a high school diploma or equivalent and be willing to submit to a background check.

“If you’re interested in becoming a teacher, or being a substitute and helping out, working with kids, then this is definitely a program you should probably sign up for.”

Register by clicking here.

Individuals with at least 36 credit hours from a state-approved university or college do not need this training to be certified as a substitute teacher.

Dr Young said the demand for training is so high that grants cannot keep up. MAC is looking for local businesses and organizations to help supplement this funding by becoming a sponsor.

“Funding is limited, and that’s one of the problems…I have enough funding for about 15 schools, and I’ve already reached the training of 15 schools that we’ve already scheduled through January, and this grant is for four years.”

Anyone interested in sponsoring one of the schools or training courses can email Dr. Young at [email protected].

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