What is an emergency substitute teacher permit or license?

Getting an emergency substitute teaching permit is an excellent way for professionals or retirees to support students in their community, make some extra money, or check out a teaching career before pursuing teaching certification. 

Why are emergency permits given? Many states are experiencing teacher and substitute teacher shortages. So, their departments of education allow emergency substitute teaching permits or licenses.  

These temporary certifications may last 30 days or an entire year. It depends on the needs of your state. However, either you or your school districts can resubmit applications for permit renewal if you want to continue to substitute teaching within their schools. 

How do you obtain an emergency substitute teacher permit or license?

Though requirements vary by state, typically anyone with a bachelor’s degree can get an emergency substitute teacher certification. Other states require a high school diploma or equivalent with some level of college credit.  

States offer different types of emergency substitute teaching permits, including: 

• Long-term substitute teaching with educational obligation 

• Long-term substitute teaching without educational obligation 

• 30-day emergency substitute teaching 

• Day-to-day substitute teaching 

• Teacher cultural/exchange 

• Classroom monitoring permit 

• Emergency designated subject career technical 30-day permits 

What is involved in getting an emergency substitute teaching permit?

The first step in obtaining an emergency substitute teaching permit is finding out the requirements. You can search for your state’s department of education online, contact the school district where you want to work, or ask the staffing agency that hires your district’s substitute teachers. They will take you through the hiring process. 

You must follow the application guidelines for the state where you will work. Your application cannot be processed if you do not submit all the required documents. Most states require the following: 

• Completed application with signature 

• Criminal background check and fingerprinting 

• Employment verification to work in the U.S. 

• Official college transcripts that show you have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited university 

• Application fee. Costs can range from $50 to $100, sometimes more. 

Different states and school districts may require additional materials, such as references, health screenings, proof of other certifications, specific training, or further background information. 

Requirements by state.

Not all states offer emergency substitute teaching certificates. But all states DO need substitute teachers! Check out our full list of basic requirements by state. 

Here are just a few examples of states that offer these special permits: 

Alabama 

Florida 

Georgia 

Missouri 

Texas 

Wisconsin 

Training when you work for Kelly Education.

Before hiring, Kelly Education requires our substitute teachers to complete our free ClassSmarts online training that takes less than 90 minutes. Once hired, Kelly Education substitute teachers must complete our paid New Hire Orientation. This one-hour virtual session details Kelly Education and the district’s substitute teaching policies. 

Grow with Kelly Education.

If you want to explore a career path in teaching, make extra money, help your local school district with a teacher shortage, or make a difference in students’ lives, getting an emergency substitute teaching certification may be an option worth considering.  

We also have a library of helpful articles for substitute teachers. They include: 

• Classroom management for substitute teachers 

• What not to do as a substitute teacher 

• Complete guide to becoming a substitute teacher 

Interested in joining our team? Fill out our brief interest form and one of our recruiters will contact you to answer your questions and share more about opportunities to become a substitute teacher with one of our school district partners.  

* Information subject to change. This is a general guideline. School districts may have more requirements, in addition to state requirements.

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