The problem here is long term substitute teachers. The sub program has some loopholes from what I gather. Normally you are notified of regular ed out of field teachers at the beginning of each year. The teachers just have to work on getting the training needed to get into field. I think the best approach would be for us to give teachers monetary incentives to get in field. One of the biggest out of field problems has always been lack of English as a Second Language certification. So if this is something that is required from everyone, pay those that have it more, and the rest will surely want to get it.
Love your idea of paying teachers more, interesting concept considering the status of the current budget!!!

