DCIU Guest Teacher Program Helps Address Ongoing Substitute Teacher Shortage

In response to the ongoing national substitute teacher shortage, the Delaware County Intermediate Unit (DCIU) is expanding efforts to support local schools through its Guest Teacher Program, designed to prepare qualified individuals to serve as day-to-day substitute teachers in Delaware County schools and DCIU programs.

The Guest Teacher Program provides individuals with limited or no teaching experience the training and support needed to enter the classroom as substitute teachers. Individuals who hold a bachelor’s degree in any field from an accredited college or university are eligible to participate.

Upon successful completion of the program, participants receive an emergency permit through the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE), allowing them to serve as day-to-day substitute teachers in participating Delaware County school districts, career and technical institutes, and DCIU-operated classrooms.

"Schools across our community and the nation continue to face significant challenges in securing qualified substitute teachers," said Dr. Maria Edelberg, Executive Director of the Delaware County Intermediate Unit. "Our Guest Teacher Program creates an accessible pathway for individuals who are passionate about supporting students and schools. By providing high-quality training and practical classroom strategies, we are helping to build a strong pool of substitute educators who can step in when schools need them most."

The program combines self-paced online learning with live virtual instruction, providing participants with practical skills and knowledge for success in a variety of educational settings, including traditional, non-traditional, and special education classrooms.

Training topics include:

• Responsibilities of being a substitute teacher
• Lesson planning
• Classroom management and behavior techniques
• Pennsylvania Department of Education mandates
• Instructional strategies to engage learners
• Special education overview
• Professional ethics
• Communication and collaboration strategies

The training consists of:

• 7.5 hours of asynchronous online coursework completed independently
• 4.5 hours of live virtual instruction

Upcoming Training Sessions

July 13–17, 2026

• Introductory Meeting: Monday, July 13, 2026, from 10:00–10:30 a.m.
• 7.5 hours of independent online coursework completed throughout the week
• Live Virtual Training: Thursday, July 16, 2026

August 11–16, 2026

• Applications available beginning June 29, 2026
• Introductory Meeting: Tuesday, August 11, 2026, from 10:00–10:30 a.m.
• 7.5 hours of independent online coursework completed throughout the week
• Live Virtual Training: Thursday, August 13, 2026

The Guest Teacher Program offers a valuable opportunity for community members, career changers, retirees, and recent graduates to make a meaningful impact in local schools while helping districts address an ongoing workforce need.

For more information about the DCIU Guest Teacher Program, eligibility requirements, or upcoming training sessions, visit DCIU's Guest Teacher Information Page.