1. School District of Amery
Substitute Handbook
School District of Amery

2. Welcome to the School District of Amery
This presentation is designed to be used as a guide to your success as a substitute teacher in the School District of Amery. The contents are arranged to guide you through different processes and help you find answers to issues that may occur.
We believe substitute teachers can be a positive influence for our students by adding variety and fresh approaches to our academic excellence. We sincerely hope the information included in this presentation will serve to stimulate greater goals for the District’s substitute teaching program.
Welcome to the School District of Amery

3. A Vital Part of Our District
As a substitute teacher, you are one of the most vital parts of our school system. It takes a special kind of person to be a successful substitute teacher – a person who honestly and earnestly cares about children, is patient, creative and versatile.
As you perform your work in the classrooms, you may find that you have suggestions that may contribute toward the improvement of our schools and we encourage you to submit all suggestions to any of the building Principals. We feel confident you will do everything possible to meet the high standards required for teaching in our schools and wish to extend our sincere and best wishes as you join us in providing outstanding educational programming to our students.
A Vital Part of Our District

4. Keith Anderson–Vice President Dale Johnson–Clerk Darren Van Blaricom–President Chelsea Whitley – Director Lynn Blomstrand-Treasurer
School Board Members

5. Administration James Kuchta- District Administrator
, ext. 272
Cheryl Wesle - Director of Pupil Services
, ext. 337
Shawn Doerfler - Principal, Amery High School
, ext. 233
Tom Bensen - Principal, Amery Middle School
, ext. 303
Oralee Schock - Principal, Amery Intermediate School
, ext. 277
Cheryl Meyer - Principal, Lien Elementary School
, ext. 262
Administration

6. Interested applicants for substitute teaching must submit:
Letter of interest for area(s) in which subbing is of interest
Completed application form or current resume
A minimum of three (3) letters of recommendation
Completed "Consent to Complete Criminal Background Check" form
Current Wisconsin DPI licensure
Application materials delivered in person to the District Office are preferred. 
Applications (including those mailed or ed) will be considered only if all requirements are included and may be delivered/sent to:
Human Resources School District of Amery 543 Minneapolis Avenue S Amery  WI  54001
Interviews of qualified candidates will be conducted throughout the school year.
Candidates must provide a copy of the District’s Substitute Teacher Handbook Completion Certificate as verification of review of this online handbook at the time of the interview.
Application Process

7. Eligibility to Substitute Teach
Only those persons on the active substitute list are eligible to substitute teach. The active substitute list is maintained by the Human Resources department.
The active substitute list is carried forward from year to year. Substitute teachers are responsible for notifying the Human Resources department of their desire to be removed from the active substitute list.
The School District of Amery reserves the right to deny any applicant. Completion of the substitute orientation does not guarantee substitute teaching positions. Further, substitute teachers may be terminated from service at any time.
Eligibility to Substitute Teach

8. DPI License/Personal Info
DPI Licensure
A current certification issued by the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction is required of all substitutes working in the School District of Amery. It is the responsibility of the individual substitute to ensure that licensure is current. Substitutes will be removed from the active substitute list if their license is not current.
Personal Information Updates
Substitute teachers are expected to contact the District Office with any changes regarding their phone number, mailing address, banking information, etc.
DPI License/Personal Info

9. Payroll forms are available in the District Office and must be completed and turned in by no later than the day following the first day worked as a substitute teacher.
Forms needed to be completed for payroll include :
W-4 Federal Tax Form
WT-4 Wisconsin Tax Form
I-9 Dept. of Homeland Security Form
Direct Deposit Authorization Form
Substitute compensation will be deposited electronically to the financial institution of their choice bimonthly, on or before the 5th and 20th of each month. If the 5th or the 20th falls on a weekend or on the District’s website a holiday, payroll will be issued on the Friday closest to the 5th or the 20th. For an outline of this year’s scheduled pay periods, go to: on the District’s website.
Payroll Reports (pay stubs) will be mailed to substitutes along with the appropriate timesheets that pertain to that pay period. Substitutes are encouraged to maintain a separate calendar of dates worked in order to ensure all dates worked in that pay period have been paid.
Payroll

