Gov. Gavin Newsom on Tuesday signed an executive order relaxing state regulations around the hiring of substitute teachers as districts grapple with staffing shortages exacerbated by the omicron variant of the coronavirus. “We’re working closely with local education officials to cut red tape to allow qualified substitute teachers to help maintain safe learning environments,” Newsom said in a news release.
Through March 31, the executive order allows for temporary certificates to be issued to substitute teachers who don’t have credentials. The order also extends the length of time substitute teachers can be assigned to a class to 120 days and allows more flexibility for retired teachers to work as substitutes.
Districts must submit a “written finding” that the more flexible rules will allow them to maintain in-person instruction despite staffing shortages.