Substitute Shortage

Regarding the shortage of substitute teachers in the L.A. Unified School District (Feb. 28), many qualified prospective subs grow exasperated with LAUSD’s slow-moving hiring process. They turn to outlying school districts where their applications for emergency credentials are processed much more quickly and where they are put to work more readily.

I have yet to receive word on a substitute teacher application I mailed to L.A. Unified more than two weeks ago. I have begun researching other district hiring policies, readying myself to apply with other cities, such as Montebello and Alhambra. A friend noted that he has been a sub with the district since last fall and has only been called once. It’s certainly a contradiction to hear of a sub shortage while willing and qualified applicants wait for their interviews or people hired into the sub pool are never called to work.

VIRGINIA VICKERY, Los Angeles