How to become a substitute teacher in Michigan.

There are plenty of great reasons to consider becoming a substitute teacher in Michigan. It’s a highly flexible job that is also rewarding because it makes a difference.  

Kelly Education hires tens of thousands of substitute teachers across the country every year. So, we’re the experts in sharing the process and requirements needed to help you get into the classroom. 

The Michigan Department of Education (MDE) provides substitute teacher permits specific to the employing school district. These credentials are not transferable, and there are stipulations. 

Minimum Michigan state requirements, at a glance*: 

• Certification: Michigan substitute teacher permit 

• Education: Associate degree or 60+ college credit hours (2.0+ GPA) 

• Age: 18 years old 

• Employment verification to work in the U.S. 

• Background check 

• Fingerprinting 

In addition to the Michigan state requirements, Kelly Education requires: 

• Pre-hire training 

• New hire orientation 

A deeper dive into substitute teacher requirements.

The MDE issues various types of substitute teacher permits to support the different temporary staffing needs in Michigan schools.  

The MDE grants teaching permits to the employing school district. The credentials are not transferable between schools, and no hard-copy paper authorization exists.  

For routine, short-term teacher absences, districts obtain a standard Daily Substitute Permit. This credential allows a substitute teacher to fill that classroom for up to 90 calendar days. However, the school can pursue a Daily Substitute Permit Extension for an additional 90 days of coverage for more prolonged teacher vacancies.  

Other permits require a bachelor’s degree. Those substitute teachers can work in classrooms for up to a year. 

The state will assess permit candidates a one-time $45 fee per school year (even if several districts pursue a substitute permit for that applicant). Even though the school applies for the permit, candidates work closely with the hiring district or a Kelly Education recruiter to submit proof of qualifications. 

Education verification.

Candidates must contact their college or university and request official transcripts as soon as they want to pursue substitute teaching in Michigan. This process can take a few days and will include a small fee. 

Employment verification.

All Michigan substitute teachers must be eligible to work in the United States. Candidates will submit a federal I-9 form and copies of valid identification credentials to their employing district. If working in a Kelly Education partner district, a recruiter can answer any questions you have about this step. 

Background check and fingerprinting.

The MDE requires all educators to complete a background check and LiveScan fingerprint screening. In addition to the state’s required background check, individual schools can assess further screenings (including physical exams or drug tests).  

Training.

The MDE does not require formal statewide training for substitute teachers. However, all Kelly Education applicants are required to complete our pre-hire online ClassSmarts course. This training is free and takes less than 90 minutes. In this course, you’ll learn about topics like educator ethics, your legal obligations as a teacher, and classroom management techniques. 

Teachers in the Kelly Education network also attend our online New Hire Orientation module. This paid onboarding seminar covers our employment expectations and district-specific procedures and policies. 

Getting started with Kelly Education and our school district partners.

Substitute teaching is a rewarding opportunity. Are you ready to make a difference in Michigan schools? Fill out our brief interest form and one of our recruiters will contact you to answer your questions about our substitute teacher jobs near you!

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