That's the highest absentee rate in decades, three times higher than almost any other profession. That's how Ellen Watkins was hired. Watkins, who graduated from Fort Myers High School last year, wants to be a teacher and is taking classes at a local college. She works evenings at a local Olive Garden restaurant. Although Watkins, who is now 19, gets high marks for her teaching, educators are worried about the high number of subs who, like her, lack even basic teaching qualifications.
Educators worry that students suffer when taught by subs.
It's worse than a lost day of learning. Part of the problem is money. Schools have a hard time attracting subs in today's economy, when qualified teachers can make more money in other jobs. Even Watkins makes twice as much money serving drinks at the Olive Garden than she would from a day of substitute teaching. There are legitimate explanations for the high number of lost days by regular teachers.