This 20 hour virtual course is designed to enable participants to become competent in the skills necessary to successfully substitute in Iowa''s elementary and secondary classrooms. These skills include classroom management, strategies for learning, diversity, and ethics. 14.143(3) The substitute authorization certification must be renewed every five years.

Apply with the Iowa BOEE to obtain your certificate once this course is completed. Fingerprinting is required for all new applicants. These fees are paid to Fieldprint Fingerprinting and Iowa BOEE when submitting your online application to obtain your certificate. The cost of fingerprinting through Fieldprint is $34.45. Board of Educational Examiner fees include $85 for Substitute Authorization Certificate, $35.00 for state background check, and $3 convenience fee.

Fingerprinting will need to  be done by Fieldprint. Directions are provided in the BoEE Application. The BOEE will continue to mail fingerprint packets upon request if needed.

Most school districts require the Mandatory Reporter training certificates. The certificate does not need to be uploaded to the BoEE.  Please visit https://boee.iowa.gov/changes-mandatory-reporter-requirements for more information regarding training availability.

Renewal requirements for the substitute authorization consist of a minimum of two renewal units equivalent to 30 clock hours and completion of an approved child and dependent adult abuse training program approved by the state abuse education review panel. Please refer to the requirements for Substitute Authorization from Iowa Code: 282_14.143(1)-(3) for the complete explanation of the requirements for substitute authorization.

***Electronic materials will be sent by the instructor via email.***

The handbook is available from STEDI.org  1. Click the STEDI link. 2. Click on add to cart. 3. Proceed to checkout where you will create your account. Please choose Great Prairie AEA as your district. The book is $24.95, plus shipping and handling.

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.