How to become a substitute teacher in Idaho.

If you’re interested in becoming a substitute teacher in Idaho, the statewide requirements are minimal. The Idaho Board of Education does not issue certificates for substitute teaching, you must be at least 18 years old, have a high school diploma or equivalent, and pass a fingerprinting and background check.  

Minimum Idaho state requirements, at a glance*: 

• Age: 18 years old 

• Education: High school diploma or equivalent 

• Fingerprinting and criminal background check 

A deeper dive into substitute teacher requirements.

In Idaho, districts can and often do establish their own credentialing criteria for substitute teachers beyond what the state requires. For example, a district may set the minimum age at 21 or require that substitute teachers work a certain number of times during the school year. In larger districts, substitute teachers may be required to have temporary certification or an associate or bachelor’s degree. Others may require applicants to complete online training or take an orientation course. 

Since requirements vary from district to district, be sure to check the specific criteria listed in the job description. You may find that you qualify for some positions but not for others. 

Education requirements.

All substitute teachers in Idaho must have a minimum of a high school diploma or equivalent. However, to work in a charter school classroom, you must have a bachelor’s degree. 

You’ll need to request and submit official transcripts to verify your education. Most schools and institutions charge a small fee (less than $20). Transcript requests generally take under a week to complete. 

Background check and fingerprinting.

Idaho legislation requires that all educators submit to a background check and fingerprinting. You can do this through the Idaho State Police Bureau of Criminal Identification, the FBI, or the Statewide Sex Offender Registry. Some school districts assist you with this process. 

To do so yourself, request a fingerprint card from the Idaho Department of Education and then have your fingerprints taken at a local police station or sheriff’s office. Submit the card along with the required documents to the Idaho DOE. The fee is about $30. 

Employment verification.

All applicants in Idaho must complete an I-9 form to verify their employment eligibility and prove they can legally work in the state. It takes just a few minutes to fill out. You’ll need to submit one to two forms of acceptable ID with your completed form. 

Training.

The state of Idaho doesn’t require any special training to become a substitute teacher. However, many districts require that new substitute teachers attend some form of training or orientation. 

Getting started as a substitute teacher.

Check out the school district’s website for the job description and details about how to apply to be a substitute teacher.  

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 more requirements, in addition to state requirements.