Substitute teacher training offered at SEMO in Sikeston

SIKESTON — The Sikeston Southeast Missouri State University campus will host a brand-new in-person substitute teaching program.

The Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, or DESE, authorized curriculum was developed by Dr. Rodney Pensel, director of Field Experiences at SEMO, and covers 15 modules in the 20-hour, three-day course, which costs $180. The SEMO-Sikeston campus will host a training from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Sept. 12-14.

Madawn Traxel, who also serves as an instructor in the Education Field Placement Office and coordinates the substitute teacher training sessions, said the following subjects are included in the course material:

professionalism, confidentiality, legal responsibilities, student engagement, honoring diversity classroom management, basic instructional strategies, supporting students with special needs and how to effectively support all students.

According to Traxel, a different presenter covers material each day, interacts with participants and makes genuine connections to their prior experience as a school teacher, principal or superintendent. 

“After each presentation of topic, the participants take an online quiz to report to DESE that they have completed that portion of the material,” Traxel said. 

The curriculum was designed, authorized and then taught for the first time in June at East Prairie, Missouri, after local superintendents requested help from SEMO due to their shortage of substitute teachers, according to Traxel.

Since then, Traxel said, they have provided trainings in New Madrid, Missouri, Cape Career and Technology Center, and Cape Central Office and they will now host one in Sikeston and Jackson this month.

“We hope to host one in October at Three Rivers College in Poplar Bluff as well,” Traxel said. 

According to Traxel, there has been a 100% participant retention rate up to this point. 

“Those who start their training on the first day have completed the third day of training with comments like: ‘This has changed my life’ or ‘I would never have been able to complete this online’ or ‘I love the interaction of the course,’” said Traxel. “Highlights of the course are the relationships formed and created with individuals who care for our area’s children and each other.” 

According to Traxel, good people want to assist where they can, and teaching or filling in as a substitute teacher is an excellent way to fulfill that need.

Before enrolling, a person must graduate from high school with a diploma or the equivalent of a GED certificate, said Traxel.

“We will assist them with the rest once they are registered for the course,” Traxel said.

Over 50 people have completed the two training courses thus far, said Traxel, and 35 people have registered for the two in September. 

Additionally, Traxel said there are over 50 people on the wait list who have expressed interest, and they are working with each person to get them in the right location on a date that suits them.

Those who are interested in the 20-hour, three-day course should email Traxel at metraxel@semo.edu.