Keystone AEA offering Substitute Authorization Class in late March
Keystone Area Education Agency (AEA) will be offering the required training course for the Iowa Substitute Authorization. This authorization allows an individual to substitute in a PK-12 classroom. An individual who holds a Paraeducator Certificate without a bachelor’s degree and completes the substitute authorization program is authorized to substitute only in the special education classroom in which the individual paraeducator is employed.
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.
Anyone who meets the following five criteria is eligible to receive this new 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 following must also be sent in to the Board of Educational Examiners:
• A complete application form.
• A check or money order for $150.00 ($85 issuance fee, $65 background fee) made payable to the Board of Educational Examiners, Licensure, Grimes State Office Building, 400 East 14th Street, Des Moines, IA 50319-0147.
• Completed fingerprint cards and waiver form.
• Official verification (transcript) of completion of the 15 contact hour (minimum) course required for the Substitute Authorization.
• Official transcript showing a bachelor’s degree or a paraeducator certificate.
The period of renewal for this authorization is once every three years. At the time of renewal, certificate holders will need to submit verification of two 15 contact hour courses taken within the three-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.
The Substitute Authorization course is 20-clock hour training. The course dates are March 27, 5-9 p.m.; March 28 and 29, 8 a.m.-5 p.m. at Keystone AEA, 2310 Chaney Road, Dubuque. The course number is 11517-Substitute Authorization (Dbq).
No late registrations or walk-ins will be accepted. A minimum of 10 participants is required to make the course happen. Participants must attend all sessions. Keystone AEA reserves the right to cancel the program due to low enrollment. Notification of cancellation will be made to those registered.
To register for the class go to this link on the Keystone AEA page: https://etc.aea1.k12.ia.us/lr1.htm. Registration deadline is March 2. Those with further questions may contact Kathy Wessel at 1-800-632-5918, ext 1320, or kwessel@aea1.k12.ia.us during regular business hours.
