National Guard troops turn substitute teachers

Shortage of K-12 employees has been a matter of concern for multiple states in the US. In an attempt to keep schools afloat, New Mexico's Governor has turned to the National Gaurd troops for help. 

Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham has requested the troops to volunteer and fill for teachers absent amidst the state's covid-19 surge. She herself has been substituting for classes. At least 80 members of the National Gaurd have volunteered to be substitute teachers. Together they have done math, learned about syllables, and undertaken a watercolor art project. New Mexico National Coast Guard Lieutenant Colonel Susan Corona said that she volunteered because of the need for "Neighbors helping neighbors, community helping the community for New Mexico." She's currently teaching fourth grade in the small town of Estancia. Without the help of Corona and her troops, the students would have had to practice reading remotely. She believes it is a good use of the National Guard. The state is expecting 100 citizen soldiers in classrooms in the coming days, all the volunteers have to undergo rigorous background checks and the state's substitute teacher training course. 

New Mexico reported 22,000 new cases since the weekend forcing almost 60 school districts and chartered schools to go back into virtual learning. 

Source: CBS News