Skills That Get You Requested at Des Moines Public Schools
Learn the exact tactics that make Des Moines Public Schools administrators put your name on the preferred list. Practical skills in control, pacing, and student engagement that actually move the needle on callbacks and long-term work.
60
Schools
33,000
Students
$105
Daily Rate
About Des Moines Public Schools
Des Moines Public Schools serves 33,000 students across 60 schools in Des Moines, Polk County County (City-Midsize, grades PK-12). Substitutes typically earn $105 per day. NCES District ID: 1907380.
Des Moines Public Schools at a Glance
60
Schools
33,000
Total Students
$105
Daily Rate
PK-12
Grades
How to Build the Skills That Get You Priority at Des Moines Public Schools
Learn what Des Moines Public Schools actually rewards
The subs they re-request keep order, keep instruction moving, and leave zero notes about problems. That's the bar.
Install control systems that work at scale
Voice, proximity, and transition tactics proven with hundreds of kids per day across 60 schools. These transfer instantly.
Close every room like a referral
Reset the space + one concrete note on what went well. Reputation compounds faster than any other factor in large districts.
Show up prepared for their specific grades
Have 3-4 grade-band specific engagement resets ready. Preparation that shows turns into preferred status.
State Minimums (Then Exceed Them)
Required
Education Requirements
Since 2019, Iowa requires substitute teachers to hold a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited college or university. Previously, a lesser credential was accepted, but updated regulations raised the minimum education standard. Official transcripts verifying degree completion must be submitted with the application.
Background Check
Iowa mandates a comprehensive criminal background check for all substitute teacher applicants, including fingerprinting through the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation and the FBI. The background check must be completed before a Substitute Authorization can be issued. Results are reviewed by the Board of Educational Examiners.
Age Requirements
Applicants for substitute teaching in Iowa must be at least 21 years of age. This requirement is tied to the bachelor's degree mandate and ensures candidates have sufficient maturity and academic preparation for the classroom.
Application Process
Candidates apply for a Substitute Authorization through the Iowa Board of Educational Examiners (BoEE) online portal. The application requires submission of official transcripts, background check clearance, and payment of the applicable fee. Processing times vary, and applicants are encouraged to apply well in advance of the school year.
Substitute Authorization
Iowa issues a Substitute Authorization credential through the BoEE that permits holders to serve as substitute teachers in any Iowa school district. The authorization is valid for five years and is renewable. Holders of a valid Iowa teaching license do not need a separate Substitute Authorization.
Frequently Asked Questions
Related Resources
This is skills-based professional development training only. It does not constitute state certification, a teaching license, or a guarantee of employment or assignments. All substitute teaching authorization and certification is issued exclusively by government/state/provincial/district authorities.
This is skills training. Des Moines Public Schools and all districts make independent hiring and assignment decisions. No employment guarantees. Actual substitute teaching authorization/certification is issued solely by state and district authorities.
Develop the Edge Des Moines Public Schools Subs Need
Practical skills that help you stand out and get called back more often at Des Moines Public Schools.
Substitute Teacher Training provides practical skills development and resources to help substitute teachers perform more effectively in the classroom. Actual substitute teaching authorization, certification, permits, and credentials are issued exclusively by government/state/provincial/district education authorities. Decisions about hiring, pay rates, assignments, and any required credentials are made solely by schools, districts, and state education authorities. Completion of our courses results in a Certificate of Completion for professional development purposes only. We do not issue, approve, or guarantee any form of certification or employment.