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How to become a substitute teacher in your state.
There are so many good reasons to become a substitute teacher. Whether it’s a passion for educating students, making extra cash on a flexible schedule, giving back to the community, or deciding if a teaching career is right for you, now is the time to get started. Substitute teachers are in high demand.
Kelly Education works with thousands of schools across the country to hire qualified substitute teachers. We’re the experts who help tens of thousands of people become substitute teachers each year. Our recruiters make sure candidates understand the requirements for substitute teaching in their state.
Below, we’ve compiled a list of minimum requirements for each state.
Though many states have similar requirements to become a substitute teacher, the specifics of each requirement vary. Requirements normally fall into one of these categories which we explain in more detail.
- Certification, licensing, authorization, or permits
- Education
- Experience
- Background screening and fingerprinting
- Health screenings
- Training
- Employment verification
Certification, licensing, authorization, and permits.
Many (not all) states require special credentialing to substitute teach. The type of credentialing varies—it can be referred to as a substitute teacher license, permit, certificate, or authorization.
Credentialing typically costs between $30 and $100 per credential. In some states, the credentialing or certification process can take a few weeks, so it’s important to plan accordingly and get started as soon as possible.
Education requirements.
Education requirements to substitute teach varies greatly between states. Many require a high school diploma or equivalent, others want an associate degree, bachelor’s degree, or somewhere between 30 and 60 hours of college credits before you can get into a classroom.
Education verification.
You’ll be required to submit your diploma or college transcripts as part of the hiring process. It’s best to submit verification for your highest level of education completed since some school districts pay more for higher levels of education.
You’ll request a copy of your high school diploma or equivalent certificate from your high school or state boards of education. You’ll typically request college transcripts from the registrar’s office. You should allow about a week to receive education verification documents and expect to pay a fee of $10 to $15 for each request.
Experience.
Most states do not require you to have prior teaching experience. However, a few states and school districts throughout the U.S. do require prior experience working with students or children.
Background screening and fingerprinting.
All states require some level of background check to help ensure the safety of students. Most states also require fingerprinting.
If you’re working for a Kelly Education partner school district, we run a National Sex Offender registry check and county criminal check if it’s not part of the school district’s hiring process.
Some districts also require you to pass a drug screen as part of the screening process.
Applicants are usually responsible for the cost of background checks and fingerprinting. On average, it takes up to two weeks for background check results to process.
Health screenings.
Some states and districts (not many) require applicants to complete a tuberculosis (TB) screening and physical as part of the hiring process.
In most instances, candidates get a TB card with results from the doctor or clinic to provide to the employer. For the physical, be sure to take instructions about what the school district requires so you meet all the requirements.
Training.
Many states require substitute teacher training. It can be based on your experience level or credentials. The types of training types vary greatly. For example, Georgia and Vermont require training on identifying and reporting child abuse. In Florida, those without classroom teaching experience must complete training on classroom management skills and instructional strategies.
Kelly Education also requires training for our substitute teachers. Regardless of state requirements, our substitute teacher candidates complete a free ClassSmarts training module. Then, we require all hired substitute educators to complete a one-hour online New Hire Orientation training that outlines Kelly Education and school district policies.
Employment verification.
Substitute teachers must prove eligibility to work in the United States. 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.
Substitute teacher requirements in states where Kelly Education has school partners.
Click on your state for specifics on minimum requirements to apply to become a substitute teacher in that state:
Substitute teacher requirements in other states.
Getting started with Kelly Education and our partner districts.
Substitute teaching is a flexible and rewarding job. Are you ready to make a difference? We’re excited to get to know you and help you get started!
Check out substitute teacher job opportunities near you. You can also complete our brief interest form, and one of our expert recruiters will contact you to share more about applying to be a substitute teacher.
If you’re interested in a school district where Kelly Education doesn’t have a partnership, go to that district’s webpage for its substitute teacher job description and application information. You can also learn more by reading our complete guide to becoming a substitute teacher.
* Information subject to change. This is a general guideline. School districts may have more requirements, in addition to state requirements.
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