10. School Day School Building Start Dismissal Lien Elementary School
(Early Childhood – Grade 2)
8:10 am
3:05 pm
Amery Intermediate School
(Grades 3 - 5)
8:00 am
Amery Middle School
(Grades 6 - 8)
8:05 am
Amery High School
(Grades )
3:07 pm
School Day

11. Substitute teacher should know what the school procedures are for dismissing students from the classroom, for escorting students to the bus or for parent pick up. At no time is a student to be dismissed without first obtaining permission from the school office.
Elementary and Intermediate substitute teachers are not considered off duty until all his/her students have been picked up at the end of the day.
Student Dismissal

12. General School Policies
Substitute teachers are encouraged to review the general school policies and procedures that are outlined in the School District of Amery’s annual school calendar and on the District’s website:
Calendars are available in any of the school offices or from the District Office.
General School Policies

13. Information obtained about students, including grades/performance must be kept confidential. It is against the law to disclose information contained in a student’s personal folder, a student’s grades or the fact that a student has a special need or disability. A substitute should assume and act as if any information learned about a student as a result of being a substitute teacher is confidential. In addition, personal information regarding other teachers should not be publicly disseminated. Substitute teachers are representatives of the entire School District of Amery.
Personal religious or political beliefs, philosophies and opinions may not be imposed upon the students. Substitute Teachers may not distribute religious, political or commercial materials to students without prior permission from the building Principal.
Classroom Ethics

14. At the beginning of each day of employment the substitute is to report to the office of the school in which he/she is to substitute.
NO visitors or guests (child or adult) may come to school with a substitute.
All substitute teachers are expected to arrive with enough time to prepare for the arrival of students and to remain on the job until all students have been picked up by parents, been put on the bus, or have otherwise been dismissed.
Substitutes are expected to remain on duty and in the school building during scheduled prep periods.
Duties & Expectations

15. Substitute teachers are expected to dress professionally and appropriately:
All substitutes should dress modestly and present a neat, clean appearance.
Blue jeans, sweat pants, sweatshirts and shorts should not be worn except for special activities as directed by the principal.
Blouses, shirts or tops that reveal the midriff or chest may not be worn.
Hats and caps are not appropriate for wear inside the buildings.
Clothing of any sort that contains a message that promotes alcohol, drugs, tobacco or any other type of message that may cause a disruption or disturbance in school may not be worn.
Clothing that contains obscene or suggestive language may not be worn.
Appropriate Attire

16. What to Expect from the Regular Teacher
Except in an unplanned absence, the regular classroom teacher should supply the following:
Lesson plans;
Materials necessary to teach lesson plans;
Class schedule and teacher schedule;
Class roll;
Seating chart;
Room committees;
List of students with special needs or disabilities, including students with a current 504 plan;
Location of supplies/materials; and
Name of nearby teachers who can be of assistance.
If you are substituting for an unplanned absence, the classroom teacher may not have had an opportunity to prepare all of the above listed information. If you have questions or need additional information in order to adequately carry out classroom lesson plans or procedures, then please contact the school office and/or building Principal as soon as possible.
What to Expect from the Regular Teacher

17. Classroom Management Skills
Be Prepared
Arrive early
Obtain needed administrative information
Become familiar with the classroom
Locate needed teaching material
Ask school Principal about extra duties (bus duty, lunch duty, etc…)
Take Charge of the Classroom
NEVER LEAVE STUDENTS UNATTENDED!
Start the class decisively
Take roll efficiently
Give directions concisely
Classroom Management Skills

18. Classroom Management Skills
Clarify Expectations Regarding Student Contact
Follow the classroom discipline plan
Give specific directions regarding desired behavior
Give specific and timely feedback about actual behavior
Circulate frequently through the classroom
Communicate the Significance of Learning
Minimize time spent on procedural matters
Require student attention and participation
Provide feedback to students about their work
Provide closure at the end of the class
Classroom Management Skills

