The Berks County Intermediate Unit (BCIU) offers a Guest Teacher Program for individuals interested in serving as substitute teachers in Berks County. The program is specifically created to offer individuals who have limited or no prior experience in a classroom setting the essential training required to become eligible as day-to-day substitute teachers. Individuals with a bachelor’s degree in any field from an accredited college or university can apply.
Through the BCIU Guest Teacher Program, participants learn about classroom management, lesson planning, special education services, the development and behavior of age groups, and how to deal effectively with today’s student population. Once through the training, paperwork, and permit approval process, a Guest Teacher becomes eligible to apply to work as a day-to-day substitute in any subject area and grade level for the academic school year in participating school districts across Berks County.
BCIU Guest Teacher Program graduate and current building substitute, Pam Van Luvanee, shares her experience, “I feel becoming a substitute teacher through the BCIU’s Guest Teacher Program has been a great adventure for me. It has provided me with the opportunity to be in the classroom. I love education and learning, and when you’re in the classroom, you are always learning. The BCIU has a great program that allows you to get your foot in the door.”
Mrs. Van Luvanee recommends the program for its flexibility and the ability to work with children to make an impact in their lives. “When subbing, you follow the lessons, keep the kids engaged, and keep them moving forward. It always feels good when you’re out and about and a student recognizes you as their substitute teacher and runs up to you to say hello.”
With staffing shortages experienced in schools across Pennsylvania, interested and qualified candidates can make a difference in their local community by becoming a substitute teacher through the BCIU’s Guest Teacher Program.
Guest Teacher training is offered at the BCIU Main Office in Muhlenberg Township, located at 1111 Commons Boulevard, Reading, PA 19605. The program fee is $25, which includes the cost of the two-day training and the initial emergency permit fee.
The deadline to apply for Fall 2023 is July 7, 2023. Winter and spring sessions are also available for the 2023-2024 school year. For information on how to apply, a list of participating school districts, and FAQs, visit: berksiu.org/about/employment/guest-teacher-program/.
