McDonald County R-I Schools has named Penmac Education Staffing to provide substitute teachers beginning in the fall 2023 semester. 

Penmac Staffing, which was founded in Springfield, MO in 1988 to provide HR services to area businesses, started its Education Staffing division in 2014. It currently serves 20 school districts in Missouri, with more districts slated to use Penmac for the 2023-2024 school year. The Education Staffing division helps districts recruit, screen, train, and schedule substitute teachers and paraprofessionals.  

Penmac employs the substitutes, rolling over current district substitutes to Penmac payroll. The district still sets substitute pay rates. For substitutes, the transition will primarily mean they have more resources available. Substitutes will have access to weekly pay, affordable health care options, retirement benefits, and ongoing professional development. Applicants can set preferences for the subject matter, grade level, and buildings they want to work in. They can also choose when they want to work, a huge advantage in today’s labor market. 

For the district, Penmac will also save McDonald County R-1 time and money by taking care of HR challenges like recruitment, screening, training, and coaching. Across the state, Penmac is currently filling 89% of positions for schools with enrollment that ranges from 300 – 24,000 students. 

McDonald RI Schools has approximately 3,600 students and a 20 to 1 student to teacher ratio. The district has 11 schools, housing pre-k to twelfth grade. The district’s motto, “Every Child, Every Day, Whatever It Takes” is in line with Penmac Education Staffing’s goal that students don’t miss a day of learning when the teacher is away. For more information about the district, visit www.mcdonaldr1.net. 

A Great Relationship

Leaders from both organizations are especially looking forward to a great relationship. “We want to express our gratitude for this chance,” said Jennifer Vannoster, Branch Manager for Penmac Education Staffing.   “Penmac is also eager to contribute to the mission of ensuring that the students of McDonald County do not miss out on a day of excellent education.”

“We are excited about the opportunity to partner with a company that can help us provide more substitute teachers in our classrooms,” said Will Gordon, Director of Operations for the McDonald County R1 School District. “This will benefit both our students and our teachers.” 

Interested in Substituting?

Those interested in subbing for McDonald County R-I, including those who have worked with the district in the past, should apply online at www.penmaceducation.com. Substitute teachers are required to have a Substitute Certificate issued by the Department of Education (DESE) and need to pass multiple background checks. Penmac will announce dates soon where staff will be onsite at the district onboarding substitutes. Substitutes have the flexibility of creating their own schedules, and will also be eligible for opportunities in other districts partnered with Penmac, including Neosho Schools.