Missouri leaders are considering upping the qualifications for substitute teachers for this year.

Since teachers may have to be out of the classrooms for weeks due to coronavirus exposure, substitute teachers, who need the equivalent of two years of college right now, will have to be in the classroom teaching for even longer than normal.

Educational leaders are planning on adding new substitute certification qualifications.

In addition, current law prohibits retired teachers from taking on more 550 hours a year as a substitute. That restriction will be waived this year.