Mickey Rutledge loves to teach. After retiring from teaching physical education for 23 years at a school in Shawnee Mission, she wasn’t quite ready to give it up.
She moved to her hometown of Iola nine years ago and became a substitute.
But because of the coronavirus pandemic, she’s stepping aside for at least a couple months. Her husband’s health is vulnerable because of a past heart attack, and she can’t take the risk that she might contract COVID-19.
“I feel so bad for the teachers and administrators. I love teaching and I hate to put them in a spot, but I have to think of my health and my family’s health,” Rutledge said.
Rutledge is one of several substitutes who did not sign up for USD 257’s program this year because of the coronavirus.
Only about half as many substitutes will be available this year compared to previous years, Judy Baker, substitute coordinator for the district, said. Just 29 subs have signed on for this year, compared to between 50 and 60 in a normal year.
That’s directly related to COVID-19, Baker said. All of those who have dropped out of the program said they were concerned for their own health and safety or for that of a family member because of the coronavirus pandemic.
“I’m a little worried, but until any sort of illness starts hitting us, I just don’t know,” Baker said of the shortage.
“There’s always been a larger pool to select from.”
Every year, the district might face short-term shortages of available substitutes for various reasons such as teachers attending training or an outbreak of flu or other types of illness. Eleven subs also work for other districts, so USD 257 has to compete for their time.
Curriculum director Jenna Higginbotham has changed the way the district provides training, which will likely mean less need for substitute teachers. Also, most training has been converted to Zoom or other types of online meetings, which could potentially decrease the need for subs.
The smaller pool of substitutes is just one concern with COVID-19.
In the past, the district would combine classes or call in administrators or counselors to cover classes in the event of a substitute shortage. Combining classes isn’t likely to be an option because of social distancing restrictions.
“With the changes to training, we might get by with the numbers we have,” Baker said. “But we don’t know yet.”
Rutledge said she hopes to rejoin the substitute list later in the year, and is waiting to see how things go. She has developed good relationships with some of the teachers, who knew they could call on her to cover their classrooms. She has taught all grade levels since she became a substitute, but prefers to work with younger students, especially preschool and kindergarten.
“I truly enjoy the kids. It’s fun,” she said.
