Emergency Substitute Program

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Pennsylvania school districts are finding a shortage of certified individuals to employ as day-to-day substitutes in all classrooms. To help alleviate this dilemma, Intermediate Unit 1 has entered into a partnership with several of our local districts to create a position of Emergency Substitute.

Any person having a bachelor's degree that is non-educationally (not a Pennsylvania teaching certificate) related can apply for the training sessions to be recognized as an Emergency Substitute. Participants must attend all of the training sessions, which focus upon daily responsibilities in the school, reporting procedures, teacher expectations for the substitute, instructional strategies, classroom management (effective behavior strategies) and other pertinent topics. Each individual must also complete two classroom observations at the educational level of preference (i.e., elementary, middle, high school, or special education) and complete observational reports.

Individuals with a Bachelors' degree but no teaching certificate and who are interested in day-to-day substitute teaching for Intermediate Unit 1 classes and some school districts in Washington, Greene, and Fayette Counties must attend both days of the training on Wednesday, March 13, and Wednesday, April 10, from 4:30 p.m.–8:00 p.m. Participants must register in SolutionWhere for this training.

At the information session, all of the requirements for the program will be reviewed. Packets of information will be available for those who plan to participate. To complete the program, you will be required to attend face-to-face training sessions at Intermediate Unit 1 and complete online sessions.

All face-to-face sessions are held at Intermediate Unit 1. You must attend the face-to-face sessions, complete the online course work, and complete all the requirements in order to receive certification as an emergency substitute.

• Course Content for Emergency Substitute Sessions

Frequently Asked Questions

1. As an emergency substitute, how long can I be in the same position at a school?
   20 continuous days.
2. Why do I have to attend all training sessions?
   Because the department of education is permitting “non-educationally” certified persons to substitute in classrooms, in-depth training is required in the areas of instructional strategies, classroom management, and policies and procedures of the school districts. The training sessions focus on critical components of subbing. The sessions are provided at various times during the year. There is no late entry nor any make-up sessions for a particular session.
3. Do I need to register in advance?
   Yes, you need to register using Solutionwhere, the Intermediate Unit 1 registration system.
4. Do I need to have all of the requirements in the packet completed prior to the training?
   No. It's possible that completion of all necessary information may take until the end of the final session. For example: Child Abuse clearances usually take 4 weeks to be returned to you; several weeks can be involved in order to receive your “unopened” transcripts as well as scheduling a doctor's appointment, etc.
5. When will I be ready to substitute?
   Once the training is completed, it takes two weeks to get the certificate from the Pennsylvania Department of Education. All paperwork must be completed before your application is submitted to the Pennsylvania Department of Education.
6. How long does the certification last?
   One school year.
7. If I'm working on my educational certification and waiting for my Praxis results, can I participate in this program?
   Yes. You can get classroom experience as well as exposure of your teaching skills in our local districts.
8. If I'm certified by IU1, can I substitute in other Intermediate Units?
   No, only the districts in Fayette, Washington, and Greene counties that recognize the Emergency Substitute certificate.
9. What schools are involved?
   IU1 serves 25 school districts in Fayette, Washington, and Greene counties. Each year the districts are invited to participate in the Emergency Substitute program. Not all of the districts will accept a “non-certified” individual. You will be provided with a list of the participating districts.
10. Can I start the observations prior to the training sessions?
    No. You must have clearances in order to conduct any activities in the schools. There is a specific process for completing the observation that will be covered in the training sessions.
11. Who do I contact for the classroom observations?
    You must contact the building principal to introduce yourself and explain the purpose of your visit to the school. You will be provided with a form through the training that explains your participation in the Emergency Substitute training.
12. If I have an out of state teaching certificate will I be recognized as a regular substitute or emergency substitute?
    You can participate in these trainings and work as an emergency substitute. You can also contact the Pennsylvania Department of Education to learn how you apply for a Pennsylvania teaching certificate.
13. Where does the training take place?

    Intermediate Unit 1 Central Office (Directions)
    One Intermediate Unit Drive
    Coal Center, PA 15423

14. Who should I contact for more information?
    

    Su Verma
    724-938-3241 ext. 268
    vermas@iu1.k12.pa.us

    For Sub-Hub information, contact:

    Audrey Mowry
    724-938-7396
    mowrya@iu1.k12.pa.us

    For paperwork, contact:

    Patty Qualk
    724-938-3241 ext. 710
    qualkp@iu1.k12.pa.us