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Iowa Board of Educational Examiners

Substitute Authorization

Lic/Auth Type
Additional Support
Requirements - First Issuance

Associate's degree or 60 semester hours or higher and the completion of an approved substitute authorization course. 

Term
5 years
Authority

Substitute teach for a contracted teacher out on leave in any subject grades PK-12. Cannot serve as a long-term substitute. Limited to 10 days in a row in a 30-day period in the same assignment. Cannot fill open positions. 

Paraeducators who hold a paraeducator certificate with the limited substitute authorization may serve as a substitute only in their own special education classroom. If the paraeducator holds a full substitute authorization, they may serve as a substitute teacher in any classroom except driver’s ed.

Renewals

2 renewal credits and the mandatory reporter training for child and dependent adult abuse.

Extension

Yes - if more time is needed to complete renewal requirements.