Family & Community Alternative Learning
Massachusetts Proprietary Schools

Substitute Teacher Approval Policy

Revised July 2005

The following policy is intended to supplement the provisions regarding substitute teachers as set forth in the Private Occupational School Regulations, 603 CMR 3.00. Specifically, this policy is to clarify section 3.15(5) that states, "In cases of emergency, a school may employ an unapproved teacher as a substitute for up to ten schools days. A school shall obtain approval from the Department to employ an unapproved teacher as a substitute for more than ten school days." A Department approved substitute may not be employed by the school for longer than the term of the course(s) for which the teacher will be engaged as a substitute.

Schools should not use substitutes who do not appear meet the minimum qualifications set forth in the regulations and Guidelines for Teacher Qualifications . The Department will approve teachers as substitutes only if it appears that the applicant meets the minimum qualification. Approval for substitute teachers who do not appear to meet the minimum qualifications (e.g. proof of education and occupational experience) will not be granted. Schools may seek approval for only one substitute per the duration of a course.

Requests for approval of a substitute teacher must be made to the Department in writing and should include the following information:

• the name of the teacher;
• the course(s) for which the school is seeking approval;
• the start and end dates of the course(s);
• the name, telephone and facsimile numbers for the school's contact person in the event the Department has questions; and
• a completed Teacher Approval Form and its corresponding checklist and attachments.

The Department will make every effort to respond to substitute teacher requests within 2-3 days.