Substitute Authorization

Substitute Authorization

The Substitute Authorization course addresses the four components required by the Iowa Board of Educational Examiner on ethics, diversity, classroom management, and strategies for learning. 

Requirements 

The Iowa Board of Educational Examiners may issue a Substitute Authorization to an individual who:

  • Complete an approved Substitute Authorization course.

  • Has achieved at least one of the following (1) Holds an associate’s or 60 semester hours or higher through a regionally accredited institution or (2) holds a Paraeducator Certification from the Iowa Board of Educational Examiners.

  • Complete a state and federal background check.

Authority
Receiving a Substitute Authorization will allow an individual to substitute in grades PK-12 for no more than ten consecutive days in a thirty-day period in one job assignment for a regularly assigned teacher who is absent, except in the driver's education classroom.  

Paraeducators who hold a Paraeducator Certificate without an associate’s degree or 60 semester hours or higher of credit and complete the Substitute Authorization course will be authorized to substitute only in the special education classroom in which the individual is employed unless emergency permission is granted by the executive director to designee based on documented need provided by the employer.

Applying for a license
The Iowa Board of Educational Examiners’ (BoEE) application directions will be provided during the course; fees include a $75.00 background check (waived only for those with a coaching authorization or Paraeducator certification), the $85.00 application fee, and a $3 credit card processing fee.

Employment Opportunities
AEAs do not place substitute teachers and having the license does not guarantee work.  Reach out to your preferred district administration office for details. You may also visit www.IowaWORKS.gov for more education-related job opportunities.

AEA Registration Options

Contact the professional development department at Proflearning@aea9.k12.ia.us or 563-344-6481.