Frequently Asked Questions

Substitute License or Permit

What is the difference between the Five-Year Substitute License and the Three-Year Short-Term Substitute Permit?

• The Five-Year Substitute License may be issued to an applicant who has completed a state-approved educator preparation program through a regionally accredited four-year bachelor degree granting institution. See the Five-Year Substitute License Requirements page for more information.
  
  
• The Three-Year Short-Term Substitute Permit may be issued to a person who holds a bachelors degree from a regionally accredited four-year bachelor degree granting institution, but has not completed a state-approved educator preparation program. See the Three-Year Short-Term Substitute Permit Requirements page for more information.

How long can an individual with a three-year short-term substitute permit be in a specific assignment?

The three-year short-term substitute permit allows the holder to accept short-term substitute assignments in any subject at any grade level (no more than 20 days total in a specific assignment).

What are the requirements to be a long-term substitute?

PI 34.23 states "a long-term substitute shall be a licensed teacher or a licensed substitute teacher; however, a long-term substitute may be employed only in the subject and grade level in which the teacher is licensed. An emergency license or permit may be granted to a long-term substitute."

An individual holding only a three-year short-term substitute permit cannot serve as a long-term substitute unless they have been issued an emergency long-term substitute permit. Please see the Emergency Licenses and Permits page for more information.

I hold a substitute permit and work at my school district as an instructional aide. According to my district, I need to take some classes in the next two years. I'm thinking about taking Psychology courses. Would those courses fulfill the requirement to maintain my substitute permit?

No coursework is required to renew the substitute permit. However, your school district may have a continuing education requirement as a condition of employment. You must contact your school district to find out about continuing education requirements.

Related Resources

Five-Year Substitute License Requirements
Three-Year Short-Term Substitute Permit Requirements
Past Wisconsin Graduates Never Licensed Initially
Licensure for Out-of-State Educators (Graduates of Non-Wisconsin Programs)
Emergency Licenses and Permits
Fingerprint Cards

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For questions about this information, contact Brianna M. Scoville (608) 264-9329

Last updated on 2/1/2012 8:04:38 AM