As youngsters growing up our teachers were our version of Iron Man… all knowing, all powerful and never getting sick. At least it seemed that way.

The truth is everyone gets sick, everyone has family emergencies and everyone misses a day or two of work from time to time. Teachers are no different.

When that happens, school districts call in the subs… substitute teachers. Eastern Iowa Community Colleges’ Continuing Education Department learned from local school superintendents and principals that there is a growing demand for substitute teachers and began a training program to fill the void.

KWQC-TV’s Mariana Domingues visited with the class’s instructor:

The next class will be held on Tuesdays and Thursdays, 6 – 9 p.m., from January 9 – 30, 2018.

Anyone with a bachelor’s degree or higher, or a paraeducator, can be authorized to become a K-12 substitute teacher. You do not have to have an education background in order to fill these positions.

To earn authorization, individuals must complete the Board of Educational Examiners Approved Substitute Authorization Program such as the one offered through EICC.

The course content includes Ethics, Classroom Management, Diversity and Instructional Strategies. Upon completion of the course and the submission of the requirements and fees of the Iowa Board of Educational Examiners, an individual is eligible to be authorized to substitute in a K-12 institution for up to five consecutive days in one job assignment.

An individual who holds a paraeducator certificate and completes the substitute authorization program is authorized to substitute only in the education classroom in which the individual paraeducator is employed.

Classes are held at the college’s Urban Center, 306 W. River Drive, Davenport. The minimum age for participation is 21. Cost is $139. For more information or to register call 563-441-4100.