Stetler drafted the legislation after meeting with a group of local superintendents, who told him it has become too common that teachers in York County must oversee two classes when no substitutes are available. Dr. George Severns took part in the discussions. Districts across York County and statewide already have tried methods for solving the substitute teacher shortage, including increasing pay, establishing a permanent force of substitutes on staff, and building a guest teacher list that would allow people with bachelors' degrees to serve as substitutes. None of the solutions have worked to end the shortage. Superintendents, the Pennsylvania School Boards Association, the Pennsylvania State Education Association, and other groups have endorsed my legislation as a strong tool to help solve the shortage.
Retired teachers have the background, training, and certification to do the job.
They are ready, willing and able to help. Stetler said he worked with a bipartisan coalition of legislators, including Rep. Steve Nickol, R-Hanover, to guide the legislation through the House. He hopes the legislation also will win Senate approval and the backing of Gov. Tom Ridge.