Hiring policy changes for APS

ALPENA, Mich.–Governor Whitmer signed a new bill aimed at keeping students in seats amid a statewide staffing shortage.

The bill amends a previous one that requires substitute teachers to have at least 60– hours of college credit.

Now public school districts can hire any school employee with a high school diploma.

Alpena public school superintendent David Rabbideau weighs in on teacher staffing shortages at APS.

“We certainly do have shortages of substitutes in all positions, not just teaching. So if it works, we will certainly try to take advantage of it.”

The republican led bill didn’t come without scrutiny.

The largest teachers led union in the state, the Michigan Education Association, said the bill undermines the quality of education.

School administrators recognize the need for the bill, but don’t think it’s a permanent solution to the teacher staffing crisis that started pre-pandemic.

“Teaching certainly has a lot more room to grow in providing more income for people. It stands to reason that if it does then more people would be interested in it.”

The new bill only applies to this school year.