How to become a substitute teacher in Maine.

Maine schools need positive role models like you to become substitute teachers. You’ll get meaningful work experience, a flexible schedule, and the opportunity to inspire students. 

Kelly Education partners with school districts nationwide to recruit and hire qualified substitute teachers. So, we’re experts in understanding the substitute teacher hiring process. 

The Maine Department of Education (DOE) does not have statewide substitute teacher certification or credentialing. It also doesn’t require previous teaching experience. However, personnel with a prior teaching certification can fill vacant teaching positions on a longer-term basis than standard substitute teaching opportunities. 

Candidates can find out more in the substitute teacher job description provided by individual districts. Schools often include prerequisites beyond the state’s hiring minimum conditions. 

Minimum Maine state requirements, at a glance*: 

• Certification: None 

• Education: A high school diploma or equivalent 

• Age: 18 years old 

• Employment verification to work in the U.S. 

• Criminal History Record Check (CHRC) 

• Fingerprinting 

• Training: None, though individual districts or agencies may facilitate mandatory training 

A deeper dive into substitute teacher requirements.

Maine is a beautiful place to work, and state leaders are working hard to attract more education professionals, both full-time and substitute teachers, to the state. To become a substitute teacher, apply through your local school district and submit all related materials. Depending on your education, you will qualify for different substitute teaching opportunities. 

• Individuals with just a high school diploma may substitute in an emergency. Emergency substitute instructors may only teach for ten consecutive days in one teaching assignment and up to 60 total days per school year. 

• Individuals with at least two years of college credit can teach up to 60 days per school year. 

• Individuals with a prior teaching certification may substitute in their subject area with no time limit. 

Hiring timelines largely depend on your ability to gather application materials and complete the state’s screening. 

Education verification.

You must submit official transcripts to verify your previous education. Most schools assess a small fee (less than $20) for this service. Transcript requests generally take under a week to complete. Even though not necessarily a requirement, you should submit proof of all completed college-level coursework. This may expand your pool of potential substitute teaching opportunities and increase your daily pay. 

Employment verification.

All Maine education staff must be eligible for work in the United States.  To complete this step, you’ll submit an I-9 form with valid identification credentials. 

Background check and fingerprinting.

All substitute teachers will undergo a mandatory Criminal History Record Check (CHRC) and fingerprinting through the Maine DOE. Complete an application through the Maine Educator Information System (MEIS). You will be assessed a $15 processing fee and asked a series of background questions. Once completed, applicants will schedule a fingerprinting appointment at a local IdentoGO location. The IdentoGo processing fee is an additional $55. 

If there are no issues with your screening, the DOE should receive the results in two to three business days. Note: substitute teachers must be fingerprinted every five years without exception. 

Training.

Maine’s DOE does not require formal training for its substitute teachers. However, your employing school districts may facilitate an orientation session or require supplemental training courses. 

Apply to be a substitute teacher.

Are you seeking a rewarding career that won’t compromise a healthy work-life balance? Substitute teachers are essential to a thriving learning environment, and you can choose when and how often you work. 

Unsure where to start? We’ve got you covered. Visit our career advice so you can confidently enter the classroom. From substitute teacher dress codes to what to bring on your first day, Kelly Education shares everything you need to know about becoming a substitute teacher. 

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