Policy Code: B1

First Reading: August 1, 2016
Second Reading: August 16, 2016
Adopted: August 16, 2016
Revised and Reviewed: September 6, 2022

Policy

It is the policy of the Essex Westford Educational Community Unified Union School District (EWECUUSD) to employ substitute educators who will meet the minimum qualifications outlined by the Vermont Standards Board for Professional Educators (VSBPE) Rule, as well as the additional requirements established by this policy.

Qualifications

No person will be placed on the qualified substitute list unless that person has graduated from high school.

Unlicensed Persons

An unlicensed person may be employed as a substitute teacher for up to 30 consecutive calendar days in the same assignment. The Superintendent may apply to the Vermont Standards Board for Professional Educators or its designee for emergency or provisional licenses as provided in VSBPE Rules 5350 and 5360.

Licensed Educators

A substitute teacher who is licensed but not appropriately endorsed for the position of employment may fill a position for thirty consecutive calendar days in the same assignment. The Superintendent may apply to the Vermont Standards Board for Professional Educators or its designee for an additional thirty days for specific substitute teachers, or for provisional licenses as provided in VSBPE Rule 5350.

Administrative Responsibilities

A list of qualified substitute teachers, organized by grade level and subject, will be developed by the Superintendent or his or her designee for all schools in the District.

The Superintendent or designee will provide substitute teachers with information on the prevention, identification, and reporting of child sexual abuse, as required by 16 V.S.A. 563(a)§ 563a. Each teacher under contract will compile a packet of information containing pertinent substitute teacher information as defined by the Principal. Substitute teacher training will include a review of the EWSD Equity Policy and Implicit Bias Training. Substitutes will be given information on designated employees at each building to report harassment or bias incidents.  The Superintendent will ensure that hiring committees implement anti-bias hiring practices.

Substitute teachers will be paid wages as determined by the Superintendent from year to year. Distinctions in pay level may be made based on the need for the substitute teacher to prepare lessons and assess and record student progress, on the length of service, and on the credentials of the substitute teacher.

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