How to become a substitute teacher

1. 1Check your state's substitute requirements

   Time: 1 daySources 2, 4, 5

   Rules differ more for subs than for almost any other school job. California requires a bachelor's degree for its Emergency 30-Day Substitute Teaching Permit. Missouri accepts either 36 semester hours of college credit or a high school diploma plus a 20-clock-hour substitute training course approved by the state education department. Some states leave much of the decision to local districts. Start with your state education agency's substitute page or the CareerOneStop License Finder.

2. 2Complete any required education or training

   Time: A few days to several yearsCost: VariesSources 4, 2

   If your state accepts a short course, finish it before you apply; in Missouri, the 20-hour training is offered online through providers such as Frontline Education, Kelly Education and several Missouri colleges. If your state requires a bachelor's degree or a set number of college credits, you will need those first. People who already hold a degree in any field usually qualify in degree-based states without extra coursework.

3. 3Pass a fingerprint background check

   Time: 1-4 weeksCost: Varies by state and vendorSources 2, 4

   Working with children requires a criminal background check. California runs fingerprinting through the Commission on Teacher Credentialing as part of the permit application if you are new to the Commission. Missouri requires a background check for anyone requesting a new certificate or newly hired by a district, and a new fingerprint clearance if the last one is more than 12 months old. Schedule fingerprints early, since results can take a while.

4. 4Apply for your state substitute permit or certificate

   Time: 1-6 weeksCost: $50-$103 in these examplesSources 2, 3, 4

   Apply online through your state's educator licensing system with transcripts or training proof. In California, the Emergency 30-Day Substitute Teaching Permit is valid for one year, is renewable and lets you sub in any classroom from preschool through grade 12 and adult classes, for up to 30 days per teacher per school year (20 in special education). Missouri charges a $50 processing fee at the time you apply.

5. 5Get hired by a district or staffing company

   Time: 1-4 weeksSources 1

   Apply to the districts you want to work in, or to the staffing company they use, and complete their onboarding, which often includes a short orientation on classroom management, safety drills and the online assignment system. Once you are on the sub list, you choose jobs as they post. Accepting assignments regularly, and leaving good notes, is how subs get requested by name and offered long-term positions.

Requirements differ by state. Check your state’s rules in the CareerOneStop License Finder (U.S. Department of Labor) before you enroll.

Classroom management

Students often test a new adult, and you have to set expectations and keep order from the first minute without knowing anyone's name.

Adaptability

You may teach kindergarten one day and high school chemistry the next, sometimes with thin or missing lesson plans.

Clear explanations

You often need to explain an assignment in a subject you have not studied recently so the class can work on its own.

Reliability

Schools call subs when they are short-staffed, so showing up early and accepting jobs consistently is what keeps the offers coming.

Good judgment about safety

You are responsible for students during drills, lockdowns and emergencies in a building you may be seeing for the first time.

O*NET 31.0 rates these skills as most important for the occupation: reading comprehension, active listening, speaking, critical thinking, monitoring.

Training cost

$50–$103

Before financial aid

Time

1-2 months

Typical path

Median pay

$41,670

All US jobs: $50,980

Payback once qualified

No premium

Pay above the all-jobs median vs. cost

Low: Missouri's $50 substitute certificate processing fee. High: California's Emergency 30-Day Substitute Teaching Permit at the Commission on Teacher Credentialing's basic $100 application fee plus the $2.65 online service fee ($102.65, rounded). Not included: fingerprinting fees, the cost of Missouri's 20-hour training course, which varies by provider, and any college coursework your state requires.

Rough guide only: ignores taxes, aid, interest and earnings given up during training. How we calculate it.

• Elementary school teacher$63,970 median

  Requires a bachelor's degree, a state-approved teacher preparation program and the state's licensing exams; subbing is a common way to test the job and network with principals.

• High school teacher$72,040 median

  Requires a bachelor's degree, usually in the subject you will teach, plus teacher preparation and state certification exams.

• Teacher (overview)$38,140 median

  Compares teaching levels and paths, including alternative certification routes that let degree holders teach while finishing their license.

• School counselor$64,330 median

  Requires a master's degree in school counseling and state certification; classroom experience is helpful background.