19. Classroom Management Tips
Establish Clear Expectations as Soon as Students Arrive to Class
When students arrive to class, the substitute teacher should establish a teacher-student relationship as early as possible. Introduce yourself by your formal last name and tell the students that you will be their substitute teacher for the day.
The introduction is usually followed by many student questions. This is an excellent opportunity to establish who is in charge. Politely but firmly tell the class to hold their questions and immediately move on to the next homeroom task. By establishing and maintaining the flow of student-teacher interaction, the substitute teacher will have a much more productive day with less distractions.
Classroom Management Tips

20. Classroom Management Tips
The “Routine”
In some situations students will insist that their regular teacher performs a routine a certain way. Keep in mind that they often are telling the truth, but sometimes they will try to use ignorance of routine to get something they want. The substitute will have to use their own judgment in such situations. Just remember, stay in charge. If a routine becomes unpractical because of circumstances, politely but assertively remind the students that you are aware of the routines but you are their classroom teacher for the day and therefore there will be a change of plans. Most students will understand.
Enlist their help
Do not hesitate to ask your students to show you how they learned to stand in line or wait for papers to be passed out, etc. This is a great classroom management tip for substitutes specifically because students usually have some sense of pride in showing other people what they have learned, even if it is correct behavior learned from their regular teacher.
Classroom Management Tips

21. Classroom Management Tips
Your students know that they have a substitute teacher often before they even reach the classroom. Expect students to test your limits and the class rules. Utilize the student helpers and hold them to the highest standard of setting an example for all the other students.
Do not second guess yourself. If you do not want students to use the pencil sharpener during math class, then don't let them. If they tell you that their teacher always lets them sharpen their pencils whenever they want, calmly inform them that their regular teacher is not there and that your rule is to not have them using the pencil sharpener. If you second guess your own rules, the students will know they can push you on other rules as well.
Classroom Management Tips

22. Each substitute folder will include information on how to log into the classroom computer or use available technology (Promethean boards, etc.) as a substitute teacher. A “go to” person might also be designated to give you some assistance. Don’t hesitate to rely on those individuals for more information.
Check in with the building Principal if there are concerns that cannot be addressed by your “go to” person. He or she will ensure you have the guidance necessary to address your job responsibilities.
Use of Technology

23. Substitute teachers are encouraged to participate in the District’s Child Nutrition program. Substitutes may purchase meal tickets in the school office prior to the meal period.
School Meals

24. Medication should only be administered by the school nurse or other delegated and/or trained school personnel. Students should be sent to the school office to receive medications.
Medication

25. Money collected in the classroom (student fees, field trip payments, fundraisers, etc.) must be turned in to the school office by the end of the school day.
Substitute teachers should leave a detailed record of any money collected for the regular classroom teacher upon his/her return.
Money in the Classroom

26. Subbing in Special Education
Follow Lesson Plans Closely
Students will respond positively to consistency.  It is important to follow lesson plans closely.  
You Have a “Go To” Person
Each substitute folder should include a “go to” person as you will have questions about the day’s activities. Don’t hesitate to rely on those individuals for more information.
Call the Pupil Services Secretary at ext. 337 if there are concerns that cannot be addressed by your “go to” person. She will work with the Director to ensure you have the guidance necessary to address your job responsibilities during the day.
Subbing in Special Education

27. Subbing in Special Education
Student Emergency/Evacuation Plans
Several EEN students may have emergency/evacuation plans located in the substitute folder. Be sure to consult with the paraeducator assigned to your classroom to locate and read through these plans.
Behavior Plans and Reward Systems
Be sure to adhere to a behavior plan. If a few students are a bit out of line, be sure to let them know what they can do to fix their situation. If student behavior escalates, there is a plan for how the situation needs to be addressed. Be sure to consult with the paraeducator assigned to your classroom to locate and read through these plans.
Subbing in Special Education

28. Handling a Crisis Handling Accidents, Illnesses and Injuries
Become familiar with the location of the classroom’s emergency First Aid kit.
Use gloves and protective gear. Provide the injured student with tissue or paper towels, instructing them to hold it on their wound.
If appropriate, send the student to the school office for further care.
If the situation is an emergency, dial 9 – 911 from the classroom phone. Then notify the school office.
Do not administer medicine of any kind to students. (No aspirin, cough medicine, prescription or non-prescription drugs.)
If you or a student in your classroom is injured (no matter how insignificant the injury), then you must report the injury to the principal immediately.
Handling a Crisis

