Many people who want to become substitute teachers in Texas are concerned about how to get the job. They’re worried that they don’t have enough experience or education, and they have trouble finding substitute teaching jobs.
However, those concerns can be addressed by following a few simple steps.
First, you should look at schools near your home and check their websites to see if they are hiring substitutes. If you live in an area with many schools, this will be easier than if you live in a rural area where there are fewer schools within driving distance.
Next, you should apply for as many jobs as possible. The more applications you send out, the better your chances of getting hired!
Finally, once you have been offered a position as a substitute teacher, keep track of all of your hours so that you can use them when applying for another position in the future.
How To Become Substitute Teacher In Texas
Based on the Texas Education Code, a substitute teacher does not require a particular certificate or license. There are, however, some minimum criteria that must be satisfied and each school district in the state can decide if the applicant needs any additional training. The basic requirements are summarized in the table below.
| Education/Experience Required | High school diploma/ Bachelor’s degree |
| Exam Requirements | Dependent on the school district |
| Mean Salary (2018) | $23,590 (substitute teachers in TX)* |
| Estimated Job Growth (2016-2026) | 8% (teachers nationally)* |
Source: *U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
General Educational Requirements
According to the Texas Education Agency, applicants with an interest in becoming a substitute teacher must have at least 60 college hours or a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution. They are not, however, required to have a license or certificate that has been issued by the Texas Education Agency (TEA). Each school district determines on its own if an interested candidate requires additional training in order to become a substitute teacher.
Application Process
In order to start the process of becoming a substitute teacher, an interested applicant must contact the educational agency for the school district in which they would like to work. They would be expected to present proof of their qualifications based on the requirements of that particular district before the process is begun. Once the initial requirements are satisfied, the education agency will finalize completion of any other final criteria and guide the applicant through the rest of the process.
Background Clearance
All persons applying to be an educator must undergo fingerprinting and background checks prior to beginning work. As a non-certified teaching employee, the applicant would be contacted by the company conducting the checks in order to schedule the procedure. The full details of the process and the applicable fees can be found on the Texas Education Agency website. If an interested candidate knows there will be an issue with their background check, it is best to contact the Texas Education Agency prior to applying for any substitute teacher positions. They will assess the nature of the crime and inform the candidate of the way forward.
Examples of Specific School District Requirements
Although the basic requirements for substitute teachers are the same throughout the state, individual school districts may have their own additional requirements. For example, Livingston Independent School District only considers applicants with a bachelor’s degree for their substitute teacher openings. This district will guide the interested candidate through the background check steps as well as conduct orientation and training exercises as required. The Dallas Independent School District also does not require more than a bachelor’s degree, but they do have a robust orientation and registration process before an interested candidate is cleared for assignments. The Spring Independent School District will accept applications from interested candidates with a bachelor’s degree or at least 48 completed college credit hours. They will also accept a Substitute Teacher Certification from an accredited Texas entity or Service Center.
Further Information
Given that substitute teachers do not require a certificate, there are no options for renewal. Candidates only need to maintain the necessary qualifications in order to keep applying for jobs as a substitute teacher. Alternatively, a substitute teacher can undertake the process of attaining a standard license or certificate.
