Our schools need our help now more than ever.

Already facing a shortage of teachers and other positions because fewer people are considering education as a profession, school districts across Northeast Michigan are now — as reporter Crystal Nelson recently told us — facing a shortage of substitutes, in part because few are willing to take the risk during the coronavirus pandemic.

But our kids need us, and we urge those who are able to consider subbing.

With all the forced changes happening at schools right now, a friendly face can make all the difference to a child’s emotional well-being and help them focus on their schooling.

Substitute teachers need a minimum of 60 credit hours and a 2.0 grade-point average from an accredited college or university, be able to pass a background check, and complete required training through schools’ third-party substitute teacher provider.

Substitute bus drivers with commercial driver’s license are also needed.

Consider subbing.

You never know the kind of difference you could make.

(THE ALPENA NEWS)