Local school districts are struggling with a shortage of substitute teachers. To help support our K-12 partners, Eastern Iowa Community Colleges (EICC) is offering the required course to earn a Substitute Teaching License. To earn your authorization, you must complete the Board of Educational Examiners Approved Substitute Authorization Program available through EICC. 

What many people don’t realize is you do not have to have a background in education to fill these positions. Anyone with an Associate's Degree or 60 hours of credit at a regionally accredited institution, or a paraeducator, can be authorized to become a K-12 substitute teacher. These are great positions for people with flexible schedules who enjoy being with students and would like to generate a little extra income.

We’ve had everyone from retirees to recent college graduates complete our program. EICC is hosting an upcoming training session:

  • Saturday & Sunday, July 23 – 24, 8:30 a.m. – 4 p.m., SCC Urban Campus, 101 W. Third St., Davenport

The course content includes ethics, classroom management, diversity and instructional strategies. Upon completion of the course and after the submission of the requirements and fees of the Iowa Board of Educational Examiners, an individual is eligible to be authorized to substitute in a K-12 institution.

Paraeducators who hold the limited substitute authorization to serve as a substitute only in their own special education classroom may now serve as a substitute in any classroom.

The minimum age for participation is 20. Cost is $100.

For more information, call toll-free 1-888-336-3907 or email eiccinfo@eicc.edu