Community Partner Volunteer Substitute Program

Keeping our classrooms open for in-person learning, which is crucial for our students, is proving to be challenging through the DPS staffing shortage. In addition to DPS central staff filling classroom needs, we need community support to keep our schools open for our students.

DPS is currently looking for volunteer substitute teachers for all grades and volunteer substitute paraprofessionals for Early Childhood Education (ECE) and Special Education (SPED) programs.

Substitute Teacher Requirements

• High school diploma or higher degree of education
• Substitute teacher authorization
  • Colorado Department of Education (CDE) Substitute Teaching Authorization (one, three or five-year license) OR
  • A receipt from CDE showing you have applied for a substitute authorization and completed CDE’s fingerprint-based background check process

Substitute Paraprofessional Requirements

• High school diploma or higher degree of education, plus 48 college credit hours or passing EdReady test (supported by DPS)

1. Fill out and submit the Community Volunteer Interest Form.
2. Complete a free DPS background check through the link emailed to you. This background check is valid for one school year.  If you plan to continue after a year, you will need to complete a new background check.

For substitute teachers:

1. Renew your teaching license OR obtain substitute authorization through the CDE. Select “yes” when asked if you have completed fingerprints. This will allow you to move forward and complete the application. You will have 30 days to schedule and complete your fingerprints at a CDE-approved location.
2. Email Lacey_Nelson@dpsk12.org with a copy of your teaching license or substitute authorization. Use “Community Volunteer Program” as the email subject line.

Once you are approved to substitute teach, you will receive an email from our Volunteer Substitute Program with sign-up options for specific school support.

Thank you for supporting DPS in putting Students First.