State Representative Cross Introduces Legislation to Ease Restrictions on Hiring Substitute Teachers

COLUMBUS - State Representative Jon Cross today announced an introduction of legislation to provide for discretion to Ohio’s school districts regarding educational requirements of substitute teachers for the 2020-2021 school year provided that all other requirements and procedures that is required of the position to be met. 

“School districts face unprecedented challenges in this school year and will be short-staffed at many times,” Cross says. “This bill would allow local school districts to have more control of the hiring process for substitute teachers. Their decision may fit the school districts need, whether they keep the current standards or they amend the district’s own set of educational requirements if they so choose.”

The current Ohio Revised Code states that substitutes must have a four year degree. This bill allows school districts to set the hiring standards, whether they choose to keep the current standard, or change the requirements to a two-year associate degree, high school degree, and or any level of career experience, such as a veteran or retiree.

“This bill could provide schools the ability to fill a need that will certainly be seen throughout the school year to better our children’s education,” said Cross.

This act is declared to be an emergency measure necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health, and safety.