You are here

Substitute FAQs

Questions

  1. What is the difference between the five-year long-term substitute license and the three-year short-term substitute license?
  2. How long can an individual with a three-year short-term substitute license be in a specific assignment?
  3. How long can an individual with a five-year long-term substitute license be in a specific assignment?
  4. How can an individual show they've successfully completed the substitute teacher training for the three-year short-term substitute license?
  5. What are the requirements to be a long-term substitute?
  6. I hold a substitute license 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 license?

Answers

1. What is the difference between the five-year long-term substitute license and the three-year short-term substitute license?

  • The five-year long-term substitute license may be issued to an applicant who has completed a state-approved educator preparation program through an accredited four-year bachelor degree-granting institution. See the five-year substitute license requirements page for more information.
  • The three-year short-term substitute license may be issued to a person 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
    • who have successfully completed an approved substitute training program.

    OR

    • Are at least 20 years of age.
    • Enrolled in an educator preparation program, approved by the state superintendent that awards a bachelor's degree.
    • Has successfully completed a minimum number of credits to have achieved junior status.

      AND
    • Has completed 15 hours of classroom observation.

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

The three-year short-term Substitute license allows the holder to accept short-term substitute assignments in any subject at any grade level, no more than 45 days total in a specific assignment.

3. How long can an individual with a five-year long-term substitute license be in a specific assignment?

The five-year long-term substitute license allows the holder to accept long-term substitute assignments in the subject and grade level in which they are licensed (more than 45 days total in a specific assignment).  This license also allows the holder to accept short-term substitute assignments in a subject and grade level outside of their license (no more than 45 days total in a specific assignment).

4. How can an individual show they've successfully completed the substitute teacher training for the three-year short-term substitute license?

The following are acceptable forms of documentation:

  • Certificate of Course Completion - from a DPI-approved substitute training program, including date of completion, received at the end of the training, signed by the authorized District Administrator.
  • PI-1633 Substitute Teacher Training Verification Form - from the employing school district if the employing school district provided the training, including the date the training was completed.

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

PI 34.033 states "A license issued under this section authorizes the license holder to be either a short-term substitute teacher or a long-term substitute in the subject area or position and grade level of the license, as determined by the license the applicant has held or is eligible to hold under this chapter or the equivalent license issued by another state."

An individual holding a long-term substitute license can only teach in the subject area and grade level of their license. To serve outside their subject area and grade level, they would need a on-year license with stipulations. Please see the One-Year Licenses with Stipulations page for eligibility requirements and more information.

6.  I hold a substitute license 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 license?

No coursework is required to renew the substitute license. 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.

Submit questions and comments about this information to the Licensing Online Help desk.