Iowa 2023-2024 Regular Session

Iowa House Bill HF210

Introduced
2/7/23  
Introduced
2/7/23  

Caption

A bill for an act relating to the minimum age of substitute teachers in prekindergarten through grade eight.

Impact

If enacted, HF210 would directly impact education laws in Iowa, enabling greater flexibility in hiring substitute teachers. The proposed change is viewed as a response to the challenges faced by school districts in finding sufficient qualified substitutes. By allowing individuals who are at least 20 years old to serve as substitutes, the bill seeks to broaden the pool of potential candidates, thereby improving the continuity and quality of education during periods when regular teachers are absent.

Summary

House File 210 (HF210) aims to amend the current regulations surrounding the minimum age for substitute teachers in Iowa, specifically for grades prekindergarten through eight. Under existing law, the Board of Educational Examiners (BOEE) disqualifies applicants for substitute teaching licenses if they are under the age of 21, with few exceptions. This bill proposes to lower the minimum age to 20, allowing younger individuals to obtain substitute licenses and teach in early education settings. The move is intended to address staffing shortages and increase the availability of substitute teachers in Iowa’s school systems.

Contention

While the bill has garnered support from various educators and administrators who see the need for more substitutes, there may also be concerns regarding the experience and maturity of younger substitutes. Critics might argue that younger individuals, despite meeting the age requirement, may lack the necessary skills or experience to effectively manage classrooms and ensure a quality educational experience for students. Additionally, the change could spark discussions around the adequacy of training and support provided to these younger educators, as well as accountability during their tenure in teaching roles.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

IA HF100

A bill for an act relating to the minimum age of applicants for licenses from the board of educational examiners.(See HF 256.)

IA HF256

A bill for an act relating to the minimum age of applicants for licenses from the board of educational examiners. (Formerly HF 100.) Effective date: 07/01/2023.

IA HF234

A bill for an act relating to the minimum salary for teachers.

IA HF4

A bill for an act modifying requirements related to teacher intern license programs and licenses and authorizations issued by the board of educational examiners and establishing a temporary initial teaching license to be issued by the board of educational examiners to applicants who complete an alternative teacher certification program.(See HF 255.)

IA S2510

Prekindergarten Through Grade 12 Education

IA HF255

A bill for an act modifying requirements related to teacher intern license programs and licenses and authorizations issued by the board of educational examiners and establishing a temporary initial teaching license to be issued by the board of educational examiners to applicants who complete an alternative teacher certification program. (Formerly HF 4.) Effective date: 07/01/2024.

IA HF10

A bill for an act relating to education, including requirements related to mandatory reporters, a process for investigating complaints against licensed practitioners, and the responsibilities of the department of education, school districts, charter schools, accredited nonpublic schools, and the board of educational examiners.(See HF 430.)

IA SSB1049

A bill for an act relating to education, including eligibility for grants under the teach Iowa scholar program, licenses issued by the board of educational examiners, and the use of revenues from the district management levy, and including applicability provisions.(See SF 392.)

IA HSB283

A bill for an act requiring the board of educational examiners to issue certificates when directed by the board of directors of a school district to individuals who have attained a minimum of a baccalaureate degree and who have expertise or significant professional experience in a subject area that allows the individual to provide instruction in that subject area to students enrolled in the school district in grades nine through twelve.

IA HF327

A bill for an act relating to education, including modifying provisions related to comprehensive school improvement plans, teacher librarians and guidance counselors, required days or hours of instruction in elementary and secondary schools, agreements between school districts and community colleges to teach certain courses, required courses in school districts and accredited nonpublic schools, and shared operational functions, and authorizing school districts to offer sequential units in one classroom.(Formerly HSB 119.)

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