Substitute Authorization

A statewide shortage of substitute teachers has led the Iowa Board of Educational Examiners to approve a Substitute Authorization Program. Anyone who meets the following five criteria is eligible to participate in the program:

1. Has successfully completed all the requirements of the approved Substitute Authorization course.
   
2. 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.*
   
3. Has attained a minimum age of 21 years.
   
4. Has successfully completed an Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation background check.
   
5. Has successfully completed a National Criminal History background check.
   

Receiving a Substitute Authorization will allow an individual 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 this course will be authorized to substitute only in the special education classroom in which the individual paraeducator is employed. This 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. Please check with your local district.

Renewal of Authorization

The period of renewal for this authorization is once every three years. At the time of renewal you will need to submit verification of two 15 contact hour courses taken within the three year period from the date your Authorization was issued, the renewal application form, documentation of Mandatory Child and Dependent Adult Abuse training and the renewal fee.

3268 Substitute Authorization Class