The Durham District School Board (DDSB) has posted a job advertisement for “Uncertified Emergency Supply Teachers” for the 2021 to 2022 school year, citing a significant staff shortage to teach more than 75,000 students.
According to the job posting, “Under the direction of the Principal/Vice-Principal, uncertified emergency supply teachers support students within the classroom, provide supervision and must be able to respond appropriately when issues arise.”
“Uncertified Emergency Supply Teachers will be assigned to our in-person schools. Uncertified Emergency Supply Teachers are utilized for daily assignments when there are no supply teachers available for an assignment.”
Moreover, applicants do not have to have graduated from university and only need to be currently enrolled, truly illustrating the desperation of the school board.
According to the job posting, applicants will need to have the following qualifications:
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Currently enrolled in a University degree program or have completed a degree program
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Experience working/volunteering with children and/or adolescents.
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Experience working with students with different cultural backgrounds.
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Experience working with students with differing needs and capabilities.
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Ability to ensure the safety and security of students.
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Ability to communicate effectively with staff and students.
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Ability to maintain strict confidentiality and privacy of student information.
Above all else, applicants will be subject to the board’s immunization policy and be required to prove proof of vaccination if applicable. The board explains that those who are not fully vaccinated will be required to complete COVID-19 rapid antigen testing twice weekly.
Furthermore, unvaccinated applicants “will be required to participate in an educational session about the benefits of COVID-19 vaccination, outside of work hours,” the job posting states.
It is currently unclear if the staffing shortage has been caused by teachers walking due to the vaccine mandate.
