How to become a substitute teacher in Kentucky.

With a national teacher shortage impacting many states, the need for substitute teachers has never been greater. If you’re looking to help students achieve success, now is a great time to consider becoming a substitute teacher.

Kelly Education works with hundreds of school districts across the country to recruit and hire qualified substitute teachers, so we’re the experts in helping people understand what it takes to work in schools. 

These are  the requirements to become a substitute teacher in Kentucky. Remember, this is just a general outline and local school districts often set additional requirements beyond the state.  

Minimum Kentucky state requirements, at a glance*: 

• Certification: Substitute teacher certification 

• Education: Bachelor’s degree 

• Employment verification to work in the U.S. 

• Fingerprinting 

• Background check 

• A 64-hour teacher preparation program 

A deeper dive into substitute teacher requirements. 

Substitute teachers must have (or have previously held) a Kentucky teaching certificate. So, aspiring Kentucky substitute teachers meet the same requirements as the state’s full-time educators.  

Certification. 

Eligible candidates apply for a five-year substitute teaching certificate. To apply, access the Kentucky Educator Certification System (KECS) portal, complete the application, and submit a $15 processing fee. In-state teacher certifications should already be on file. Individuals with a teaching certificate from another state will need to submit additional materials (including a copy of their certification and college transcripts). 

Education verification.

To receive a substitute teaching certificate, you will need a bachelor’s degree with a minimum 2.5 GPA, submit proof of graduation from a Kentucky teacher preparation program (including the student-teacher internship), and pass any relevant PRAXIS exams.  

You should contact your college or university and request official transcripts early in this process, as these requests can take several days to process. The state asks that all official transcripts be submitted electronically to KDElicensure@education.ky.gov. Please note that colleges and universities typically request a small fee to process copies of your official transcripts. 

Employment verification.

All Kentucky substitute teachers must be eligible to work in the U.S. To prove eligibility, submit an I-9 form to your school district. This federal form requires copies of at least two valid identification credentials (such as your passport and driver’s license). 

Background check and fingerprinting.

Applicants undergo a background check and fingerprint screening to qualify for a KDE teaching certification. This background check must be less than a year old. If you recently completed your student-teaching experience, that school district likely has a copy on file. 

Training.

Substitute teacher candidates must undergo an approved 64-hour Kentucky educator preparation program. Out-of-state teacher training programs may qualify. 

Getting started as a substitute teacher. 

If you’ve graduated from college and have prior experience teaching, consider returning to the classroom as a substitute teacher in Kentucky. Visit your school district website or the Kentucky Certification website to learn more.

Have more questions about becoming a substitute teacher? Go to our Kelly Education career advice webpage to learn more about this rewarding profession. 

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