Skip To Main Content

Guest Teacher Frequently Asked Questions

Guest Teacher FAQ

1. How do I qualify to become a day-to-day emergency substitute?

You must possess a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university, and complete a 2 day Guest Teacher Training Program with MIU IV.

If you would like to register for our Guest Teacher Training Program download and complete the application form in the Guest Teacher Program Brochure.

If you have earned a higher degree (i.e. Masters), DO NOT send the Master's transcripts. PDE will NOT accept transcripts other than your Bachelor's degree. 

Note: Part of the training may be waived only if you have completed an approved teacher preparation program from an accredited college or university including student teaching. (Example: you have taken Praxis tests and are waiting for results). To determine if you qualify to waive part of the training, contact Cheryl Pilch, Coordinator of Educational Services, at 724-458-6700 x1224.

2. Do I have to complete an employment application?

Yes. You must complete the Standard Application for Teaching Positions in Pennsylvania Public Schools. Complete only the sections that apply to you, including the essay on page 6. Bring the completed application with you on the first scheduled day of the Guest Teacher Training.

Where do I obtain this application? 
The application is included in the packet that will be sent to you upon receipt of your training registration form and payment, OR, go to Guest Teacher Forms, OR, you may download the application from the PA Department of Ed website:  https://www.education.pa.gov/Documents/Teachers-Administrators/Teacher%20Application.pdf
3. Do I have to complete a General Application for PA Certificate (Form PDE 338-G)?

Yes. Follow the directions on the second page of the form carefully and complete the following sections:
Sections 1 – 8
In section 9 print, “Day-To-Day Emergency Certificate” (leave code blank)
NO FEE IS REQUIRED UNLESS YOU ARE A FOREIGN CANDIDATE
FOREIGN CANDIDATES ONLY: Please contact the Pennsylvania Department of Education to obtain information pertaining to current application fees. 
Section 10 requires that the Health Certificate must be signed by a licensed physician. The PA Dept. of Education will not accept a signature from a physician’s assistant or nurse.
Answer questions 11, 12, 13, 14 and 15.
Sign and date the application. DO NOT SEND THE APPLICATION TO THE PA DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION.
Bring the completed form with you on the first scheduled day of the Emergency Substitute TrainingWhere do I obtain this application?
The PDE 338-G is included in the packet that will be sent to you upon receipt of your training registration form and payment, OR, go toGuest Teacher Forms, OR, you may download the application from the PA Department of Ed website: https://www.education.pa.gov/Documents/Teachers-Administrators/Certifications/Fees%20and%20Forms/PDE%20338%20G.pdf

4. Will I have to obtain background clearance checks?

Yes, effective April 1, 2007 Pennsylvania Law will require State and Federal Criminal History Records for both resident and non-resident prospective employees. You will be required to obtain an Act 34 and an Act 151 background check as well as an FBI Federal Criminal History Record background clearance. 

Act 34 of 1985 amends the Pennsylvania School Code to require a background check for criminal record history for new employees of public and private schools beginning January 1, 1986. You will be required to have the check done by the Pennsylvania State Police. 

You can apply directly on-line for the Act 34 Criminal Record Check and receive a prompt response. You will be required to use a credit card to pay the processing fee when you access this site: http://keepkidssafe.pa.gov/resources/clearances/pspcrimck/index.htm  (Pennsylvania Access to Criminal History).  If you would like to submit a paper request, use the above link and chose to download the Criminal History Request Form - SP4-164

Act 151 of 1994 requires all schools to obtain background checks for child abuse history for all applicants effective July 1, 1996. You can apply directly on-line for Act 151 Child Abuse History The form used to obtain the Pennsylvania Child Abuse History Clearance, also known as CY113, will be provided in your registration packet or can be downloaded by using the following link:  http://keepkidssafe.pa.gov/resources/clearances/pachildhistory/index.htm





Effective April 1, 2007, Section 111 of the Public School Code was amended by Act 114 of 2006. All student teachers (participating in classroom teaching, internships, clinical or field experience) and prospective employees (including but not limited to administrators, teachers, substitutes, janitors, cafeteria workers, office employees) of public and private schools, Intermediate Units and area vocational-technical schools, including independent contractors and their employees and bus drivers, who have direct contact with children, must provide to their employer a copy of their Pennsylvania State Criminal History Check and their Federal Criminal History Record that cannot be more than one (1) year old. This only applies to employees hired on or after April 1, 2007. Employees hired prior to April 1, 2007, are only required to provide the Federal Criminal History record if they have lived outside of the state for at least two years immediately preceding their application for employment.

The Midwestern Intermediate Unit IV is an authorized IdentoGo Fingerprinting Site. Please access the following links to obtain all the information about this requirement. You will need to register on-line before coming to MIU IV to get fingerprinted.

