CHICO, Calif. - The COVID-19 pandemic is responsible for a shortage of substitute teachers.
Throughout the country, and in the North State, substitute teachers have become scarce.

Chico Unified School District representatives said its substitute teacher roster is lower compared to other years.
Some may recall, in October, some classes began in-person instruction using the AM-PM model. but the assistant superintendent said some substitute teachers may not feel comfortable returning to the classroom.
"We are experiencing a shortage in substitute teachers," said Assistant Superintendent, Jim Hanlon. "About 10% of our job opportunities went unfilled. You could be a sub in our system and work every single day, and we still wouldn't have enough subs."
This substitute teacher shortage prompted Chico Unified during its last board meeting, to bump up the daily pay from $120 to $175.