GCGA - Substitutes for Instructional Personnel

GCGA - SUBSTITUTES FOR INSTRUCTIONAL PERSONNEL

The Board recognizes that substitute personnel perform an important role in supporting continuity of student learning in the event of absence, resignation, inability to employ, or termination of a regularly employed certified employee.  It is the Board’s desire to employ appropriately certified persons, if available, for substitute teaching positions.

A certified teacher or educational specialist may serve as a substitute with no time limit, provided that their teaching certificate bears an endorsement for the grade and subject being taught, or their educational specialist certificate is appropriate to the employment.

The Superintendent may request a waiver from the Commissioner if finding candidates that meet the eligibility criteria is difficult.  

Any substitute serving on a short-term basis (less than six consecutive weeks) in any teaching assignment must have at least a high school diploma. The Board may approve more stringent standards at its discretion.

All applicants for substitute teaching positions must obtain a Criminal Background Check approval, based on fingerprinting, in accordance with Maine Department of Education rules and processes before they are assigned to a school.

Substitute compensation will be reviewed annually by the Superintendent or upon request of the Board.

Legal Reference:

20-A MRSA §§ 13001-A; 13402(3)

26 MRSA 26 MRSA §664

Dept. of Educ. Rule Ch. 115(9) 

Policy Adopted: April 30, 2025