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2/28/2026•9 min read

Substitute teaching is one of the most accessible entry points into K–12 education — and in the current hiring climate, it's also one of the fastest paths to a full-time teaching position. With districts across the country facing severe shortages of both certified teachers and qualified substitutes, the demand has never been higher.

This guide covers everything you need to know to become a substitute teacher in 2026, including state-by-state requirements, how pay works, and how to use substitute experience to land a full-time role.

What Does a Substitute Teacher Do?

Substitute teachers step in when a regular classroom teacher is absent — whether for a single day, a week, or an extended period of weeks or months. Responsibilities vary by assignment:

Day-to-day substitutes follow lesson plans left by the classroom teacher, manage student behaviour, take attendance, and keep the class on track for the day.

Long-term substitutes fill in for extended absences (medical leave, maternity leave, extended illness) and often take on full teaching responsibilities including lesson planning, grading, parent communication, and participation in staff meetings.

Long-term substitute positions are particularly valuable for career changers and new graduates — they provide full classroom experience and often convert to permanent offers if the regular teacher does not return.

Requirements by State

Substitute teaching requirements vary significantly by state. Some require a full bachelor's degree; others require only a high school diploma with a background check. Here's a breakdown of requirements in the most active hiring states:

California

  • Minimum education: Bachelor's degree (any subject)
  • Credential required: 30-Day Substitute Teaching Permit or Emergency 30-Day Permit
  • Process: Apply through the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing; submit transcripts and fingerprints
  • Pay range: $150–$220/day
  • Browse California substitute jobs: k12.careers/states/california

Texas

  • Minimum education: 60 college credit hours (bachelor's degree preferred)
  • Credential required: District-level permit (no state credential required)
  • Process: Apply directly to individual districts; most issue their own sub permits
  • Pay range: $100–$180/day
  • Browse Texas substitute jobs: k12.careers/states/texas

New York

  • Minimum education: Bachelor's degree
  • Credential required: New York State Substitute Teaching Certificate
  • Process: Apply through TEACH NY online system; fingerprinting and background check required
  • Pay range: $120–$200/day (NYC significantly higher)
  • Browse New York substitute jobs: k12.careers/states/new-york

Florida

  • Minimum education: 60 college credit hours minimum; bachelor's preferred
  • Credential required: District substitute certificate
  • Process: Apply to county school board directly; requirements vary by county
  • Pay range: $100–$160/day
  • Browse Florida substitute jobs: k12.careers/states/florida

Illinois

  • Minimum education: Bachelor's degree
  • Credential required: Illinois Substitute Teaching License
  • Process: Apply through ISBE Educator Licensure Information System (ELIS)
  • Pay range: $120–$185/day
  • Browse Illinois substitute jobs: k12.careers/states/illinois

Arizona

  • Minimum education: 60 college credit hours (some districts accept high school diploma with experience)
  • Credential required: Arizona Standard or Emergency Substitute Certificate
  • Process: Apply through Arizona Department of Education
  • Pay range: $100–$160/day
  • Browse Arizona substitute jobs: k12.careers/states/arizona

Colorado

  • Minimum education: Bachelor's degree (some districts allow 60 credit hours)
  • Credential required: Colorado Authorization to Substitute
  • Process: Apply through Colorado Department of Education online
  • Pay range: $120–$180/day
  • Browse Colorado substitute jobs: k12.careers/states/colorado

Georgia

  • Minimum education: High school diploma (some districts require associate's degree)
  • Credential required: Georgia Provisional Certificate (or district-issued permit)
  • Process: Apply through GaPSC portal or directly to district
  • Pay range: $85–$145/day
  • Browse Georgia substitute jobs: k12.careers/states/georgia

How Substitute Pay Works

Most districts pay substitutes a flat daily rate rather than an hourly wage. Rates vary based on:

  • Certification level: Certified teachers subbing earn 20–40% more than non-certified substitutes
  • Assignment type: Long-term assignments typically pay more than daily sub rates
  • Subject area: Hard-to-fill subjects (special education, STEM) often carry premium rates
  • District size: Large urban districts generally pay more than small rural districts

National average substitute pay (2026), based on Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment data and district compensation surveys:

  • Non-certified substitute: $95–$130/day
  • Certified substitute: $140–$200/day
  • Long-term substitute: $160–$250/day (or per diem equivalent to step 1 of teacher salary schedule)

Some staffing agencies that place substitutes (such as Kelly Education, ESS, and Swing Education) offer weekly pay, benefits, and more flexible scheduling — worth considering if you want to sub across multiple districts.

How to Get Hired as a Substitute

Step 1 — Check your state requirements

Review the requirements for your state above and confirm what credential or permit you need before applying.

Step 2 — Get fingerprinted and background checked

Nearly every state requires a background check clearance before you can work with children. This usually takes 2–4 weeks, so start early.

Step 3 — Apply to multiple districts

Unlike full-time teaching positions, substitute applications are processed locally by each district. Apply to every district within reasonable driving distance — being on multiple lists gives you more control over your schedule and more consistent work.

Step 4 — Register with a staffing agency

If direct district applications are slow, agencies like Kelly Education, ESS, and Frontline Absence Management place substitutes in districts across the country. They handle credentialing verification and often have faster onboarding.

Step 5 — Be available and reliable

Dispatchers and principals notice the subs who answer their phone early in the morning and show up prepared. Reliability is the fastest way to get more call-backs, better assignments, and eventually a recommendation for a full-time role.

From Substitute to Full-Time Teacher

Substitute teaching is one of the most effective ways to transition into a full-time teaching career, for three reasons:

You build relationships with administrators. Principals hire people they know and trust. A substitute who has worked reliably in a school for a semester is a known quantity — they skip the uncertainty that comes with hiring from a resume alone.

You learn the school culture. Every school has its own norms, student population, and teaching approach. Substituting lets you evaluate whether a school is a place you'd want to work long-term before committing.

Districts prioritize internal candidates. Many districts post openings internally (including to long-term substitutes) before listing them publicly. Getting on the inside track before a position goes public is a significant advantage.

Browse Substitute Teaching Jobs Now

Search open substitute teaching positions near you by state or city.

Requirements listed are current as of March 2026 but are subject to change. Always verify current requirements with your state's department of education or teacher licensing board before applying.