Links and instructions can be found by clicking on the following link:
http://keepkidssafe.pa.gov/resources/clearances/fbifinger/index.htm, or by going to the IdentoGo website: www.identogo.com

 ABSOLUTELY NO CASH TRANSACTIONS OR PERSONAL CHECKS WILL BE ACCEPTED AT THE MIU IV FINGERPRINTING SITE. Payment may be made with a credit card, debit card, money order or cashier's check.  Money orders and cashier's checks should be made payable to IDEMIA.

How long does it take to receive these background clearance checks?

The background check application process usually takes two to three weeks. You must begin the process immediately upon receipt of your registration packet.
Concerning the FBI Background Checks: As of December 1, 2008, PDE will provide access to FBI records online to approved hiring entities – public and private schools- via a secure web site. Applicants fingerprinted on or after December 1, 2008, will no longer receive the record from PDE, however, applicants may request an unofficial paper copy of the FBI record. These records can be accessed by approved hiring entities 24 hours after the applicant has been fingerprinted. 


PLEASE NOTE: Applicants need to have their registration ID number available for the requesting entity to view the report online. 

5. Do I have to complete an Employment Eligibility Verification (Form I-9)?

Yes.  You will complete a Form I-9 if you chose to work as a substitute for MIU IV.

6. Do I have to complete a MIU IV District Candidate Preference Form?

Yes. If you want to substitute in the school districts and non-public schools in Butler, Lawrence and Mercer Counties that participate in the consortium.

Where do I obtain this form?
The preference form is included in the packet that will be sent to you upon receipt of your training registration form and payment; OR, go to Guest Teacher Forms.

7. Do I have to complete a MIU IV Substitute Teacher Profile?

Yes, but only if you want to substitute at MIU IV sites.

Where do I obtain this application? 

The profile form is included in the packet that will be sent to you upon receipt of your training registration form and payment; OR, go to Guest Teacher Forms.

8. Are there any fees involved?
Yes. The cost of the Guest Teacher Training Program is $125.00 if you possess a bachelor’s degree in a field other than education and have no prior teaching experience including student teaching. You are mandated to attend the 2-day training. The cost of the Guest Teacher Training Program is $60.00 if you possess a bachelor’s degree in education and have had prior teaching experience including student teaching. You are mandated to attend only the first day of orientation training. Fees include all materials, morning coffee, and lunch.

9. What will I learn at the Guest Teacher Training Program?

Special Education Orientation
Disability Awareness
Class Motivation
Practical Classroom and Behavior Management Strategies
Strategies for Creating a Positive Classroom Climate
 

10. Who are the instructors at the guest Teacher Training Program?


Consultants for and staff members from MIU IV will serve as instructors for this program.

11. Do I have to be a U.S. citizen to qualify as a day-to-day substitute?
No, but your application process is slightly different.


Click on www.education.pa.gov, then on Teaching in PA.
Click on Educators
Click on I Was Educated Outside of the United States

Note: If you have questions please contact the MIU IV's Human Resources Department at 724-458-6700 x1204.

12. How long is the Emergency Permit effective?


The Emergency Permit is effective for one school year. If you choose to continue to serve as a day-to-day emergency substitute in the next school year, you must renew your permit. Information will be mailed to you in June so that you can complete the renewal process. The renewal process requires that only minimal paperwork be completed. There is no fee for renewal for U.S. citizens. Your clearances will be valid in those districts where you worked and in new districts only if they are no more than one year old.

13. Will the Emergency Permit allow me to work as a day-to-day substitute in a nonpublic school or in other school districts in Pennsylvania?


Yes. Permits issued under the auspices of MIU IV qualify individuals to substitute ONLY in those public and nonpublic school districts that participate in the consortium and are located within the boundaries of MIU IV.  That would include school districts in Butler, Lawrence and Mercer Counties, and MIU IV Special Education Programs.

14. I just graduated from college with a bachelor’s degree in education but am not yet certified. Can I use this program to substitute teach?


Yes. You will need a letter from your college or university verifying that: you have completed an approved teacher preparation program, have successfully completed the certification testing requirements and have completed all requirements for the awarding of a bachelor’s degree on a date certain. (For instance, if you have not yet completed all of your Praxis tests/are waiting for test results).

Please understand that while you may participate in this program, it is designed for persons who are not education majors.

15. How will I know when my emergency permit has been issued?


PDE requests that you use the website for checking application status rather than calling them or MIU IV.


Click on www.education.pa.gov
Click on TIMS for Personal Users
Log in to see your TIMS dashboard
 
New Users:
Click on TIMS for Personal Users
Click on Create Keystone Login Account
Complete the screen and click Register

The PDE certification system will query the database and report the status of your application. If you meet the qualifications as outlined above and are interested in participating in the 2-day emergency substitute training program to obtain an emergency permit as a day-to-day substitute teacher, please complete the registration form in the brochure.

Contacts

No post to display.