How to become a substitute teacher in Kansas.

Interested in inspiring, coaching, and leading students toward success? If the answer is yes, we need people like you to become substitute teachers in Kansas. 

Each year, Kelly Education hires substitute teachers for thousands of schools across the country—including Kansas. So we’re experts in helping candidates understand the credentialing requirements. With your initiative and determination, you can be substitute teaching in no time! 

Below are the minimum requirements to become a substitute teacher in Kansas. Of course, individual districts may have more requirements above what the state has mandated. Typically, these requirements are noted in the job description. 

Minimum state requirements to become a substitute teacher in Kansas, at a glance:* 

• Certification: Kansas substitute teacher license – Degree or a minimum of 60 college credits 
• Alternative Emergency Certification – High school diploma or equivalent 
• Age: 18 years old 
• Employment verification to work in the U.S. 
• Fingerprinting 
• Background check 

In addition to Kansas state requirements, Kelly Education requires:

• Pre-hire training 
• New hire orientation 

A deeper dive into substitute teacher requirements.

The state of Kansas requires that substitute teachers obtain substitute teacher certification through the Kansas State Department of Education. There are a few ways to accomplish certification. 

Due to the shortage of educators, the Emergency Substitute License has an expanded, temporary modification for requirements. The education requirement has been reduced to a high school diploma and completion of free Greenbush emergency substitute training modules. The license is valid for the school year in which it is applied and expires on June 30. This temporary education qualification won’t be eligible for renewal after June 30, 2025. They can serve no more than 25 days in an assignment and up to 75 school days each semester in a school district. 

Applicants used to need at least 60 semester credits from a regionally accredited institution for the emergency license. For those meeting this threshold, the license must be renewed at the end of the school year issued. Each renewal thereafter is good for two years, and you can renew it in February of the year it expires.  

A Standard Substitute License is valid for five years. To obtain this license, you must hold a degree and have completed an approved teacher preparation program. (If you previously had a Kansas Teaching License, this requirement is satisfied.)  

The standard processing time is 4 – 8 weeks, and the licensing processing fees run $60-70. Applications cannot be expedited. 

Education verification.

Applicants must submit official transcripts from your high school or institutions of higher learning. There may be a small processing fee. It could also take a few days to a few weeks for the issuing institution to provide the transcript. 

Employment Verification.

Like most jobs, substitute teachers must provide proof that they can legally work in the U.S. To complete this step, you’ll submit an I-9 form with valid identification credentials. This form can be completed in just a few minutes. If working with Kelly Education, we’ll guide you through this process.

Background check and fingerprinting.

All applicants for an official license must submit one fingerprint card. This will be used for a background check with both the Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) and the FBI. Those who already have an active license are presumed to have cleared fingerprinting. The fingerprint background check cost $50.  

If a license expires, a fingerprint background check and background check fee is required for renewal. 

For substitute teachers working for a Kelly Education school district, a National Sex Offender registry check and county criminal check will be performed. 

Training.

Those applying for a Standard Substitute License must have completed an approved teacher preparation program. This is typically part of a degree program at a 4-year college or university with courses in content and pedagogy and a student teaching internship. 

As mentioned above, those obtaining the expanded emergency license must complete the free Greenbush training modules. 

Additionally, Kelly Education requires that all our substitute teachers complete a free pre-hire ClassSmarts online training. This covers important subjects such as ethics of teaching, legal obligations of educators, and classroom management techniques.  

New hires must also complete our New Hire Orientation module. This paid, online orientation is designed to acquaint new substitutes with Kelly Education and district procedures and policies. 

Getting started with Kelly Education and our school district partners.

Kelly Education helps thousands of people become substitute teachers each year. If you’re interested in teaching in one of our partner districts, we’ll guide you through the steps to reach your goal. 

Simply fill out our interest form, and a Kelly Education recruiter will contact you to discuss the process in more detail, answer any questions, and let you know what opportunities are available near you. We’re eager to help you start an exciting and rewarding career! 

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