Iowa Administrative Code
Agency 282 - Educational Examiners Board
Chapter 13 - Issuance of Teacher Licenses and Endorsements
Rule 282-13.16 - Specific Requirements for a Substitute Teacher's License

(1) Substitute teacher requirements. A substitute teacher's license may be issued to an individual who has completed a teacher preparation program and been the holder of, or presently holds, or is eligible to hold, a license in Iowa.

(2) Validity. A substitute license is valid for five years and for not more than 90 days of teaching in one assignment during any one school year. A school district administrator may file a written request with the board for an extension of the 90-day limit in one assignment on the basis of documented need and benefit to the instructional program. The board will review the request and provide a written decision either approving or denying the request.

(3) Authorization. The holder of a substitute license is authorized to substitute teach in any school system in any position in which a regularly licensed teacher is employed except in the driver's education classroom. In addition to the authority inherent in the initial, standard, master educator, professional administrator, regional exchange, full career and technical education authorization, full native language teaching authorization, professional service license, and permanent professional licenses and the endorsement(s) held, the holder of one of these regular licenses may substitute on the same basis as the holder of a substitute license while the regular license is in effect. The executive director may grant permission for a substitute to serve outside of a substitute's regular authority under unique circumstances.