Substitute Authorization

This 20-hour course is designed to meet the requirements for the Substitute Authorization Program.   Receiving a Substitute Authorization will allow an individual who holds a baccalaureate degree to substitute in a middle school, junior high school, or high school for no more than five consecutive days in one job assignment.  An individual who holds a paraeducator certificate and completes the Substitute Authorization course will be authorized to substitute ONLY in the special education classroom in which the individual paraeducator is employed for no more than five consecutive days.  This special education classroom may be on the elementary level as well as the middle school, junior high school or high school level.  All participants will be required to complete two hours of classroom observation.  The process will be explained during the class.

The Substitute Authorization may be issued to an individual who:

1. Has successfully completed all the requirements of the approved Substitute Authorization course.
2. Has achieved at least one of the following:
   
   • holds a baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited institution, OR
   • has completed an approved Paraeducator Certification Program and holds a Paraeducator Certificate.
3. Has attained a minimum age of 21 years.
4. Has successfully completed an Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation background check (forms will be provided at class).
5. Has successfully completed a national criminal history background check (forms will be provided at class).  

This course addresses the four components required by the Board of Educational Examiners:

1. Classroom Management - Participants will develop an understanding of individual and group motivation and behavior that will enable them to create a learning environment that encourages positive social interaction, active engagement in learning, and self motivation.
2. Strategies for Learning - Participants will develop skills to use a variety of learning strategies that encourage student development of critical thinking, problem solving, and performance skills.
3. Diversity - Participants will develop an understanding of how students differ in their approaches to learning, will be able to create learning opportunities that are equitable and are adaptable to diverse learners, and will develop an understanding of the diversity within the classroom.
4. Ethics - Participants will develop an understanding of how to foster relationships with parents, school colleagues, and organizations in the larger community to support student learning and development and become aware of the Board's Rules of Professional Practice and Code of Ethics.

Successful completion of this course allows you to apply for an Iowa Substitute Authorization.  A Substitute Authorization is not the same as a Substitute License.  Local school districts have the option of hiring individuals with the Substitute Authorization.  It does not guarantee employment.  It is your responsibility to contact districts for which you are interested in subbing.  The application and background check forms will be provided at class.  The application fee is $85 and the background check fee is $52 if you get your fingerprints done electronically at the Board of Educational Examiners' office in Des Moines.  Otherwise, the background check fee is $65 if you get your fingerprinting done at your local police department.

The Substitute Authorization is valid for three years, and it shall expire three years from the date of issuance.  The Substitute Authorization may be renewed upon application, an $85 renewal fee, documentation of completion of the child and dependent adult abuse training (current within five years), and verification of successful completion of coursework totaling two credits (30 clock hours) that have been approved for Substitute Authorization renewal credit.

Please click here for more information regarding the April 4, 2013 course.
Please click here for more information regarding the May 16, 2013 course.
Please click here for more information regarding the June 20, 2013 course. 
Please click here for more information regarding the July 25, 2013 course.
Please click here for more information regarding the August 8, 2013 course.
Please click here for more information regarding the September 12, 2013 course.
Please click here for more information regarding the September 26, 2013 course. 
Please click here for more information regarding the October 10, 2013 course.
Please click here for more information regarding the November 7, 2013 course.
Please click here for more information regarding the December 12, 2013 course.