New Program Addresses the Need to Provide Quality Training for Substitute Teachers

Manchester, Conn., – (September 8, 2009)… A number of school districts experience a difficult time securing quality substitute teachers for the classroom. According to the Substitute Teaching Institute at Utah State University, fewer than one in four school districts provide training for substitute teachers. Yet the same research shows that by the time a student graduates from high school, he or she will have spent more than a full year with a substitute teacher. In light of the important role that substitute teachers play, Manchester Community College (MCC) has developed Substitute Teacher Express Preparation (STEP). The training program provides extensive information and resources, along with in-classroom practice for aspiring substitute teachers.

“Even the brightest, most educated and well intentioned substitute teacher needs preparation,” stated Janet Alampi, director of Business and Industry Services at MCC. “That’s why MCC’s new program is so important. It helps substitutes enter the classroom with greater confidence because they have a better idea of what is expected of them. They’re also better equipped to handle a variety of situations. That’s good news for school districts, as well as students and their parents.”

The program is divided into two parts. The first part includes nine hours of classroom instruction by experienced educators. The second part consists of providing aspiring substitute teachers the opportunity to assess which grade levels are a good fit for their skill set, and then matching them with a classroom teacher as part of an internship, followed by individual coaching. To be eligible for the STEP program, students must have a bachelor’s degree or be in their last semester before graduation. Students that successfully complete the program will receive a STEP certification, giving them an edge when they apply for substitute teaching positions.

“For those considering a career change to teaching, the STEP program is an excellent way to make an informed choice,” stated Alampi. “Our experienced instructors will help STEP students evaluate what grades they might be best suited to teach and will provide abundant resource material.”

For more information about the STEP program, contact Miquel Pigott at 860-512-2815, or email mpigott@manchestercc.edu.

Students of any age who possess the desire to pursue higher education are welcome at Manchester Community College. MCC is proud of its academic excellence, new facilities, flexible schedules, small classes, low tuition and faculty with both academic and “real world” credentials. The College offers over 60 programs, transfer options, financial aid and scholarships, as well as access to baccalaureate degrees through guaranteed admissions programs with several universities. MCC is situated on a park-like campus and is easily accessible from I-84.

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