Applications for Substitute Licenses and Permits
Five-Year Long-Term Substitute License
A five-year long-term substitute license may be issued to an applicant who has completed an approved educator preparation program and has held or is eligible to hold a Wisconsin license or the equivalent license in another state in the grade level and position in which they are licensed.
It also allows the license holder to be a short-term (no more than 45 days in a specific assignment) substitute in a subject or grade level outside their license area. This license is valid for five years with an option to renew.
Application Types:
5-year Sub via WI Educator License or Prep Program
5-Year Sub via Out-of-State Educator License or Prep Program
Three-Year Short-term Substitute Permit
This permit allows the permit holder to be a short-term (no more than 45 days in a specific assignment) substitute in any subject and in any grade level.
This permit is for applicants who:
- hold an associate degree or higher from an accredited college or university. (An applicant may also request an associate degree from their four-year institution).
AND
- have successfully completed an approved substitute training program
OR
- Are at least 20 years of age
- Enrolled in a Wisconsin educator preparation program, approved by the state superintendent that awards a bachelor's degree
- Have successfully completed a minimum number of credits to have achieved junior status,
AND - Have completed 15 hours of classroom observation
The verification form (PI-1975), partially completed by an educator preparation program, is required for this application. Review How to Complete the Substitute Teacher Verfication Form for details.
Long-term substitute assignment outside subject or grade level of the license
The applicant may apply for a one-year license with stipulations if requested by the employing school district. This license requires the license holder to enroll in and complete a state-approved educator preparation program in the subject or grade level of their assignment or is following another pathway to full licensure. This license is issued for a period of one year and may be renewed.
Educational Interpreter Substitute License
This license authorizes the license holder to be employed by a school district as a short-term substitute (no more than 45 days) in an educational interpreter assignment.
Contact the licensing help desk with questions or comments regarding your license, general licensing questions including information found on this page, or to contact us about someone else.