Gov. Whitmer signs bill to address substitute teacher shortage

LANSING, MI (WKZO AM/FM) – Monday, Governor Whitmer signed House Bill 4294 to address the substitute teacher shortage, which is meant to help keep schools open and students learning in person.

House Bill 4294 would temporarily allow trusted staff members such as secretaries and paraprofessionals to work as substitute teachers until the end of the current school year.

Governor Whitmer issued the following statement on this bill –

“Making sure every child in Michigan has access to a high-quality public education is my top priority, which is why this year we made the largest investment in K-12 public schools in Michigan history without raising taxes. The pandemic has been challenging for our children, teachers, and parents, and our educators have gone above and beyond to ensure Michigan’s children have a bright future.

Allowing schools to employ school staff that students know as substitute teachers will help keep school doors open and students learning in the classroom the rest of the school year. 

I am committed to working with the legislature to develop high-quality solutions to address these staff shortages long-term so that we can ensure that every child is able to access a quality education.”