Legal Responsibilities of Substitute Teachers
- Leaving Student Unattended: Substitutes should not leave students in classrooms unattended. Substitutes are responsible for students under their charge and are legally responsible for the welfare of these students.
- Missing Students: Missing students should be reported to the school office immediately.
- Corporal Punishment: Substitute teachers are not to administer corporal punishment.
- Child Abuse Reporting: Even suspected child abuse must be reported to the proper legal authorities. Substitutes who suspect child abuse should seek the guidance of school administrators.
- Confidentiality: Any request for information regarding students or families from outside school sources should be referred to the school principal. Substitute teachers need to be diligent in protecting the privacy rights of students and families.
- Students on Medication: Students are prohibited from taking medication without being under the immediate supervision of designated staff. Students who bring medications to class should be referred to the school office immediately.
- School Visitors: All schools require school visitors to report to the school office. If you observe individuals at the school who you believe are unauthorized, report them to the office immediately. Schools will provide visitors with visitor badges. If a parent/guardian calls or visits the school, welcome their contact and refer them to the principal.
- Weapons and Drugs: New Prague Area Schools has a zero tolerance policy regarding weapons and drugs in schools or on school premises. Any student suspected of being in possession of weapons or drugs or under the influence of drugs is in violation of policy and school administrators should be notified immediately.
- Release of Students: Students should not be released directly to anyone other than school personnel without the written permission or direction from office staff. Anyone who requests that a student be released to their care, and the substitute is uncertain about the legal authorization to assume custody of the student, the substitute should send the individual to the school office for written authorization before the student is released.
- Student Searches: Substitutes are not to conduct student searches.
- Injuries to Students: If any doubt exists in the mind of the substitute about moving an injured student, don’t move the student. The school office should be notified immediately for medical assistance. An observing student may need to be sent to the office for assistance while the substitute attends the injured student.