Washington State Faces Shortage of Teachers, Substitutes

A new survey shows principals across the state are in "crisis mode" because of a shortage of substitute and full-time teachers.

The Yakima Herald reports that the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction found that 58 percent of elementary school principals, 50 percent of middle school principals and 45 percent of high school principals say they're desperate to find substitutes.

Some school administrators end up having to cover for classes for hours or even full days. Seventy-four percent of principals reported personally doing so, according to the survey.

Many school districts have bumped up substitute pay or hired emergency substitutes who aren't fully qualified as a last resort.

Unfilled teaching positions are also abundant. In the OSPI survey, 46 percent of principals from rural schools say they have vacant positions.