When educators need to be out, substitutes are crucial in keeping the flow of learning going.
"Our teachers and admin do so much for our students," substitute Kelly Brennan said. "If I can be there to help take care of someone's students while they're gone, I'm happy to contribute."
Kelly, a Portage Central High graduate, chose to start subbing at her alma mater about a year ago.
"I see this as an opportunity to give back to the community that raised me," she said.
At 12th Street Elementary, Char Lemons is back in the classroom after retiring from a long career of teaching.
She taught 40 years in Allegan but is a life long resident of Portage. A graduate of Portage Northern High School, Char also did her student teaching in Portage schools. She came back to teaching in 2019 as a substitute in PPS, including at 12th Street.
"Ms. Lemons, I remember you subbing in my class when I was a kindergartener," a 2nd grade student said to Char as she worked on her reading lesson in the classroom at 12th Street.
Friday, Nov. 22, is Substitute Educator Appreciation Day. Thank you to Kelly and Char and ALL the PPS substitutes who work in our schools!
Are you interested in becoming a sub at PPS? Please visit our PPS Employment page to learn more and apply.