EDUCATION

Helping Schools in the Pandemic

It’s been more than two years since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. In that time, two new school years have begun and the impact of the pandemic continues. The Liberty Hill Digest reached out to LHISD to learn and share some of the ways our community can help and support the needs in our schools.

A NEW NORMAL

In the past, the basics of a teacher's day might have included assembling and organizing the day's materials, instructing students during class time, grading papers and cleaning up the classroom after the bell, and preparing a lesson plan before going home. Today, even without the double duty of online learning, teachers and staff continue to juggle supplemental roles and responsibilities unforeseen in a pre-pandemic world.

All over Texas, as pandemic conditions persist, teachers, principals, and staff are greeting students in the drop-off line, filling in as crossing guards and cafeteria attendants, or even staying late to provide custodial support, in addition to daily classroom sanitizing.

IN THE CLASSROOM

With increased quarantines since the New Year, many in the district are graciously wearing multiple hats to help each other, and LHISD is asking for more substitutes to alleviate the burden on these pandemic heroes. Superintendent Steve Snell said, "As the next variant of COVID takes its toll on our staff, we need substitutes to keep the level of educational services consistent. LHISD is looking to increase substitute pay in order to attract and retain great subs for our students."

Kristy Kercheville, executive director for LHISD Communications, added, "The need for more supplemental staff in Liberty Hill is not unique, but we are fortunate to be in a much better position than other ISDs where administrators are in the classrooms or canceling bus routes."

School Board President Megan Parsons said, "Alleviating teacher stress and burnout is a concern that has been at the forefront of the school board's minds and was discussed in detail at a recent workshop. Increasing substitute pay has been considered but, ultimately, our board approved a stipend for our full-time teachers and staff to receive in December."

Every district needs plenty of substitutes for sick days or when compliance obligations draw teachers out of the classroom for professional learning. This is required for all teachers to maintain their certifications. Instruction takes place during the school day because it is not reasonable to schedule outside of work hours or on weekends, but it does require teachers to be outside of their classrooms.

"We have a Strategic Plan that focuses on human capital. The current and next generation of teachers want to be empowered to do great things for students, including working in an environment where they can take creative risks to create great lessons for the students. LHISD strives to create an environment where both students and teachers thrive," explains Superintendent Snell.

SUB FOR US

Serve LHISD schools Meaningful and impact-

ful way to meet people and help students

Flexible schedule;

choose the days you wish to work

Great variety of work and grade levels

available

“Employees take care of each other. There’s a friendly atmosphere focused on students, and there’s opportunity for growth inside our system.” ~Superintendent Steve Snell

YOU CAN HELP

SUBSTITUTES

Last year, to encourage more applicants, several ISDs recruited college students who were learning online and had time on their hands. This year, the outreach includes retired people, former teachers, or stay-at-home moms looking for opportunities to spend the day and engage meaningfully with students. The job is very flexible and is a great opportunity to have a positive impact in our schools.

Megan added, "In our efforts to attract more substitutes, we want to keep a balance between recruitment and teacher retention. We know one of the needs for LHISD teachers is the peace of knowing that if they need to be out they can find a substitute to cover their class. We could always use more people willing to sign up to substitute, but we are also considering ways to encourage our current substitutes to take on more jobs. Support from our community is essential for weathering this storm and, thankfully, we live in one of the best in Texas!"

Combining flexibility and the chance to make a difference in students' lives, substituting at LHISD can be incredibly rewarding. No special qualifications are required— applicants need only have a high school diploma or GED and pass a background check with fingerprints. Assignments vary and those who are celled can accept or deny a job based on their needs and schedule.

That flexibility is the reason one elementary substitute loves her job, which allows her to be a stayat-home mom while using her skills and earning money for the family. "I wanted to work a few times a week, but I get requests and calls every day and I don't want to let them down because the need is so great."

Substitute pay starts at $90 per day and, in addition to classroom work, schools often need substitute nurses as well, starting at $95 per day.

BUS DRIVERS

Superintendent Snell added, "We are experiencing minor shortages in support staff positions including substitutes, custodians, bus drivers, and cafeteria workers. We are continuing to explore new ways to attract employees and create a workplace culture that encourages growth and creates a sense of family."

The only requirement for drivers is a CDL license and no prior school experience is necessary. Bus driver and other supplemental staffing positions are posted on the district's job board.

STAFFING

Another reason to support the district is the benefits package provided to all full-time employees. Superintendent Snell adds, "While we are planning to increase salaries, support staff also get the benefit of working on the same schedule as their school age children and receive full health benefits while employed in LHISD."

Scan the code for all positions and career opportunities at Liberty Hill ISD.