KAREN MAKIN

Coordinator of Programs and Projects
Email Karen
Office: 814-940-0223 Ext. 1316

Click Here to request more information.

This program is for individuals who hold a Bachelor’s degree but do not hold a PA Teaching certificate. 

Individuals who hold a PA Teaching Certificate (active or inactive) should contact districts directly. Inactive certificate holders (due to non-compliance of Act 48 requirements) may substitute for 90 days a school year.

BECOME AN EMERGENCY SUBSTITUTE TEACHER

Appalachia Intermediate Unit 8 and participating public school districts seek qualified personnel to serve as emergency substitute teachers. Individuals holding a Bachelor’s degree are eligible to substitute teach in Pennsylvania.  Individuals with a valid RN license may obtain emergency certification to substitute as the school nurse. 

PROGRAM HISTORY

In March of 1999, a consortium of IU8 districts met to begin start-up of the IU8 Emergency Substitute Teacher Program. At this time, a team comprised of both administrators and teachers designed training to utilize Bachelor’s degree holders to serve as emergency substitute teachers. IU8 was the third IU in the State to begin the emergency program.
The program has continued to assist districts with substitute shortages while participants have found substituting to be a rewarding experience. For individuals thinking about a career in teaching this is an excellent way to be in the classroom before taking the steps to obtain certification. The program has seen many individuals obtain permanent certification and obtain a full-time teaching position.
IU8 assists with recruiting, provides training and processes paperwork including the emergency permit through the PA Department of Education. Once the applicant has completed training and paperwork their information is forwarded to selected districts.

WHAT YOU NEED

Bachelor's degree in any subject from an accredited college / university in the U.S.
official sealed transcripts must be submitted

Completed application

PDE 6004 Arrest and Conviction Form

Act 168 Employment History Review(s)

Acceptable clearances for school employment
PA State Police Criminal Record
PA Department of Human Services Child Abuse History
PA Department of Education fingerprinting

abide by the Code of Conduct for Professional Educators

successful completion of training

Note – Non-US Citizens, Foreign Degree Holders and individuals who have a record on a clearance will require additional information.

HOW TO APPLY

CLICK HERE to download the application packet or contact human resources.

After review and acceptance, applicants will be scheduled for an appointment to review and complete paperwork. IU8 can assist applicants with applying for clearances. Appointments are available at the IU8 Offices in Altoona, Ebensburg or Richland during normal business hours.

Please do not send any application materials to the districts listed.

If you hold a PA Teaching certificate you should not apply for this program – please contact the district(s) directly to substitute.

TRAINING

During training, you will learn techniques to deal with today's students and review effective teaching topics. Training is required.
The TENTATIVE training schedule below may be modified based on applications and/or program needs. A minimum of six applicants needed for training. Applicants will receive training information and details once scheduled into a session. Application deadline two weeks prior to training.

SESSIONS ARE SCHEDULED 8:30 AM TO 3:30 PM

July 20 & 21, 2021

August 17 & 18, 2021

September 13 & 14, 2021

October 7 & 8, 2021

November 4 & 5, 2021

December 7 & 8, 2021

January through April dates will be updated later this fall

Act 126 - Child Abuse Recognition and Reporting Act

Effective January 2, 2013 all substitutes are required to attend training under Act 126 every five years. More information will be provided to applicants as they complete the application and training process.

Click here for more information on the training requirements and objectives.

This training is in addition to the required training for participating in this program. Act 126 does not require completion prior to beginning employment. IU8 will require training be completed as soon as possible but during the school year in which you obtain the permit.

PARTICIPATING DISTRICTS

Those who successfully complete training and required paperwork will be qualified to substitute in any of the participating districts.  The emergency permit will only be valid for substitute teaching in participating consortium districts. 

 Applicants may select from any of the participating districts within the IU 8 program. IU 8 and all participating districts are EOE.

• Bedford County:  Bedford Area, Everett Area, Northern Bedford County

• Blair County: Bellwood-Antis, Hollidaysburg Area, Tyrone Area

• Cambria County:  Forest Hills, Greater Johnstown, Penn Cambria, Portage Area, Richland, Westmont Hilltop

• Somerset County: Berlin Brothersvalley, North Star, Shanksville-Stonycreek

IGNITE EMERGENCY SUBSTITUTE PROGRAM PARTNERSHIP

Beginning with the 2021-2022 school year Ignite Education Solutions (a sub division of the Learning Lamp) will join the IU 8 Guest Substitute Teacher Program.  Participants in the Ignite Sub Program will attend training and obtain emergency certification with IU 8 allowing them to substitute in either IU 8 and/or Ignite program. 

Participating Ignite Districts – Applicants may select from any of the participating districts.  Employment will be directly through Ignite Education Solutions for sub assignments within these districts.

• Bedford County: Chestnut Ridge, Tussey Mountain

• Cambria County: Admiral Peary AVTS, Blacklick Valley, Central Cambria, Conemaugh Valley, Ferndale Area, Greater Johnstown, Greater Johnstown CTC, Northern Cambria

• Somerset County: Conemaugh Township, Meyersdale Area, Shade Central-City, Somerset Area, Turkeyfoot Valley, Windber Area

PERMIT AND RENEWAL INFORMATION

The emergency permit will be valid for day-to-day substitute teaching assignments valid at participating districts. This permit will be valid for the school year obtained. The permit can be renewed by completing a renewal form and attending a half-day in-service at IU 8.Renewal information will be available to candidates in the spring. Candidates will select the session topic and location they wish to attend.

Please review the Frequently Asked Questions for more information.