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Policy GCGA

Substitute Teachers and Educational Specialists

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, when available, for substitute teacher teaching and educational specialist 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 30 days) in any teaching assignment must have at least a high school diploma.  The Board may approve more stringent standards at its discretion. Unless approved by the Superintendent, all long-term substitutes must be four-year college graduates, as well as certified in the subject area. 

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. The responsibilities of a substitute teacher are outlined in the district Substitute Teacher Handbook.

The Superintendent will be responsible for recommending to the Board, for its approval, minimum education standards for substitute teachers, and schedule of compensation for both long-term and short-term substitute teachers and educational specialists.

Substitute compensation will be reviewed at least annually.

Legal Reference: 20-A MRSA §§ 13001-A; 13402(3)

26 MRSA 26 MRSA §664

Dept. of Educ. Rule Ch. 115(9) 

Adopted: Prior to 1985 

Revised: June 12, 1989 

Revised: July 9, 2001 

Revised: October 15, 2003 

Revised: February 9, 2015 

Revised: November 8, 2021

Revised and Reclassed GCEA-R to GCGA: January 13, 2025