Offered through the WEA Professional Development Academy
February 1999 News & Views article

As You May Know . . .

School districts across the state are finding it increasingly difficult to hire and retain sufficient numbers of qualified substitute teachers. The availability of other employment options and the need for classroom teachers to participate in staff development or planning during school hours are just two of the factors contributing to a shortage of substitutes.

In an attempt to deal with this issue, Wisconsin enacted a rule allowing school districts to hire non-certified teacher substitutes. To be issued a permit, however, these individuals must hold a baccalaureate degree and receive appropriate training on the local level.

As the designer of high-quality professional development for the state's largest teacher's association, the WEA Professional Development Academy (PDA) is uniquely qualified to give potential and existing substitutes the tools they need to become productive members of the educational team.

Who Should Attend . . .

• Those with Bachelor Degrees interested in substitute teaching (non-certified)
• Current substitute teachers
• Newly-certified teachers planning to substitute teach
• Experienced teachers returning to the field after an absence

What Topics are Covered . . .

Through an engaging variety of methods such as lecture/discussion, media, and small group exercises, seminar participants will receive vital training in the following areas:

• Professionalism - the role of a substitute
• Health and safety issues
• Overall classroom management
• Maintaining discipline
• Age-appropriate teaching strategies
• Lesson plans
• Communicating with staff
• Practical ideas and resources

Class options . . .

• A full-day workshop that covers the basic information needed to meet the training requirement for non-certified substitutes. Participants receive a personalized wallet card that verifies their attendance at this session.
• A follow-up workshop for those who have completed the initial training. Additional topics are covered, and participants have the opportunity to share experiences and insights with their peers.
• On-going workshops that allow for continued training over a specified period of time.

The Presenters . . .

The WEA PDA has trained a small cadre of educators to provide the instruction for this seminar. Each presenter is either currently substitute teaching or has done so for a number of years. The cadre members meet periodically to update their own knowledge and skills in this area, and they are committed to working with other substitutes to ensure the best possible learning experience for today's students..

Who Benefits . . .

Essentially everyone tied to the educational system will benefit from this training.

First and foremost, students benefit . . . from less disruption, improved continuity of learning, and a safe and secure environment. But also, school systems improve the caliber of substitute teaching in their districts, communication is enhanced between teachers and their temporary colleagues, and parents are assured of quality learning experiences every day of the school year.

For Information . . .

For more information and/or to schedule a program, call:

Debra Berndt, Director
WEA Professional Development Academy
1-800-362-8034, ext. 294.
berndtd@weac.org

In Partnership . . .

This quality training opportunity was developed through a cooperative working relationship with a number of agencies and organizations. They are:

• Association of Wisconsin School Administrators
• Cooperative Educational Service Agencies
• Team Educators
• University of Wisconsin System
• Wisconsin Association of School Boards
• Wisconsin Association of School District Administrators
• Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction
• Wisconsin Education Association Council
• Wisconsin Parent Teacher Association

Others Are Saying . . .

"If it wasn't for this training, I don't know how Sun Prairie would have managed with the substitute teacher shortage."
Annette Baker
Director of Human Resources
Sun Prairie Area School District

"The credibility of subs in our district has increased because of the thoroughness of this seminar, and it has given trainees confidence to perform the job well."
Joe Sheehan
District Administrator
Sheboygan Area School District

Updated January 18, 2001