Notice to Parents Regarding Substitute Teacher Shortage

September 28, 2020

The COVID-19 pandemic continues to create a number of challenges related to the day to day operations of our schools. One of the major pressure points has been a lack of substitute teachers (subs). With increased numbers of teachers who are required to self-isolate due to symptoms, and a decrease of approximately 20% in the number of subs signed up with our Division, we simply do not have sufficient available subs. When there are no subs available, schools usually do their best to cover internally, however, this is not always possible. Further, as noted in our Re-Entry Plan, it would not be recommended practice to combine classes of students.

This letter is to inform you that we are implementing a contingency plan to have an educational assistant (EA) supervise a class when it is not possible to get a substitute teacher. Lesson planning and student assessment will still be done by teachers, and school administration will be responsible for supervision and support of EAs when they are supervising a class. Please know that this will only occur when every possible sub has been called and none are available.

I have every confidence that staff in all of our schools will continue to deliver a high quality and safe educational program for all the students enrolled in our schools. If an EA were to be covering a class for an extended period of time, parents would be notified, however, it will not be possible to provide notification when an EA covers for a single day.

Please call or email should you have any questions.

Glen Brodziak

Superintendent of Schools