Substitute teachers in demand: Substitute Authorization Course offered in December
Substitute teachers are in demand. For anyone who has considered becoming a substitute teacher, a one-weekend substitute authorization course will be offered in Elkader from December 20-22.
The Iowa Substitute Authorization allows an individual to substitute in a PK-12 classroom. For those who are Certified Paraeducators, an assigned special education classroom may be at the elementary, middle school, junior high school or high school level.
The four core components of the course are Classroom Management, Strategies for Learning, Diversity and Ethics. Upon successful completion of the program, the participant may apply to the Board of Educational Examiners for a license. A state and federal background check is required.
Local districts have the option of hiring individuals with the Substitute Authorization. It does not guarantee employment. Those who are interested are reminded to check with their local district.
Anyone who meets the following five criteria is eligible to receive this authorization:
1. Has achieved at least one of the following: (1) holds a baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited institution, or (2) has completed an approved Paraeducator Certification Program and holds a Paraeducator Certificate.
2. Has attained a minimum age of 21 years.
3. Has successfully completed an Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation background check.
4. Has successfully completed a National Criminal History background check.
5. Has successfully completed all the requirements of an approved Substitute Authorization course.
The period of renewal for this authorization is once every five years. At the time of renewal, those seeking renewed authorization will need to submit verification of two 15 contact hour courses taken within the five-year period from the date their Authorization was issued, the renewal application form, documentation of Mandatory Child and Dependent Adult Abuse training and the renewal fee.
For more details visit Keystone AEA’s website at www.keystoneaea.org/subauth or call 800-632-5918.
