Did you know that you do not have to have a background in education to become a substitute teacher? Many school districts are struggling with a shortage of substitute teachers, and you could be part of the solution. If you are looking for flexible schedules, enjoy being with students, and would like to generate a little extra income, this is a great place to start. NIACC’s BoEE Approved Substitute Authorization course content includes lessons on Ethics, Classroom Management, Diversity, and Instructional Strategies.
Duration: 15 contact hours.
Format: In-person
Certifications: Iowa Substitute Authorization
Career and Industry Outlook
Career Opportunities: Substitute teachers in Iowa have opportunities to work across a variety of grade levels and school districts, providing flexible, in-demand classroom support while gaining experience that can lead to long-term or full-time teaching roles.
Employment Rate: There’s consistently high demand for substitute teachers in Iowa, as many school districts rely on them to fill frequent teacher absences, reflecting a relatively strong and stable employment trend.
Salary Expectations: Substitute teachers in Iowa can generally expect to earn between $100 and $160 per day, with pay varying by district, grade level, and length of assignment.
Job Market Trends: The job market outlook for substitute teachers in Iowa remains steady, with ongoing demand driven by teacher absences and staffing needs across public and private schools.
Program Details
Program Specific Details: The course will introduce students to the essential skills needed to work as a substitute teacher in K–12 classrooms, including classroom management, lesson implementation, and adapting to diverse learning environments. Students will also learn to follow school policies, communicate effectively with students and staff, and apply safety and professional standards to ensure a positive and productive learning environment.
Pathway to Credit: While the course prepares individuals to step into the classroom as a substitute teacher, NIACC also offers courses to train students for full-time employment as a Paraeducator, which could also lead into a career as a teacher.
Cost and Financial Assistance
Tuition Fees: Check the program’s page for up-to-date pricing based on the course offerings and location.
Tuition Assistance Options: Financial aid may be available through workforce development programs or grants. Specific financial assistance details can be provided upon request.
Work-Study Programs: N/A for this program, but some students may be eligible for state-based workforce development funding or job placement assistance.
How to Enroll
Enrollment Process: There are no entrance exams. Students must be 21 years of age or older. Students can start the enrollment process by completing the Education to Employment Interest Form available on the program’s webpage.
Eligibility Requirements: No specific admissions requirements or entrance exams are needed.
Deadlines: Check the program’s page for upcoming session start dates.
Next Steps After Interest Form: Once the interest form is submitted, students will be contacted by staff from the Education to Employment team to discuss program enrollment and tuition assistance options.
Program Requirements & Equipment
Required Equipment or Supplies: Substitute Teacher Handbook 10th Edition - ISBN: 9780982165782, can be purchased online or at the NIACC Book Zone. The cost of the book is $24.95 + tax.
Pre-Course Skills & Expectations: Holds an Associate Degree or 60 semester hours from a regionally accredited institution or completed an approved Paraeducator certification program and holds a Paraeducator certificate.
Additional Considerations: Upon completion of the course and the submission of Educational Examiners requirements, an individual is eligible to be authorized to substitute in a PK-12 institution.
