Date: February 1, 2008
Contact: Lindsay Gladstone
Governors State University
Phone: (708) 534-7090
Fax: (708) 534-8399
Email: l-gladstone@govst.edu
For Immediate Release
University Park, IL, February 1, 2008 – While recent studies show that students lose valuable education hours when a classroom teacher is absent, it is also true that qualified substitute teachers can make all the difference. Substitute teachers are more successful when they walk into the classroom with the tools and skills they need to teach and control the class and the support of the school’s faculty and administration.
Because the need for qualified subs is so great, the State of Illinois offers substitute teacher certification to those with a bachelor’s degree in any subject. While no special skills are required to get a sub certificate, many school districts encourage their subs, whether certified teachers or not, to take special substitute teacher workshops to familiarize themselves with the process and pitfalls of subbing.
“Subbing is a great job. You choose the days you wish to work. It is perfect for a mom who wants to be home when her kids are home. It is great for someone changing careers and or for retirees who wish to work part time,” said Alicia McCray, Director of the Metropolitan Institute of Leadership in Education (MILE) at Governors State University.
To be a successful sub, there are some skills and information needed. Governors State University is sponsoring a one-day, free Substitute Teacher Academy to teach new subs what to expect, what to do in an emergency, how to maintain classroom control, and how to follow the teacher’s lesson plans.
According to McCray, preparation is the key to a sub’s success. “The academy provides ideas and activities subs can adapt and use in any school and any grade.”
The intricacies and benefits of substitute teaching will be discussed at an information session a week before the academy. “People wondering if subbing is the job for them, should definitely come to the information session first,” said McCray.
The substitute information session is on Thursday, March 6, from 6 to 8 p.m., in the Hall of Honors, at GSU. The Substitute Teacher Academy is on March 15, from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., in the Hall of Honors.
Governors State University is located at 1 University Parkway, University Park. There are no fees for either session. Participants may register for their substitute teacher certificate at the academy with a $50 check or money order and an official transcript noting acquisition of a bachelor’s degree. For more information, call 708.534.4024.
