"I've had everything from the 18 to 83 range," says Hillsborough County's Training Specialist John Hillick, who developed and now teaches a 10-day training program for subs. "And the 83-year-old was so beyond cool.
Richland County School District One in Columbia, S.C., has used both traditional and high-tech recruiting tools to find subs. At teacher job fairs, administrators screen candidates who aren't able to work full-time.
"Finding subs is a real problem for any district--so give it to a professional," advises John D.
And the subs, as employees of the staffing agency benefit from access to health care, vacation time, a holiday bonus and a 401K.
Richland One's online application system includes questions on everything from educational qualifications to the applicant's take on how important subs are to public schools.
"It's lights, camera, action for the subs. They need to be able to think on their feet," adds Thome.