Iowa needs thousands of substitute teachers across the state.
One Iowa man is hoping to fill one of those positions turned to his local library for support.
"It's a lengthy process to become a substitute teacher," said Walthall Odom, a substitute teacher.
For Walthall Odom, the library has been his second home.
I'm telling the truth. I'm telling the truth," said Odom.
He's spent months at a desk with one big goal in mind: to become a substitute teacher.
"It's not a job, it's like a lifestyle. And I just love helping people, kids, and just assisting and seeing what impact I can have on their lives, just like people impacted my life to get there," said Odom.
According to the National Education Association, Iowa has a little more than 9,000 substitutes across the state. It's the highest those numbers have ever been, but compared to nearly 33,000 total teachers, there's still a need for more.
"That's why I went into it. At first, I didn't know there was a greater need becoming a substitute teacher. But as I got into it and researched it, I saw that there was a great need of being a substitute teacher, and also being a teacher," said Odom.
But last week, Odom got some good news.
"I'm an official SubCentral substitute teacher. Gave me my license."
Walthall Odom with his official SubCentral badge.
"Watching someone be able to meet a goal they're trying to meet or get a job, all those things are thrilling for us. That's what libraries are all about," said Jennie Garner, who works at the North Liberty Community Library.
The North Liberty Community Library has been pushing to help people get jobs, and Odom noticed how the staff went above and beyond to accommodate him.
"Most times you can't use the computer for an hour. They let me use the computers for four, five, six hours at a time," said Odom.
And now that Odom's certified to teacher, he considers his dream job a chance to keep helping others.
"I think the last part of my life, I would like to serve other people in nursing and teaching. What I would say to other people is don't give up on your dreams," said Odom.
Odom said he is already in the progress of applying to nursing school.
He will also do that at his local library.
Iowa man spends months in local library to become teacher - KTIV
