Girl Scouts Encouraging Volunteers, Staff To Show Love For Local School Districts

Girl Scouts of Central Indiana has launched a new initiative encouraging their large network of volunteers, board members, and staff to show their love for schools and become substitute teachers. All those interested in substituting for their local school districts will be reimbursed the cost of the Indiana Department of Education substitute teacher permit fee and if requested, any necessary background check fees.

“We love our educational partners, and we know the ongoing impact of COVID-19 continues to create stressors not only on teachers, but on the entire education system,” said Danielle Shockey, CEO of Girl Scouts of Central Indiana. “Here at Girl Scouts, we want to lift up and share the power of our extensive network, which includes more than 10,000 volunteers and 100 staff members, whose care for youth development is evidenced by their Girl Scout volunteerism, service, and employment.”

Once they receive their substitute teacher permit, Girl Scouts are encouraging their volunteers to substitute full time or for just a few days a month. Also, Girl Scouts of Central Indiana will release staff members from job duties for up to two days a month to be a substitute in their own school community. Girl Scouts has been working with the Indiana Department of Education to answer questions and prepare their volunteers, board members, and staff as they get ready to show their love for teachers in this very hands-on way.

“Keeping students safely learning in the classroom is a priority, as we know that in-person instruction provides the ideal learning environment for most students. In order to do this, there are often times when schools need additional support in the form of substitute teachers,” said Dr. Katie Jenner, Indiana Secretary of Education. “This new initiative launched by Girl Scouts of Central Indiana is not only innovative but has the potential to improve learning outcomes for the students it will impact. I commend them for identifying a need in our state and for being an active partner in finding solutions.”

Each school district in Indiana owns their own process for hiring substitutes, so interested volunteers, board members, and staff are encouraged to first follow directions from their local school districts then proceed through the process of securing the Indiana Department of Education substitute permit. To become a Girl Scout volunteer, visit www.girlscoutsindiana.org.

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Girl Scouts bring their dreams to life and work together to build a better world. Through programs from coast to coast, Girl Scouts of all backgrounds and abilities can be unapologetically themselves as they discover their strengths and rise to meet new challenges—whether they want to climb to the top of a tree or the top of their class, lace up their boots for a hike or advocate for climate justice, or make their first best friends. Backed by trusted adult volunteers, mentors, and millions of alums, Girl Scouts lead the way as they find their voices and make changes that affect the issues most important to them. To join us, volunteer, reconnect, or donate, visit girlscoutsindiana.org.