Funding available to earn Substitute Teaching Authorization from EICC
Local school districts are struggling with a shortage of substitute teachers. To assist in supporting our K-12 partners, Eastern Iowa Community Colleges (EICC) is providing scholarships to help cover the cost of the required course to earn a Substitute Teaching Authorization. To earn your authorization, you must complete the Board of Educational Examiners Approved Substitute Authorization Program available through EICC.
What many people don’t realize is you do not have to have a background in education to fill these positions. With new rules recently announced by Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds, anyone with an Associate's Degree or 60 hours of credit at a regionally accredited institution, or a paraeducator, can be authorized to become a K-12 substitute teacher. These are great positions for people with flexible schedules who enjoy being with students and would like to generate a little extra income.
We’ve had everyone from retirees to recent college graduates complete our program. EICC is hosting an upcoming training session:
· Thursdays, Jan. 6 – Feb. 17, 6 – 9 p.m., Online via Zoom
EICC’s Foundations (Clinton, Muscatine and Scott) are pooling funds together to cover the cost of the course for up to 30 students. Those interested just need to fill out a simple application.
The course content includes ethics, classroom management, diversity and instructional strategies. Upon completion of the course and after the submission of the requirements and fees of the Iowa Board of Educational Examiners, an individual is eligible to be authorized to substitute in a K-12 institution.
Paraeducators who hold the limited substitute authorization to serve as a substitute only in their own special education classroom may now serve as a substitute in any classroom. The minimum age for participation is 20. Cost is $165. To learn more visit eicc.edu/sub or call toll-free 1-888-336-3907, email eiccinfo@eicc.edu