29. Each school and classroom has a copy of the District’s comprehensive crisis action plan. If you are not able to locate the classroom copy of the school’s emergency procedures when you arrive to substitute, please request this information at the school office.
Crisis in your classroom
Notify building principal immediately
Get help from a neighboring teacher (if possible)
Crisis in the school
Lockdown will be announced
Check hallway and bring any student into your classroom
Lock the classroom door
Direct students to a place that cannot be seen from doorway glass
Turn off the lights
Everyone should remain silent
Wait for Principal to announce “All Clear.”
Handling a Crisis

30. Handling a Crisis Safety/Evacuation Procedures
Familiarize yourself with your surroundings so that you know how to evacuate the class in the event of a fire drill or other emergency. Fire/weather drill routes are posted in all classrooms.
Know where the nearest exits are located.
Have a class roster to take with you as you evacuate building.
Handling a Crisis

31. Use the following procedures to appropriately deal with:
Blood (cuts & abrasions, nosebleeds, menses, contaminated needle)
Use proper First Aid procedures. Information is available in the school’s office. If able, have the injured person, upon instruction, clean their own wound.
Use disposable gloves when available. Remove gloves, put them in plastic bag, wash hands with soap for 15 seconds under running water using proper hand washing procedures. Dry with paper towels.
If no gloves are available, wash hands with soap for 15 seconds under running water. Dry with paper towels.
Feces, urine, vomit
Use disposable gloves. Remove gloves, put them in plastic bag. Wash hands for 15 seconds under running water. Dry with paper towels. If no gloves are available, wash hands with soap for 15 seconds under running water. Dry with paper towels.
Respiratory Secretions (saliva, nasal discharge)
Use disposable gloves. Remove gloves, put them in plastic bag. Wash hands for 15 seconds under running water. Dry with paper towels. If no gloves are available, wash hands with soap for 15 seconds under running water. Dry with paper towels.
Bloodborne Pathogens

32. Bloodborne Pathogens Follow-up
Rinse non-disposable items (towels) used to wipe up body spill and place in plastic bag. Use disposable gloves.
If presoaking is required to remove stains, use gloves to rinse or soak item in cold water prior to bagging. Use disposable gloves.
If it is necessary to change a child's clothing, the clothing containing body fluid should be placed in a sealed bag and sent home for laundering. Use disposable gloves to do this procedure.
Contaminated disposable items (tissue, paper towels) should be handled with disposable gloves.
Any non-disposable items contaminated by a body spill should be cleaned with soap and water and disinfected. Disinfectant should come from the building’s custodian.
Dispose of gloves in plastic bag. The custodian will dispose of plastic bags in a proper manner.
Bloodborne Pathogens

33. Policies/Procedures– Non-Discrimination
NON-DISCRIMINATION STATEMENT
The School District of Amery does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, qualified handicap or veteran.
EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES
The School District of Amery recognizes and shall abide by state and federal laws prohibiting discrimination in employment. Reasonable accommodations shall be made for qualified individuals with a disability or handicap, unless such accommodations would impose an undue hardship to the district. Application forms, hiring practices and personnel administration shall be periodically evaluated relative to equal opportunity employment.
Discrimination complaints shall be processed in accordance with established procedures. Ref: SDA § 511
Policies/Procedures– Non-Discrimination

34. Policies/Procedures -Telephones
CELL PHONE USE
Substitutes are not to operate cell phones while working with students unless the cell phone is being used to communicate directly with the school office or building Principal.
TELEPHONE USE
The Amery Board of Education believes that communication between the schools and families is of utmost importance. Telephones have been placed in buildings as a means of facilitating this line of communication.
Long-distance calls placed through the School District of Amery are identified by personal code numbers, which are issued to staff members. If a substitute teacher feels that a long-distance call is necessary, they should contact the school office to have the call placed and transferred if needed.
Policies/Procedures -Telephones

