How to Become a Substitute Teacher Guide

Substitute teaching is a great way to work with students on an as-needed basis. When regular teachers can’t make it to class, substitutes are hired to keep the ball rolling. They play a critical role in K-12 schools by ensuring that student education is not disrupted. If you’re wondering how to become a substitute teacher, keep reading to learn what it takes. 

See also: How to become a teacher

What does a substitute teacher do? 

A substitute teacher works for public school districts or private schools to offer support for classrooms by effectively managing and instructing the class while a teacher is absent. Substitute teachers will track attendance, administer tests or work, explain assignments and provide general supervision during the class time. 

1. Know your state’s requirements 

The path to becoming a substitute teacher varies depending on where you live. Different states have different requirements, some more stringent than others. For instance, substitute teachers in Connecticut are required to have a bachelor’s degree and teaching license. But in Indiana and many other states, only a high school diploma or GED is required to become a substitute teacher. Jump to our list below to view each state’s minimum education requirements.

Some requirements may include the following: 

• A GED, high school diploma, associate’s or bachelor’s degree 
• Background check 
• Physical exam 
• Professional references
• Trainings such as CPR and first aid 

2. Obtain the necessary education 

As you can see, there’s no nationwide standard for becoming a substitute teacher. The level of education you need depends entirely upon where you want to work. The most common education requirements include the following: 

High school diploma or GED

This is the minimum requirement for any substitute teaching position. Many states only require substitute teachers to possess a high school diploma or GED. But in other states, you’ll need more advanced credentials. Even in the states that just require a high school diploma, keep in mind that this is the bare minimum qualification. By gaining some college experience, you will likely have a better shot at employment. 

Associate degree or college credit 

Some states expect substitute teachers to have at least an associate degree. Associate degrees usually take two years to complete and can be earned at community colleges. Your area of study isn’t particularly important, but it would help to major in an education-related field. Alternatively, some states will accept a certain number of college credits in lieu of an actual degree. For instance, Nevada requires substitute teachers to have at least 60 credits of college-level coursework. 

Bachelor’s degree

Some states require substitute teachers to have a bachelor’s degree. While most full-time teachers have a degree in education, the type of bachelor’s degree becomes less important for substitute teachers. That being said, it’s helpful to major or minor in a field such as teaching, childhood education, elementary education, or secondary education. It can also be helpful to study an academic subject like history, biology, or English. The key is to make sure your degree is either education-related, or is a subject typically taught in K-12 schools.

3. Obtain a substitute teacher license (if necessary)

In some states, substitute teachers must have a license before they can start working. Among the states that issue substitute teaching licenses, many offer different types of licenses that dictate the parameters of the teacher’s work. For instance, Colorado offers three types of substitute authorizations — one-year, three-year, and five-year — based on educational background and experience. Check with your state’s Department of Education to learn more about license requirements in your area. 

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4. Apply to the substitute teacher pool 

Once you’ve met your state or school district’s substitute teacher requirements, it’s time to start applying for jobs. There are two main ways to go about this: 

Apply directly to a school or school district 

The first option is to apply for teaching positions directly with the school or school district you’d like to work for. This involves completing an application and submitting supporting materials such as a resume, list of references, and proof of certification. You can then expect to complete an interview and undergo a background check. If hired, you may also need to complete an orientation to learn about the specific school’s policies and procedures. 

Apply through a staffing agency 

The second option is to apply through an organization that serves as a staffing agency for schools. Some school districts rely on staffing agencies to help them recruit a qualified pool of substitute teachers. Just as you would if you were applying directly to a school district, you’ll need to upload your resume and other supporting documents. The only difference is that you’ll be applying through the agency’s website. If accepted to the agency’s substitute teaching pool, you’ll likely need to complete an orientation before you can begin working. 

Also see: What is the Praxis for teachers?

5. Start accepting assignments  

Unlike other jobs, substitute teachers don’t always begin work immediately after getting hired. Instead, they must wait to be notified of available assignments. Depending on the school district, this could come in the form of a phone call, email, text message, or notification on an online management system. Substitutes usually receive notification several weeks ahead of time. But in some cases, they receive notifications only a few hours before they’re needed. Of course, substitutes have the option of rejecting assignments if they’re not a good fit. 

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Substitute teaching requirements by state

Every state has its own set of regulations for the credentials required to substitute teaching. Below, we’ve classified each state’s rules into one of four categories. Find your state to figure out your requirements!

High school diploma or GED

To be a substitute teacher, applicants only need a high school diploma or GED in these states.

• Alabama
• Arkansas
• Colorado
• Delaware
• Florida
• Georgia
• Idaho
• Indiana
• Louisiana
• Maine
• Maryland
• Massachusetts
• New Hampshire
• New Mexico
• North Carolina
• South Carolina
• Wyoming

Associate Degree or at least some college credit

To be a substitute teacher, students must hold either an associate degree, or some college credit in these states.

• California
• Illinois
• Iowa
• Michigan
• Missouri
• Nebraska
• Nevada
• New Jersey
• North Dakota
• Rhode Island
• Virginia
• Wisconsin

Bachelor’s degree

To be a substitute teacher, students must hold at least a bachelor’s degree in the following states:

• Alaska
• Arizona
• Connecticut
• Kansas
• Kentucky
• Minnesota
• Ohio
• Oregon
• Pennsylvania
• Washington
• Washington, D.C.
• West Virginia

Requirements are set by the district

In the following states, the requirements for substitute teachers vary based on the school district. So, you’ll have to check in with your individual district to be sure.

• Hawaii
• Mississippi
• New York
• Oklahoma
• South Dakota
• Tennessee
• Texas
• Utah
• Vermont

This chart was created using data from the Substitute Teaching Division. For more information on substitute teaching requirements in your area, check with your state’s Department of Education.

Substitute teacher career overview

Below are some statistics pulled from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics providing an overview of a substitute teacher position. 

Frequently asked questions about being a substitute teacher