Career Services will work with EduStaff to give substitute teacher certification to students. Matthew Kendrick | Collegian

Students can become certified Michigan substitute teachers in a workshop held by Career Services Jan. 24.

Career Services will be working with EduStaff, a Michigan-based K-12 substitute staffing agency, to teach and provide the certification for anyone wishing to teach as a substitute in 2025, according to Sharon Rupp, director of employer relations for Career Services. 

“EduStaff is conducting the workshop,” Rupp said. “Students are also required to be fingerprinted to complete the process to be certified.”

Any students who complete the workshop and fingerprinting will be able to act as a substitute teacher anywhere in the state of Michigan, Rupp said. 

She said there are several possible benefits to participating in the workshop. 

“This is a great opportunity for students as they will get exposure to culture and school environment, develop classroom management and communication skills, including following lesson plans, build confidence and network within the school district for future teaching opportunities,” Rupp said. 

Senior Maggie Baldwin, an English major, also said substitute teaching is beneficial for any students who hope to teach. 

“I think a substitute teacher will encounter the most difficult parts of teaching, so it’s not for everyone,” Baldwin said. “But for students who know they want to teach, it is a great opportunity to learn the hardest lessons about teaching first, and thus build up valuable experience before they run their own classrooms.” 

Rupp said while substitute teaching pays in experience, it is also a great source of income to students. 

According to Rupp, there are a few hours of prep work necessary to do prior to the workshop, so it is best if students sign up as soon as possible.

The workshop will take place at 12 p.m. Jan. 24 in the Elizabeth Hoynak Archive Center. Students can register for the event on Handshake.

“Given the college no longer has an accredited teaching program, this provides evidence of the student’s interest in the teaching field and builds skills required to be a teacher,” Rupp said.