Emergency Substitute Program

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 five 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, should register on Solutionwhere. After completing the online registration, an information packet will be mailed to you. You must use the online registration form; we do not accept paper registrations or registrations over the phone.

Related Documents

• Course Content

Contacts for Questions

• Information Packets: Ms. Jera Hart at 724-938-3241 ext. 286
• Class and Instructions: Ms. Marilyn Nairn at 724-938-3241 ext. 410
• Human Resource Questions: (clearances, PDE forms, etc.) Ms. Nadine Jeney at 724-938-3241 ext. 237
• Registration Technical Support: Mr. Keith Golebie at 724-938-3241 ext. 250

Frequently Asked Questions

1. As an emergency substitute, how long can I be in the same position?
   Answer: 20 continuous days.
2. Why do I have to attend all 5 training sessions?
   Answer: 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. Each training session focuses upon one critical component of subbing. The sessions are provided only once per semester. There is no late entry nor any make-up sessions.
3. After I register online, when can I expect my packet of information?
   Answer: Just prior to the start of the next scheduled training.
4. Do I need to have all of the requirements in the packet completed prior to the training?
   Answer: 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?
   Answer: Once the training is completed, if the training is in the spring, you will be ready to substitute for the new school year. If the training is in the fall, you will be ready to substitute in January. All paperwork must be completed before your application is submitted to the Pennsylvania Department of Education.
6. How long does the certification last?
   Answer: One school year.
7. How do I renew my certificate?
   Answer: A renewal packet will be forwarded to you in June and must be returned to the Intermediate Unit 1 by July 15th.
8. If I'm working on my educational certification and waiting for my Praxis results, can I participate in this program?
   Answer: Yes. You can get classroom experience as well as exposure of your teaching skills in our local districts.
9. If I'm certified by IU1, can I substitute in other Intermediate Units?
   Answer: No, only the districts in Fayette, Washington, and Greene counties that recognize the Emergency Substitute certificate.
10. What schools are involved?
    Answer: 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.
11. Can I start the observations prior to the training sessions?
    Answer: 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.
12. Who do I contact for the classroom observations?
    Answer: 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.
13. If I have an out of state teaching certificate will I be recognized as a regular substitute or emergency substitute?
    Answer: 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.