Schools face many challenges in their mission to educate students, and lately that includes a lack of teachers -- specifically substitutes.

Superintendents Spectrum News spoke with say there is a shortage of substitute teachers in Onondaga County. They say the reasons vary, but regardless, it has an effect on a child's education, and it's been going on for the last couple of years.

They range from economic reasons to a lack of respect for the profession.

"We believe there are several factors that contribute. One is that there are fewer people that are interested in the profession for teaching, and therefore, it's less of a pool of people," said Dr. Donna J. DeSiato, superintendent of the East Syracuse Minoa School District.

The superintendents say they want people to know you don't have to be an education major to substitute. As long as you have a bachelors degree and a passion for the field, you can teach.

If you are interested in becoming a substitute teacher at East Syracuse Minoa, you can contact the Human Resources department at 315-434-3007, or go to their website.