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Education & Care
How to become a Substitute Teacher
From no experience: every step, how long it takes, and the credential it earns.
- Time to get there
- 1–3 months
- Typical pay
- $30k–$42k
- Starting from
- No experience
Pay is an estimate of typical US entry-level pay for this role and varies by state, employer and shift. The timeline assumes you are starting from no experience and includes any licence or programme legally required, not just course length.
See substitute teacher jobs open nowThe route
Check your state's minimum
Some require a bachelor's, many accept an associate or 60 college credits.
Apply for a substitute permit
Issued by the state or district, with fingerprinting.
Substitute teaching permit
Register with districts
Sign up with several — availability is how you build steady work.
Course that covers thisTeaching Assistant with Special Education & Phonics CourseUdemy · around $24.99Use it as a route to licensure
Many districts fund alternative certification for reliable subs.
- Browse jobs now
Destination
Substitute Teacher
Course links are Udemy affiliate links. We earn a commission if you buy, at no extra cost to you.