Home

Content about Education

May 25, 2010
How to Apply for an Iowa Substitute Teaching License

To be licensed as an Iowa substitute teacher, you must have completed a teacher education program from a regionally accredited institution. Find out the entire process on how to start substitute teaching in Iowa if you hold a license.

To be licensed as an Iowa substitute teacher, you must have completed a teacher education program from a regionally accredited institution.

If you have a current Iowa teaching license, you may substitute teach on that license.

May 14, 2010
Could You Be a Substitute Teacher in Iowa?

Are you thinking about substitute teaching in the state of Iowa? See if you meet the state requirements.

Yes, you could be a substitute teacher in Iowa if:

May 8, 2010
More Substitute Teaching Essentials to Carry with You

Of course there is a limit to what you can take with you on a teaching assignment; still, there are some items you should have when you arrive.

Of course, there is a limit to what you can take with you on a teaching assignment; nevertheless, some items are basic.

It might go without saying, but you should carry a pen. School personnel should not have to supply you with one when you sign your pay voucher. The pen speaks to your preparedness for the entire job.

If you catch colds easily, a hand sanitizer might be another basic item for you to carry.  Along the same lines, you should have a handkerchief: not every classroom has an ample supply of tissues sitting on the teacher's desk.

May 5, 2010
Lesson Plans

List of lesson plan sites that substitute teachers can quickly find materials and information.

April 29, 2010
Guidelines for a Day of Substitute Teaching - Part 1

In general, what should you expect to do as substitute teacher? This article tells you what to expect in the day of the life of a substitute teacher and what is expected of you as well. 

In general, what should you expect to do as substitute teacher?

April 29, 2010
Guidelines for a Day of Substitute Teaching- Part 2

Take charge of your classroom to make sure your day goes as smooth as possible.

Next, when class begins, introduce yourself, and even if it seems Hollywood, write your name on the board.  Have students introduce themselves too.  Using a mini-lesson as an opener, you might discuss the handshake, eye contact, and name repetition of the formal greeting; then, with hand extended, go around the class and meet each person.  Or you might have students use a mnemonic tag with their name as they introduce themselves to you.  But, however you do it, become familiar with student names.

April 25, 2010
Proper Dress for the Substitute Teacher

Whether we like it or not, clothes say something about us. The clothes you wear as a substitute don't need to be expensive or fancy, but they do have to say that you are a practical professional educator.

Whether we like it or not, clothes say something about us. The clothes you wear as a substitute don't need to be expensive or fancy, but they do have to say that you are a practical professional educator.

Prior to your first substitute assignment in a new school, try to visit the school to observe the staff's attire. Dress accordingly, or possibly, a bit more formally than the regular staff.