Substitute Authorization

Substitute Authorization

About the Program

Iowa Western offers the State of Iowa (BOEE) approved, Substitute Authorization course. Work in elementary, middle, or high school settings! These are highly desirable positions available in your area that require a combination of coursework, a state of Iowa BOEE Substitute Teacher application, (which includes a background check) to be qualified for hire in your school district.
Substitute teaching is a perfect career if you need a flexible work schedule or if you need to align your work with school holidays and calendar due to personal commitments.  Both part-time and full-time positions are available.  Complete this class from the convenience of your own home in a matter of days or weeks.  Let your next career milestone begin with us! Start earning your Substitute Teacher authorization today!

Choose from In-person classes, zoom classes, or self-paced classes

Self-paced classes are taught asynchronously.  Assignments are online. Students will complete modules each week which will allow for students to interact through threaded discussions to enhance their participation and understanding of class readings and materials.

Required Textbook for Online Classes:

Stedi  Substitute Teacher Handbook
ISBN-13, ‎978-0982165737

To qualify for the substitute teacher authorization students must possess ONE of the following:

  • 60 completed units of College Classes
  • A post-secondary degree of AA, AS, Bachelors, or higher

Holders of a paraeducator generalist certificate who do not meet the educational requirements above may also complete the course, but will be eligible for a limited substitute authorization area of concentration only to substitute in their assigned paraeducator classroom.

Mandatory requirements for completing the  BOEE Substitute Teacher application process include:

  • A mandatory background check
  • Fingerprinting
  • Mandatory Reporter/Child Abuse Training before your first day of teaching

For more information regarding the State of Iowa BOEE application requirements visit the Iowa Board of Educational Examiners

Available Courses

Complete required coursework needed to apply for the State of Iowa Substitute Teacher Authorization in 4 Days.   Class meets M/T/W/TH 5:00-8:00 pm.in-person, (online with zoom).  Minimum educational requirements are 60 units completed college credits.  Ideal for a person without a teaching degree who wants to become a substitute teacher. Paraeducators can also take this course to be able substitute in SPED classroom.
MANDATORY textbook: Stedi Substitute Teacher Handbook ISBN-13, 978-0982165737

Start Date: 01/27/25
End Date: 02/02/25
Seats Available: 9
Cost: $260
Location: Online

4 week, online, self paced required coursework needed to apply for the State of Iowa Substitute Teacher Authorization.  Minimum educational requirements are 60 units completed college credits.  Ideal for a person without a teaching degree who wants to become a substitute teacher. 
MANDATORY textbook: Stedi Substitute Teacher Handbook ISBN-13, 978-0982165737

Start Date: 02/04/25
End Date: 02/28/25
Seats Available: 15
Cost: $260
Location: Online

4 week, online, self paced required coursework needed to apply for the State of Iowa Substitute Teacher Authorization.  Minimum educational requirements are 60 units completed college credits.  Ideal for a person without a teaching degree who wants to become a substitute teacher. 
MANDATORY textbook: Stedi Substitute Teacher Handbook ISBN-13, 978-0982165737

Start Date: 04/01/25
End Date: 04/25/25
Seats Available: 12
Cost: $260
Location: Online

Complete required coursework needed to apply for the State of Iowa Substitute Teacher Authorization in 4 Days.   Class meets M/T/W/TH 5:00-8:00 pm.in-person, (online with zoom).  Minimum educational requirements are 60 units completed college credits.  Ideal for a person without a teaching degree who wants to become a substitute teacher. Paraeducators can also take this course to be able substitute in SPED classroom.
MANDATORY textbook: Stedi Substitute Teacher Handbook ISBN-13, 978-0982165737

Start Date: 06/23/25
End Date: 06/29/25
Seats Available: 10
Cost: $260
Location: Online

4 week, online, self paced required coursework needed to apply for the State of Iowa Substitute Teacher Authorization.  Minimum educational requirements are 60 units completed college credits.  Ideal for a person without a teaching degree who wants to become a substitute teacher. 
MANDATORY textbook: Stedi Substitute Teacher Handbook ISBN-13, 978-0982165737

Start Date: 07/08/25
End Date: 08/01/25
Seats Available: 12
Cost: $260
Location: Online

Complete required coursework needed to apply for the State of Iowa Substitute Teacher Authorization in 4 Days.   Class meets M/T/W/TH 5:00-8:00 pm.in-person, (online with zoom).  Minimum educational requirements are 60 units completed college credits.  Ideal for a person without a teaching degree who wants to become a substitute teacher. Paraeducators can also take this course to be able substitute in SPED classroom.
MANDATORY textbook: Stedi Substitute Teacher Handbook ISBN-13, 978-0982165737

Start Date: 08/11/25
End Date: 08/17/25
Seats Available: 10
Cost: $260
Location: Online

Complete required coursework needed to apply for the State of Iowa Substitute Teacher Authorization in 4 Days.   Class meets M/T/W/TH 5:00-8:00 pm.in-person, (online with zoom).  Minimum educational requirements are 60 units completed college credits.  Ideal for a person without a teaching degree who wants to become a substitute teacher. Paraeducators can also take this course to be able substitute in SPED classroom.
MANDATORY textbook: Stedi Substitute Teacher Handbook ISBN-13, 978-0982165737

Start Date: 09/22/25
End Date: 09/28/25
Seats Available: 10
Cost: $260
Location: Online

4 week, online, self paced required coursework needed to apply for the State of Iowa Substitute Teacher Authorization.  Minimum educational requirements are 60 units completed college credits.  Ideal for a person without a teaching degree who wants to become a substitute teacher. 
MANDATORY textbook: Stedi Substitute Teacher Handbook ISBN-13, 978-0982165737

Start Date: 10/07/25
End Date: 10/31/25
Seats Available: 12
Cost: $260
Location: Online