More than 400 people have now signed up to be a substitute teacher in the Show Me State.

It comes after DESE officials changed the rules, so that anyone 21 or older could take a simple 20-hour online course, rather than previously required 60 college credit hours.

DESE’s Mallory McGowin.

Now staffing companies like PENMAC are taking it a step further and covering the costs of the classes.

Branch Manager Steven Sparkman.

He tells KY 3 TV many of those working with his agency end up at schools like Lebanon and Waynesville.

DESE Officials say the program runs through the end of the month and they will re-evaluate it for November.