How to become a substitute teacher in Wisconsin.

When you become a substitute teacher in Wisconsin, you have the chance to positively impact your community. Substitute teachers fill vital gaps in classrooms so that students can continue learning when their teacher is absent.  

Teachers On Call, a Kelly Education company, is the expert in recruiting and coaching substitute teachers in Wisconsin. We understand the state requirements and are excited to help you enter the classroom if you choose to work in one of our more than 60 partner districts in the state. 

To begin the journey, you must complete a few key hiring steps. Most importantly, Wisconsin requires all applicants to obtain a substitute teacher certification. The state provides several licensure options, each demanding a few conditions. 

Minimum Wisconsin state requirements, at a glance*: 

• Certification: A Wisconsin substitute teacher license 
• Education: Associate degree 
• Employment verification to work in the U.S. 
• Background check 
• Pre-credential training 
• TB Test or Assessment Questionnaire 

In addition to the Wisconsin state requirements, Teachers On Call, a Kelly Education company, require: 

• Pre-hire training 

A deeper dive into substitute teacher requirements.

The Wisconsin DPI offers different tracks for substitute teacher licensure to reach a wider pool of candidates. 

3-Year Substitute License. Allows for short-term appointments (no more than 45 days for a specific classroom). There are two different pathways: having an associate degree and completing an approved course OR being at least 20 years old in a state-approved educator preparation program reaching junior status and 15 completed hours of class observation. . 

5-Year Substitute License. Allows for long-term posts. However, candidates must have previously held or are eligible to hold a teaching license and receive approval for specific grade levels/subject areas. Individuals holding a 5-Year Substitute License can fill short-term assignments for any grade level/subject area. 

1-Year License. The state makes exceptions for this option. It is predominantly for individuals who have completed a bachelor’s degree teacher preparation regimen but have yet to fully qualify for a Wisconsin teaching license. However, in a staffing emergency, the school district must request and apply jointly with the candidate for the 1-Year License. If allowed, the substitute teacher can work daily or long-term assignments. 

License fees adjust depending on the type, but you’ll likely pay upwards of $125. Processing times for these credentials vary, but it’s important to be patient as the DPI estimate is 6 –8 weeks. You can check your application status online for updates. 

Education verification.

All substitute teaching candidates must prove completion of college-level coursework. Education requirements vary depending on the license type, but you’ll need at least 60 completed credit hours. Contact your college or university and request official transcripts early in the process. It may take up to a week to receive your official transcripts, and you’ll likely pay a small fee. 

Employment verification. 

All Wisconsin substitute teachers must be eligible for work in the United States. The employing district will request a federal I-9 form and copies of valid identification credentials to confirm your eligibility. If the school district is part of our network, you can submit the I-9 electronically through our I-9 partner vendor. 

Background check and fingerprinting.

Wisconsin substitute educators are required to pass a background check. The state facilitates the background check independently, but you must complete a Conduct and Competency questionnaire. 

Fingerprinting is only required for some candidates. Your district or Kelly Education recruiter will let you know if you need to make an appointment online with the state’s vendor, Fieldprint. Following your appointment, Fieldprint will automatically upload your fingerprinting results to the DPI’s portal. You will be responsible for the fees for your background check ($45) and fingerprint screening ($39). 

In addition to these steps, Teachers On Call runs a National Sex Offender registry check as well as county and national criminal searches on all our substitute teacher candidates. 

Training.

The state considers all Wisconsin school employees to be mandatory reporters of potential child abuse. Therefore, substitute teachers complete Wisconsin’s Mandatory Reporting of Child Abuse and Neglect training and Mandatory Reporting of Threats of School Violence training. These modules are both available online, though your school can also host an in-person session. 

Teachers On Call applicants will complete our pre-hire online ClassSmarts course. This free, 1.5-hour training is available online and covers essential topics like educator ethics, legal obligations as a teacher, and classroom management techniques. 

You also have the option to complete our one-hour online New Hire Orientation module. This onboarding session outlines our employment expectations and policies specific to your school district. 

Getting started with Teachers On Call, a Kelly Education company.

When you work with one of our 60 partner districts across Wisconsin, we help you through your hiring journey and set you up for classroom success. To get started, complete our application, and a recruiter will contact you, answer your questions, and provide next steps. 

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