SOUTHEAST MISSOURI (KFVS) – Right now, people can become certified substitute teachers by taking advantage of free, grant-funded training at several Heartland schools.

Mineral Area College offers education approved by the Ministry of Elementary and Secondary Education.

The certification process takes 20 hours and requires in-person attendance at all sessions. Locations, dates and times are as follows:

Chaffee High School Library

11-15 November 17.00-21.00

Perryville Area Career and Technical Center (waiting list)

18-21 November, 16:00 – 21:00

Thomas W. Kelly High School

5-9 November 17.00-21.00

Scott City High School

2, 4, 9, 11 and 13 December between 16.00-20.00

Doniphan Schools

10-12 December 17.00 – 21.00, 14 December 08.00 – 16.00

from Minerals Regional College. Shawn Young called the need for more people to become certified “terrible.”

Dr. “There is a teacher shortage in the state of Missouri, and as we start to get into more rural communities, we see that gap getting bigger because of population density,” Young said.

Many people who want to start a career in education start with a subscription. “A lot of times we have people who become substitute teachers and then come back and get their teaching certificate and become teachers. So if there is a teacher shortage, that usually means there is a substitute teacher shortage.”

Individuals wishing to enroll must have a high school diploma or equivalent and be willing to submit to a background check.

“If you are interested in being a teacher, helping and assisting, and working with children, this is definitely a program you should sign up for.”

Sign up by clicking Here.

Individuals with at least 36 credit hours from a state-approved university or college do not need this training to be certified as a substitute teacher.

Dr. Young said the demand for education is so high that grant funding can’t keep up. MAC is seeking local businesses and organizations to help support this fund as sponsors.

“This is limited funding and that’s one of the problems… I have enough funding for about 15 schools and I’ve already reached the 15 schools we’re planning for by January and this grant is for four years.”

Anyone who would like to sponsor one of the schools or trainings can contact Dr. You can email Young at: [email protected].

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