Warrenton Middle School Principal Wallicia Gill says the teacher shortage began as the Baby Boomer teachers started to retire. Mrs. Serene has substituted for eight years at both local high schools. Today the Spanish students will take a test. Shhh . . . I said no more talking.
Some substitutes are in one day and out the next.
It's an interesting job, but the pay just isn't enough to keep subs here. The class seems calm. A grapefruit once thrown in the air lies peeled and half-eaten. The aroma of doughnuts and grapefruit fill the room. The rest of her day goes smoothly.