**NOTE:  This course is not appropriate for teachers to take for license renewal.

**NOTE:  This course is not appropriate for RENEWAL of a Substitute Authorization (you only take this course one time). There are no penalties through the BOEE for letting your authorization expire.  However, you cannot substitute on an expired authorization.

Attendance Policy: 100% attendance is required for all courses. You must attend all class dates and times to receive credit for course completion.

This course is designed to meet the requirements for the Substitute Authorization Program.   Receiving a Substitute Authorization will allow an individual who holds an associate’s degree or higher or has completed 60 semester hours through a regionally-accredited institution to substitute in grades PK-12 for no more than 10 consecutive days in a 30-day period in one job assignment for a regularly-assigned teacher who is absent, except in the driver''s education classroom.  An individual who holds a paraeducator certificate with a substitute authorization as an area of concentration will be authorized to substitute ONLY in the special education classroom to which the individual paraeducator is assigned for no more than five consecutive days.  A school administrator may request permission through the BOEE for a certified paraeducator to substitute outside their special education classroom.

REQUIRED BOOK:  Participants are required to order the Substitute Teacher Handbook at:  https://mylearning.stedi.org/product/substitute-teacher-handbook-8th-edition-bundle/   Copy and paste the web address in your internet browser. Then click on add to cart and proceed to checkout where you will create your account. Please choose Heartland AEA as your district. The book is $24.95, plus shipping and handling.

A 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:  (1) holds an associate’s degree or higher or has completed 60 semester hours through a regionally-accredited institution, OR (2) has completed an approved Paraeducator Certification Program and holds a Paraeducator Certificate from the Iowa Board of Educational Examiners.
3. Has successfully completed an Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation background check (directions will be provided at class).
4. Has successfully completed a national criminal history background check (directions 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 strategies for engagement and behavior that will enable them to create a positive social interactive learning environment.
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 and will be able to create learning opportunities that are equitable and are adaptable to diverse learners.
4. Ethics - Participants will become aware of the Board''s Rules of Professional Practice and Code of Ethics and 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.

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 process will be covered at class.  The application fee is currently $85 and the background check fee is $35 (+ a $3 convenience fee) payable to the Board of Educational Examiners (fees subject to change by BOEE).  Applicants will complete their background screenings through Iowa Fieldprint and pay a fee of $34.35 to them.

Although it is not a requirement to obtain your Substitute Authorization, you will be required to complete the child abuse mandatory reporter training prior to employment with an Iowa School District. This training is available through AEA Learning Online or the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services.

NOTE:  If you have completed an Iowa teacher preparation program but have not completed your student teaching, you do not need to take the substitute authorization course. You can apply for a Substitute Authorization through the Board of Educational Examiners’ online application system at www.boee.iowa.gov. As part of the online application process, you will need to upload a letter from the college on school letterhead outlining the courses you have completed that meet the substitute authorization course requirements AND your official transcript listing these courses. Or instead of a letter from the college, you can upload your official transcript AND the course descriptions for each of the courses you took that meet the substitute authorization course requirements (classroom management, strategies for learning, diversity and ethics).

The Substitute Authorization is valid for five years and expires five years from the date of issuance.  The Substitute Authorization may be renewed upon application, a $95 renewal fee (subject to change by BOEE), documentation of valid certificates of completion of the Mandatory Reporter: Child Abuse training and the Mandatory Reporter: Dependent Adult Abuse training, and verification of successful completion of coursework totaling two credits (30 clock hours).