35. Policies/Procedures - Tobacco
TOBACCO ON SCHOOL GROUNDS
The Board of Education recognizes that tobacco use has been shown to be linked to illnesses and disability and tobacco use is particularly addictive to children and youth. Therefore, in compliance with state law, the following policy on smoking and tobacco use is adopted: No official or staff member shall take action that might encourage a student to smoke or otherwise use tobacco products. There shall be no smoking or other use of tobacco products in any school building or on school premises owned by, rented by or under the control of the Board. This includes vehicles, offices, shops, warehouses or other enclosed structures at any time, day or night, and applies during non-school events as well as during school-sponsored events. Ref: SDA § 831
Policies/Procedures - Tobacco

36. Policies/Procedures - Drugs
DRUG-FREE WORK PLACE
The School District of Amery is committed to maintaining a drug-free workplace. Therefore, the following activities and conduct by employees shall be strictly prohibited:
The illegal manufacture, distribution, dispensing, possession or use of controlled substances on school premises, during school-sponsored activities or in the workplace; and
The possession, use or distribution of alcoholic beverages on school premises or during school-sponsored activities.
Employees engaged in the performance of a grant received directly from the federal government shall, within the time period specified by law, notify the District Administrator of any criminal drug statute conviction occurring in the workplace. The District Administrator shall notify the appropriate federal agency of the conviction. Any employee who violates this policy shall be subject to disciplinary action up to and including termination of
employment in accordance with provisions of the current employee agreement or other procedures established by the Board and referral for prosecution. This policy shall be distributed to all employees of the District. In addition, inservice programs shall be held periodically which inform employees about the dangers of alcohol and other drug abuse in the workplace, the District's employee assistance program or other rehabilitation programs available, and
the penalties that may be imposed upon employees for violations of this policy. All employees are expected to abide by provisions of this policy. Ref: SDA § 522.1
Policies/Procedures - Drugs

37. District Policies - Technology
USE OF DISTRICT TECHNOLOGY
The School District of Amery provides access to many kinds of technology, including a computer network with Internet Access. Students, staff and community members are restricted to activities that promote the instructional mission of the school district. At all times the users of technology are expected to act in a responsible, ethical and legal manner in compliance with school district policy and state and federal law.
Individual users will be held accountable for their behavior and communication through the school district’s computer network. Users must realize the Internet and services are public and not private in nature. The district reserves the right to monitor and access users’ Internet and activities. School employees must sign an agreement to access the Internet and . Misuse of the technology may result in disciplinary action, revocation of the user’s account or legal action as appropriate. Ref: SDA § 865
District Policies - Technology

38. District Policies – Child Abuse
REPORTING CHILD ABUSE OR NEGLECT
In compliance with state law, the Board of Education encourages employees of the school district to report promptly any suspected abuse or neglect of any student to their immediate supervisor or to the District Administrator. The report may be made by telephone, in writing, personally or any other means prescribed by the department. In that state law provides that persons exercising good faith in the making of a report or allowing access to a child by persons authorized to investigate a report shall have immunity from liability, the Board of Education will grant its support to any employee making such good faith reports according to the requirements of the law.
District Policies – Child Abuse

39. Policies/Procedures - Weapons
WEAPON-FREE SCHOOLS
It shall be unlawful for any person, except a peace officer or other person authorized by the Board, to have a firearm or weapon in his/her possession on any School District property or while in any school bus or vehicle used by the school for transportation of students or teachers. No person shall possess, use, or store a weapon or look-alike weapon in school buildings, on school grounds, in school vehicles or at school-sponsored activities, except as otherwise specifically provided. A dangerous weapon or look-alike weapon is defined by state statute to include, but not be limited to, guns, electric weapons, knives, except a pocket knife with a blade of less than 2.5 inches in length, metallic knuckles, martial arts equipment, or any other object which is capable of inflicting bodily harm, property damage, or which endangers the health and safety of students and staff. Ammunition and explosives are included within the weapons category. Ref: SDA § 833
Policies/Procedures - Weapons

