Regional Superintendent of Schools Mark Jontry/WJEZ file photo

By Todd Wineburner

Regional Superintendent of Schools Mark Jontry says his office is offering a special workshop later today (Monday, 12/17/18) that will be a major step toward being certified as a short-term substitute teacher. To address a shortage of qualified substitute teachers in the state, the General Assembly has passed legislation that changes the requirements for substitute certification. Under the new regulations, an individual needs only 60 college credit hours in order to serve as a short-term substitute teacher. Previously, a bachelor’s degree was required.

Jontry says his office is providing a workshop that will help candidates complete most of the paperwork required for certification, and provide instructions on the basics of substitute teaching. The workshop is required for anyone wanting to work as a substitute, and Jontry says there are some costs associated with certification. He adds, though, that that money can be earned back. “If you get at least 10 days of work in for the rest of this year…both your registration fee and, for long-term subs, your application fee will get refunded.”

More information on the workshop can be found at roe17.org. It’s scheduled to start at 3, but Jontry says his office will be accepting attendees as early as 2 o’clock to allow time for necessary paperwork.