Local districts want furloughed federal workers to be substitute teachers.
"We know that there are a number of Oklahomans and Tulsans right now who are facing, potentially, financial difficulties due to the shutdown, and we also know that our students need caring adults in the classroom to provide support when their regular teachers are absent," said Tulsa Public Schools Director of Talent Acquisition, Retention and Development Quentin Liggins.
TPS will pay $60 to $90 a day, depending on a substitute's qualifications and the length of their assignment.
Potential substitute teachers need to clear background checks and complete online training courses, and there is an online application. Liggins said TPS has around 300 substitutes and is trying to build the roster up to 1,500.
Broken Arrow Public Schools is offering $70 a day while the government is shut down and will waive the cost of a required workshop.
"This is our way of giving back to our wonderful community while also growing our Broken Arrow family," BAPS Chief Administrative Officer Lori Kerns said in a statement.
