I would not go if they suggest this. You are the supervisor in charge of your students. Unless they provide you with another bonded teacher or substitute you are putting yourself at risk. this is a state credential issue. neglect of duties – its one of the criteria for revocation. While it was your principals idea, you are ultimately responsible for the kids in that class. Say something does happen – your district may disagree with your principal and find you neglected your duties. While this all sounds extreme, there are some things you don’t take chances with. Your principal has a responsibility also – not to put you in harms way.

Here is what it says in the california education code about aides:

An instructional aide shall perform only such

duties as, in the judgment of the faculty to whom the instructional aide is assigned, may be performed by a person not qualified as a classroom instructor……..An instructional aide need not perform such duties in the physical presence of the instructor but the faculty member shall retain responsibility for the instruction and supervision of the students in his or her charge.

Note that you retain responsibility for supervision. It says nothing about your principal. That is your group of kids. stay with em.

You should ask your principal. I would never leave my class unles it was under the care of campus security or another teacher.

btw how old is the aide?

* I would contact your Union on this matter. The principal might be wrong. So, don’t risk it!

I’m sorry I don’t know what your state laws are. I know we can in Missouri as long as the aide has had 60 hours of college credit. Subs have to have at least 60 hours for this reason as well.

it is not legal. a certified teacher must be in the room, even if it is a substitute. aides need clearances, but cannot be in charge or teach