Free certification for substitute teachers offered at Heartland schools

SOUTHEASTERN MISSOURI (KFVS) – Right now, people can become certified substitute teachers by taking advantage of free, grant-funded training at various Heartland schools.

Mineral Area College offers the training, approved by the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education.

The certification process takes 20 hours and requires in-person attendance at all sessions. Locations, dates and times are as follows:

Chaffee High School Library

5:00 PM to 9:00 PM November 11-15

Perryville Area Career and Technical Center (waiting list)

4pm to 9pm November 18-21

Thomas W. Kelly High School

5pm to 9pm November 5-9

Scott City High School

4:00 PM to 8:00 PM December 2, 4, 9, 11 and 13

Doniphan Schools

5:00 PM to 9:00 PM December 10-12, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM December 14

Dr. Shawn Young of Mineral Area College described the need for more people to become certified as “terrible.”

“There is a teacher shortage in the state of Missouri, and as we move into more rural communities, we see that shortage increasing even more because of population density,” said Dr. Young.

Many who want to start a career in teaching start by sub-working. “A lot of times we have people who become substitute teachers, and then go back and get their teacher certification and become teachers. So if there is a teacher shortage, that usually means there is also a replacement teacher shortage.”

People wishing to apply must have a high school diploma or equivalent and be willing to submit to a background check.

“If you’re interested in becoming a teacher, or being a sub and helping work with kids, this is definitely a program you should probably apply to.”

Individuals with at least 36 credit hours from a state-accredited university or college do not need this training to be certified as a substitute teacher.

Dr. Young said the demand for training is so high that grant funding can’t keep up. MAC is looking for local businesses and organizations who would like to supplement this funding by becoming a sponsor.

“Funding is finite, and that’s one of the problems… I have enough funding for about fifteen schools, and I have already accomplished the training of fifteen schools that we have already planned through January, and this grant is for four years.”

Anyone interested in sponsoring one of the schools or training courses can send an email to Dr. Young op [email protected].