The Central Susquehanna Intermediate Unit (CSIU) is offering a free training focused on training individuals who do not currently hold a Pennsylvania teacher certificate to work as a substitute teacher. The next Guest Teacher training will be held by Zoom on January 11, 2024.

 

Participants completing the training can work as a substitute teacher in the local school districts participating in the Central Susquehanna Regional Guest Teacher Consortium’s and also within CSIU educational programs.

 

To qualify as Education Major as Substitute Teacher candidate, a participant must meet all of the following conditions:

• Currently enrolled in a Pennsylvania teacher preparation program in a college or university that is accredited by a regional accrediting agency recognized by the United States Department of Education; and
• Has completed at least sixty (60) semester hours or the equivalent of courses at a Pennsylvania college or university accredited by a regional accrediting agency.

Upon successful completion of the training, the chief school administrator of the applicable consortium school district(s) issue a temporary Substitute Teacher for Prospective Teachers permit allowing individuals to serve as a substitute teacher for no more than ten (10) days per school year for one certificated teacher to up to maximum of 20 days per school year if working for multiple certified teachers.  The permit is valid for one (1) year and is eligible for one (1) renewal for candidates who are actively enrolled in an accredited Pennsylvania college or university and can show documented completion of an additional 15 credit hours earned at the accredited Pennsylvania college or university.

 

 

After you apply, you will receive an additional email with a Zoom link for the training and a request to obtain the following documents. These documents are required to be a substitute teacher and to obtain a Locally Issued Permit. These documents along with the application, cover letter and resume will be submitted to the local school districts: 

• • Transcripts Confirming completion of 60 credits in an education program –  Please note: you must provide an official, sealed transcript from your college/university (E-transcripts are acceptable as long as they are directly sent  to Julie Witmer at jwitmer@csiu.org). Transcript degree levels other than a bachelor’s degree are not acceptable.
  • Act 24  - Arrest/Conviction form
  • PA School Health Record: (Required to be completed by yourself and your primary care provider, along with TB Test)
  • ACT 168 – Sexual Misconduct and Abuse Disclosure: You will receive a separate email with the link to complete this online. 

• In addition, we will need the following clearances from you. If you have current clearances, we can accept them up to five years old if we are able to view the original or verify online. Please visit https://www.csiu.org/Page/118 for further information.

   

  • Act 114 – PDE FBI Fingerprint Clearance (note: this FBI clearance must be processed less than five (5) years from the time of guest teacher application)
  • Act 151 – PA Child Abuse History clearance – Select the "employment" option not volunteer
  • Act 34 – PA State Police Criminal Record clearance - Select the "employment" option not volunteer
  • Act 126 Mandated Reporter Training - Effective December of 2014 Pennsylvania Department of Education requires all staff working with children to be a certified reporter to report suspected child abuse. The following link will take you to the online training to complete this course. https://www.reportabusepa.pitt.edu. When starting the training select the Mandated Reporter instead of the permissive reporter. The course takes 3-4 hours to complete, and you can make a break during the session and continue at another time. Once the course is completed, please print the certificate and bring along to the first day of training.

   

Questions on the training or the required paperwork can be directed to Julie Witmer (jwitmer@csiu.org) or 570-523-1155 extension 2332.

 

Please note, if you possess a bachelor's degree, please apply as a Guest Teacher candidate instead of a Education Major as Substitute Teacher candidate. 

 

Please submit a cover letter, and an unofficial college transcript showing enrollment and completion of the required 60 semester hours in an accredited Pennsylvania college or university. EOE.