Substitute Authorization:

This 15-hour course is designed to meet the requirements for the Substitute Authorization Program. Receiving a Substitute Authorization will allow an individual to substitute in grades PK-12.

Receiving a Substitute Authorization will allow an individual who holds an associate’s degree or has completed 60 semester hours through a regionally accredited institution to substitute in grades PK-12. If you hold a paraeducator certificate and you do not have at least 60 semester hours, you can complete the substitute authorization course available through the AEA, and you will apply to add an area of concentration to your paraeducator certificate, allowing you to substitute in your own assigned classroom only.

A Substitute Authorization may be issued to an individual who:

• Has successfully completed all the requirements of the approved Substitute Authorization course.

• Has achieved at least one of the following:

• Holds an associate’s degree or has completed 60 semester hours through a regionally accredited institution, OR

• Has completed an approved Paraeducator Certification Program and holds a Paraeducator Certificate from the Iowa Board of Educational Examiners.

• Has successfully completed an Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation and national criminal history background check

REQUIRED BOOK: Participants are required to order the Substitute Teacher Handbook for the course. Please choose Prairie Lakes AEA as your district during checkout. The book is $24.95.

Instructor: Kay Schmalen

Registration Fee: $100

Course Requirements and Grading:

Participants must complete all assignments to mastery. Actively reading, watching videos, listening to audio, and completing interactive exercises. Contributing meaningfully to online discussions and interacting with peers. Completion of two observations. One observation will be in a PK- 5/6 and one in a middle school, junior high, or high school classroom.

Substitute Authorization will be offered 3 different times over zoom. Click on the date to view course dates, information and to register.

March 30-April 27, 2026 Session #56406

April 20-May 18, 2026 Session #56408

June 8-July 6, 2026 Session #56407

Contact for more information: Carrie Guerin - cguerin@plaea.org