40. Policies/Procedures - Harassment
The School District of Amery is committed to creating and maintaining a school environment in which all students, employees and volunteers are treated with respect and are free from harassment.
A. Harassment Description:
Harassment, including sexual harassment, is verbal or physical conduct or abuse that has the purpose or effect of creating an intimidating, hostile or offensive working or learning environment, or interferes with the individual’s work or learning performance. Harassment can include many different types of behavior. What makes behavior harassment in a particular case is (1) that the behavior is directed toward a person’s membership in a protected class, e.g., sex, race, disability, and/or (2) the behavior is pervasive or severe that it interferes with the person’s performance or creates an intimidating, hostile, or offensive environment.
Harassment may include, but is not limited to conduct relating to an individual’s age, sex, race, creed, national origin, color, marital status, pregnancy, disability, sexual orientation, or other protected status.
B. Prohibitions:
Harassment by a student, employee or volunteer of the district is strictly forbidden. A student, employee or volunteer of the School District of Amery shall not harass another person at the school or at any other location when he/she is on school business or while he/she is attending a school-sponsored function. A student, employee or volunteer of the School District of Amery shall not harass another person through the use of the school district’s communications equipment. The district shall take action to protect all students, employees and volunteers from all types of harassment. All those involved with the School District of Amery have a responsibility to contribute to a respectful school environment. The district encourages, expects and appreciates cooperation in implementing this policy. Ref: SDA § 411.1
Policies/Procedures - Harassment

41. Policies/Procedures – School Closings
EMERGENCY SCHOOL CLOSINGS
The District Administrator or his/her designee shall have sole authority to close school due to inclement weather or other emergency. Emergency school closing announcements shall be released through radio stations WCCO and WXCE, and WCCO (4), KSTP (5), KMSP (9) and KARE (11) television. The District Administrator may, after consulting with the Transportation Supervisor, close all public schools served by the district's transportation program when the safety of students is questionable Ref: SDA § 723.3
Policies/Procedures – School Closings

42. Policies/Procedures – Video Cameras
VIDEO CAMERAS IN BUILDINGS
Video cameras are used at all times for security purposes in all buildings. Employees are expected to be aware that video recordings may be used as evidence for any discipline or legal action. Cameras will be used in accordance with the Bargaining Agreement between the School District of Amery and NUE.
Policies/Procedures – Video Cameras

43. If a significant complaint in regard to a substitute teacher’s performance or behavior is received, then the substitute will be contacted by the appropriate building Principal either by phone or by mail. If the behavior reported amounts to a serious breach of duties, the substitute will be removed or suspended from the Active Substitute List. The substitute will be notified by phone or by mail of the action taken and the reason for the action. If the complaint/concern is less serious, then the substitute will be asked to come in for a conference. At this conference, the nature of the complaint will be discussed and appropriate actions to address the problem will be decided. If continued complaints are received, then the substitute teacher will be removed from the Active Substitute List. Reinstatement to the Active Substitute List will be made only upon the recommendation of the Superintendent.
An individual school may request that a substitute teacher be restricted from substituting at that school. If the basis for restricting a substitute from a school is reasonable, then the request will be honored.
Depending on the circumstances and the nature of the reason for the restriction, the substitute may or may not be notified of the restriction. If several schools request restriction of the same substitute, the substitute is subject to being removed from the Active Substitute List. The substitute will be notified, either by phone or by mail that such removal has occurred.
Concerns/Complaints

44. The following list contains examples of some actions that may subject a substitute to immediate removal.
Using profanity in the presence of students;
Endangering students by leaving them unattended for inappropriate amounts of time or by falling asleep in the classroom;
Making sexually or racially inappropriate oral/written comments or displaying inappropriate graphic or physical conduct, or subjecting students to racial or sexual harassment;
Using alcohol, tobacco or unlawful drugs on school premises;
Insubordination;
Willful violation of school rules/regulations;
Willful refusal to follow instructions and or lesson plans left by the classroom teacher; or
Any other inappropriate behavior.
Immediate Removal

45. Lien Elementary School

46. Amery Intermediate School

47. Amery Middle School

48. Amery High School

49. Thank You We appreciate your interest in becoming a Substitute Teacher
with the School District of Amery.
I have reviewed this online Substitute Teacher Handbook. By clicking on the button below, I am confirming that I have read and understand the information provided in this handbook and wish to generate a Completion Certificate that I will present at my interview.
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