Substitute Teaching

Policies

Teacher Education permits Interns to substitute teach during their final year experiences (Apprentice Teaching I/II, Internship I/II, practicum/student teaching, etc.). Interns (with or without a bachelor degree) must complete the following requirements in order to substitute teach during their final year.

Note for Undergraduate Students WITHOUT a bachelor Degree: CSU Interns may apply for a one-time non-renewable one-year temporary non-bachelor's substitute teaching license based on the authority granted by Senate Bill 1 (SB1). SB 1 permits a public or chartered nonpublic school, to employ a substitute teacher according to the school's own education requirements, provided the individual also is deemed to be of good moral character and successfully completes a criminal records check.  Licenses are available at the request of the employing school or district. Applicants must have current FBI/BCI checks on file with ODE. 

Requirements

Cleveland State University is responsible for verifying that teacher candidates satisfy all requirements to be eligible fo licensure. Therefore, the School of Education and Counseling agrees to the requirements for final year Interns (Internship I/II, Apprentice Teaching I/II, Practicum/Student Teaching:

1. The CSU Intern must request support from all stake holders (mentor teacher, supervisor, seminar leader, and building principal) involved in their final year experience. This approval ensures that the candidate is not struggling to meet field experience requirements and may be rescinded at any time. 

2. The CSU Intern must complete the CSU Substitute Teaching Application. This documentation must be submitted by all final year interns each semester, even if they are already licensed substitute teachers. This allows for transparency between Cleveland State University and partner districts.

3. The CSU Intern must meet district guidelines and complete all district onboarding requirements to be eligible for substitute teaching prior to accepting any substitute teaching assignment.  Interns are responsible for completing this step on their own and will not be done through OFS.

Process - Early Field Interns

All Early Field Experiences (i.e. Rotations & Steps/CI) are permitted to Substitute Teach without CSU approval but hours cannot conflict with or count towards required coursework or field hours. Early Field students should complete the CSU Early Field Substitute Teaching Application so that the Office of Field Services can provide transparency between Cleveland State University and our partner districts. This includes requirements, eligibility, and support throughout the semester. 

Process - Final Year Interns

1. Intern reviews:
   • Substitute Teaching Eligibility Requirements
   • Final Year Substitute Teaching Slidedeck

2. Intern completes the CSU Substitute Teaching Application

   • Verbal or written approval from Stakeholders (including mentor, principal, CSU Field Supervisor, and Seminar Leader) must be obtained before submitting application

   • Teach Earn Learn MUST Interns are not required to obtain approval

3. Office of Field Services Reviews Application and confirms eligibility

   • CSU sends Confirmation Email to all stakeholders

4. Intern is permitted to apply directly to District for open Substitute Teaching Position (*This step may not be required if Intern is already employed by District as a substitute Teacher or if Pre-Service Permit is adequate)

   • Onboarding may include application, submission of background checks, drug test, and/or Orientation

5. Intern must have one data point in the field (by Mentor or Supervisor, at least 2 weeks) befor they are permitted to substitute. Returning Substitutes (i.e., same district/school/mentor in Semester II) are not required to wait.

6. Intern may be required to submit proof of assignments at any given time.

The entire substitute teaching application process may take several weeks. CSU recommends completing the process as soon as possible as interns are not permitted to substitute teach without full CSU approval and license through the district. Policies and procedures may be revised to reflect changes in The School of Education and Counseling.

Questions

Reach out directly to Office of Field Services, (JH 187) at 216-687-4616 or OFSassistant@csuohio.edu