Replacement/ Substitute Teaching Staff
When You Need a New or Replacement Teacher
The CIS instructor application process includes documentation of support from the school. Please expedite the process by submitting your materials promptly.
It is ideal when, in cases such as a planned retirement, the replacement/applicant may begin to attend CIS professional development with the teacher, and the teacher begins to mentor their replacement as much as 12-15 months ahead. Typically, teachers are approved to teach one new U of M course per academic year.
Contact Jan M. Erickson (j-eric1@umn.edu; 612-624-9898) or Koleen Knudson (kknudson@umn.edu; 612-301-1853) with questions.
When You Need a Long-Term Substitute Teacher
Notify the CIS office as soon as possible of all teacher absences you expect to last 11 or more consecutive class days. CIS may be able to provide the names of former CIS instructors who are qualified to teach a particular course and who may be willing to step in during an emergency or family leave situation.
If a former CIS instructor isn’t available, please remember that all other substitute teachers need to apply and be approved to teach a U of M course in the same way your regular CIS instructor did.
CIS faculty coordinators will provide the long-term substitute teacher with training, mentoring, and support to ensure that the approved syllabus for the University course continues to be followed and that appropriate assessment, grading, and pedagogy are employed. If, however, the faculty coordinator and CIS director determine that the course does not maintain U of M quality, CIS may withdraw U of M credit from the class. Although reluctant to take this step, CIS must be able to maintain the trust of its partner academic departments at the U of M.
Student Teachers
Student teachers are not allowed to teach U of M courses through CIS. CIS instructors should consult with their faculty coordinator to determine potential contributions or roles, such as guest speaker, that a student teacher might take on.