Do you need a degree to be a substitute teacher?

The state and district where you work set the requirements for whether you need a degree to be a substitute teacher. Every state approaches the minimum education standard for substitute teaching differently. 

• Some states accept a high school diploma, while others expect a bachelor’s degree—or at least steady progress toward one. 
• States and districts may also set different degree requirements for daily, emergency, or long-term substitute teachers. 
• Most states have additional requirements, like background checks, to work in any preK-12 education job. 

At Kelly Education, we hire substitute teachers for thousands of schools across the country. We guide prospective substitute teachers through every step of the hiring process.

Substitute teacher education degree requirements.

Every state sets different policies based on the needs of their population and available education workforce. 

• Minimum education qualifications range from a high school diploma (or equivalent) to a bachelor’s degree. Approximately 40% of U.S. states require at least some college coursework or a bachelor’s degree. 

• Visit your state’s Department of Education website or review guidelines from a trusted resource like Kelly Education to help you navigate the requirements. 

• Note that school districts can require more education credentials than the state’s minimum threshold. 

Florida, South Carolina, Texas, and Maryland all allow substitute teachers to work with a high school diploma or equivalent. 

Georgia, Missouri, and Minnesota allow substitute teachers with some college credit, while Wisconsin says you need a degree to be a substitute teacher–a bachelor’s degree. 

Other state minimum requirements.

Many states require an official license, permit, or certification. Some don’t. Almost all require school districts to follow some minimum rules in hiring. 

The process often includes an application, background check, fingerprinting, and associated fees. Several states mandate completion of a training program. Some states issue substitute teaching permits, while others allow local school districts to set their own standards. This means that qualifications may vary even within the same state. 

Whether by state or district, you may find that there are different requirements for being a short-term or long-term substitute teacher. Many states also have a role called emergency substitute teacher. Emergency substitute teachers often get a temporary permit and have relaxed educational requirements. 

Substitute teaching sparks skills and success.

So while in some states, you need a degree to be a substitute teacher, in other states substitute teaching can be a great way to get paid and gain classroom experience while you work toward your degree, if your state allows. It’s always helpful to have (or be working toward) a degree in math, science, or other subject when substitute teaching higher level courses—especially in a long-term capacity. Some school districts even offer tuition reimbursement programs to help you reach your educational goals faster. 

Beyond meeting state requirements, substitute teaching offers more than just a job—it provides valuable experience, career exploration, and skill development. 

Substitute teaching provides an excellent way to explore whether a full-time teaching career aligns with your long-term goals. Many who start as substitute teachers discover a passion for education and pursue further credentials or advanced degrees. 

Substitute teaching builds valuable skills that extend beyond the classroom. Effective communication, adaptability, and problem-solving are all essential qualities that you can develop on the job. These skills not only help you in educational settings, but also transfer to other professional opportunities. 

Ready to take the next step? 

Do you need a degree to be a substitute teacher with Kelly Education?

Kelly Education works with each of our substitute teacher candidates to make sure they have the right state and district qualifications to work in classrooms. If you don’t, we’ll help you look for a different role with our partner districts. You might consider a paraeducator or support staff role in schools. These, too, are meaningful jobs that make a difference. 

No matter the role, Kelly Education provides: 

• Training: We help substitute teachers and support staff feel ready before entering a school. 

• Flexible scheduling: Choose assignments that fit your life. 

• Support and professional development: Ongoing access to expert resources. 

Grow as a substitute teacher with Kelly Education.

A substitute teaching career allows you to inspire students while maintaining a schedule that works for you. It all starts with a single step. Whether you’re looking for extra income, a flexible schedule, or a way to give back to your community, substitute teaching can be a rewarding career path. 

When you work with Kelly Education, we provide training before you ever enter the classroom. Also, we have an entire library of helpful articles for substitute teachers and up-to-date job postings from across the country. 

Do you want to prepare for the classroom? Start here: 

• Classroom Management for Substitute Teachers 
• What Not to Do as a Substitute Teacher 
• Complete Guide to Becoming a Substitute Teacher 

 If you think someone you know would make a great substitute teacher, have them fill out our interest form. A recruiter will contact them, answer any questions they have, and tell them about opportunities in their area to work with one of our district partners. 

I’m interested