By Sherry L. Christensen, retired teacher, http://livingliferetired.com
So why am I be writing about substitute teaching? If you have considered working part time during retirement, do your homework this summer to prepare to substitute teach this fall. If you hold a current teaching license or have a bachelor’s degree you can become a substitute teacher.
If you don’t hold a current teaching license, you can apply for a one-, three-, or five-year substitute license. All three licenses require you to be fingerprinted ($10) and results submitted to the Colorado Bureau of Investigation (CBI).
If you do not have a teaching license, I recommend applying for the three-year license ($90). The following are required for this license:
• Must hold a minimum of a bachelor’s degree.
• Must have copies of your college official transcripts.
• Must include employment history for at least the past five years.
All documents must be submitted electronically to the Colorado Department of Education. Obtaining official transcripts ($10-$20 each) and having fingerprinting processed by the CBI ($39.50) can take time, so doing this work over the summer makes sense. In total, for about $150 you may be certified to substitute in any school district. Working just two days as a substitute will basically cover your fees.
If you desire a flexible work schedule and like working with young people, summer is the best time to prepare to work in a much needed position. So, head back to school this fall with your grandkids as a substitute teacher after doing your homework this summer.
For more information go to http://cde.state.co.us/cdeprof/licensure_authorization_landing