Substitute teachers are stretched thin lately because of H1N1 and seasonal flu, and it's especially tough on smaller communities. In Harrisburg, administrators aren't always able to keep positions filled, and now, they're reaching out to the community for help.

With more teachers out sick or at home with sick kids, substitute teachers are in high demand.  Tina Secor is subbing for one such teacher.

"Yes, I've been called pretty regularly," Secor said.

On any given day, Harrisburg administrators may need several subs, and there aren't always enough to go around.

"We do have some competition with Sioux Falls and other school districts in the area," student registrar Melissa Dykstra said. "Several of the people on our list are also on lists for Lennox, Canton, Tea, which they should be. But when you call at the last minute, people might be booked for that day or for the week."

Dykstra says it's also difficult because substitute teachers get to pick and choose where they're most comfortable filling in; so even though a stand-in may be available, he or she may not be able to meet the needs that day.

That's why the district is asking parents and others in the community to sign up for substitute teaching.

"We feel like if there are people who are flexible during the day and appreciate the school system, it may be an option to put their name in for subbing," Dykstra said.

Dykstra says you don't necessarily need to be a certified teacher; you just need to be trustworthy and open to whatever comes your way.

"There's a lot of support when you come into the school because staff knows it's not an easy thing," Secor said.

But Secor says it's very worthwhile and needed more than ever.

Each sub in the Harrisburg School District goes through an interview and background check. Click here to apply to be a sub in Harrisburg.