How to become a substitute teacher in Alaska.

The minimum state requirements to become a substitute teacher in Alaska are highlighted below. Keep in mind that local school districts often have different requirements from what’s required at the state level. 

Minimum Alaska state requirements, at a glance*: 

• Certification: None for short-term substitute teachers 

• Education: High school diploma or equivalent 

• Employment verification to work in the U.S. 

• Background check 

A deeper dive into substitute teacher requirements.

Alaska classifies substitute teaching assignments as short-term and long-term. Long-term assignments require substitute teachers who hold an Alaska teaching certification, whereas short-term assignments require no special credentialing. Outside of that, the minimum requirements to substitute teach in Alaska can vary quite a bit between school districts. 

Certification.

Alaska does not require a substitute teacher certification for assignments that are 19 days or less. Assignments that are 20 days or longer are classified as long-term assignments and require a long-term substitute teacher. Long-term substitute teachers are required to hold one of the following valid Alaska teaching certificates: 

• Initial two- or three-year teacher certificate 

• Professional teaching certificate 

• Five-year initial teaching certificate 

• Out-of-state professional teaching certificate 

• Reemployment teaching certificate 

• Master teaching certificate 

If you’re a substitute teacher who would like to become a long-term substitute, then you’ll likely apply for an initial two- or three-year certification. An initial two- or three-year teacher certification is the required certification for all candidates with less than two years of teaching experience. 

Candidates must apply for certification online. It can take 12 to 14 weeks to process first-time applications. 

Education verification.

Certain school districts only require a high school diploma or equivalent to become a substitute teacher in Alaska. Others require a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution to teach, while others require some level of college credit or the passing of a paraprofessional exam. 

Even if only a high school diploma or equivalent is required, it’s best to provide verification for your highest level of education. Allow up to a week to receive education verification documents. Most institutions charge a small fee to process requests for a copy of your high school diploma/equivalent or college transcripts. 

Employment verification. 

All Alaska substitute teachers must be authorized to work in the U.S. Candidates are asked to complete and submit an I-9 form to the school district as part of the employment verification process. Expect to submit one to two forms of acceptable ID with your completed form. 

Background check and fingerprinting.

Applicants must pass a criminal history background check to substitute teach in Alaska. Background checks for short-term substitute teachers are handled at the school district level. 

Substitute teachers who apply for a teaching license to become long-term substitutes will be subject to a fingerprint-based background check completed by the Alaska Department of Public Safety (DPS) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). 

Training. 

Alaska has no state-mandated training to become a short-term substitute teacher. Many districts do have their own mandatory training requirements for candidates. Visit your school district website for more information. 

Health screenings.

Though it’s not state-mandated, some Alaska school districts require you to complete a health questionnaire and a physical examination to substitute teach. If you work for a school district that requires a physical, be sure to take the physical exam instructions with you to the appointment so you get what you need and don’t waste your time or money having to go back for a second time. 

Getting started as a substitute teacher.

To apply to become a substitute teacher, go to your school district website and the Alaska Department of Education & Early Development website for more information. 

Want more information about the role of a substitute teacher? Visit our career advice webpage. From substitute teacher dress codes to what to bring on your first day, Kelly Education shares everything you need to know about substitute teaching. 

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