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Content about Substitute Teaching

June 11, 2010
How to Renew Your Iowa Substitute Teaching License

After five years, you will have to renew the substitute license. Read the following article to find out how.

After five years, you will have to renew the substitute license. Download an application for Renewal of the Substitute Teaching License from the Iowa Department of Education Board of Education Examiner's website, print it, and fill it out. This application is different than the application for an Iowa substitute teaching license.

May 29, 2010
How to Apply for Iowa Substitute Teaching Authorization

To be authorized to substitute teach in Iowa, you must have a baccalaurate degree. Follow these steps to apply for a state of Iowa substitue teaching authorization.

Authorization to do Iowa Substitute Teaching is available to you if you are 21 or older, hold a baccalaureate degree and successfully complete coursework required by the Iowa Board of Educational Examiners.

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 4, 2010
Essential Items to Carry When Substitute Teaching

Supplies for personal use usually are not readily available when they are needed while on school assignments.  Therefore, a bit of pre-planning can go a long way in making a happier day for you while teaching.

Supplies for personal use usually are not readily available when they are needed while on school assignments.  Therefore, a bit of pre-planning can go a long way in making a happier day for you while teaching.
 

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.

April 25, 2010
Proper Grooming for the Substitute Teacher

Aside from a basic bath, shampoo and a spritz of antiperspirant-deodorant, individual grooming quirks are not your friends. Find out how to look professional and avoid the ridicule or students about your personal grooming habits

Yes, probably all of us know that a substitute teacher must be clean to have sway with normal students. But, some of us are double-tasking to the point of  ridiculousness; some of us are in a slovenly depression; and some of us are just plain out-of-touch. So, let's review some grooming basics just to affirm that they still exist.