R277. Education, Administration.

Rule R277-508. Employment of Substitute Teachers.

As in effect on April 1, 2013

Table of Contents

• R277-508-1. Definitions.
• R277-508-2. Authority and Purpose.
• R277-508-3. Duration of Teaching Assignment.
• R277-508-4. Hiring Priorities and Eligibility.
• R277-508-5. Employment Procedures.
• KEY
• Date of Enactment or Last Substantive Amendment
• Notice of Continuation
• Authorizing, Implemented, or Interpreted Law

R277-508-1. Definitions.

A. "Board" means the Utah State Board of Education.

B. "Comprehensive Administration of Credentials for Teachers in Utah Schools (CACTUS)" means the electronic file maintained on all licensed Utah educators. The file includes such as:

(1) personal directory information;

(2) educational background;

(3) endorsements;

(4) employment history;

(5) professional development information; and

(6) a record of disciplinary action taken against the educator.

C. "License" means an authorization issued by the Board which permits the holder to serve in a professional capacity in the public schools.

D. "Substitute teacher" means an individual employed to take the place of a regular teacher temporarily absent.

E. "Temporarily absent" means a period not to exceed eight consecutive weeks.

R277-508-2. Authority and Purpose.

A. This rule is authorized by Utah Constitution, Article X, Section 3 which vests general control and supervision of public education in the Board, Section 53A-1-402(1)(a) which directs the Board to make rules regarding the qualifications of educators and ancillary personnel providing direct student services, and Section 53A-1-401(3) which allows the Board to adopt rules in accordance with its responsibilities.

B. The purpose of this rule is to establish eligibility requirements and employment procedures for substitute teachers.

R277-508-3. Duration of Teaching Assignment.

A substitute teacher may not serve in a teaching position for more than eight weeks in one academic year in either the same class or with the same group of students. Individuals serving in the same teaching position for longer than eight weeks shall hold an appropriate license or be replaced by a person with an appropriate license.

R277-508-4. Hiring Priorities and Eligibility.

A. The first priority in hiring substitute teachers shall be given to those who hold a valid license in the subject matter they will be teaching as a substitute. Second priority is to hire persons who have a valid license in a field commonly taught in public schools.

B. It is desirable that a substitute teacher hold a valid license or a college degree. A district shall evaluate persons hired as substitutes to ensure that they are capable of managing a class and carrying out the instructional program.

C. Persons seeking employment as a substitute teacher shall furnish evidence as requested from the hiring school district that they are physically and mentally fit to work.

D. School districts may not employ any individual as a substitute teacher whose license has been revoked or is currently suspended by the Board or whose license has been revoked or is currently suspended by another state. Individuals whose licenses have been reinstated may be considered for employment as substitute teachers.

R277-508-5. Employment Procedures.

A. School districts shall establish a policy for hiring substitute teachers. The policy shall include obtaining verification from CACTUS that an applicant's license has not been revoked or suspended.

B. School districts shall have a policy to evaluate substitute teachers including a salary schedule to pay substitutes according to their training, experience, and competency.

C. Regular teachers are required to have lesson plans immediately available for use by substitute teachers.

D. Student teachers may substitute in classes consistent with the instructions and policies from the higher education institution which the student attends.

E. Paraprofessionals and Aides may substitute in classes consistent with school district or school policy.

KEY

teachers, professional competency, school personnel

Date of Enactment or Last Substantive Amendment

August 15, 2003

Notice of Continuation

March 3, 2008

Authorizing, Implemented, or Interpreted Law

Art X Sec 3; 53A-1-402(1)(a); 53A-1-401(3)