Indiana keeps the bar to substitute teach low. The state does not require a college degree or a full teaching license to substitute — the Indiana Department of Education issues a Substitute Permit to applicants who hold a high school diploma (or equivalency), are at least 18 years old, and clear the hiring school's screening process.
The Substitute Permit is sponsored by the school employer, not the applicant. A school recommends you for a permit and the superintendent (or designee) verifies your application through the state's Licensing Verification and Information System (LVIS). Because each employer sets its own screening and qualifications, requirements can be higher at some districts than the statewide minimum.
If you want to work in education, earn income on a flexible schedule, and gain real classroom experience, substitute teaching in Indiana is one of the fastest ways in.
What Are the Requirements To Be a Substitute Teacher in Indiana?
To qualify for an Indiana Substitute Permit, the Indiana Department of Education sets these statewide minimums:
Education Requirements
- A high school diploma or high school equivalency certificate is the minimum. No college degree is required for the state Substitute Permit.
Age Requirements
- Applicants must be at least 18 years old.
Substitute Permit
- Indiana requires a Substitute Permit issued through the Department of Education's Licensing Verification and Information System (LVIS). The school employer recommends you for the permit and verifies your application; the permit is issued in both your name and the school employer's name.
- The permit is valid for a specific school employer unless that employer has a reciprocity agreement to share substitutes with another employer.
- A Substitute Permit is valid for three years and is not renewable — once it expires, you apply for a new one. The application fee is $15.00 plus a $0.70 processing fee.
Screening & Background Check
- Each school employer sets its own screening and background-check process, which typically includes fingerprinting and a criminal history review. Contact the school employer you want to work with for its specific requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions About Substitute Teaching in Indiana
Do you need a degree to be a substitute teacher in Indiana?
No. The Indiana Department of Education's Substitute Permit requires only a high school diploma or equivalency and that you be at least 18 — a college degree is not required for the state permit. Individual districts may set higher standards.
Do you need a license to substitute teach in Indiana?
You need a Substitute Permit, not a full teaching license. The school that hires you sponsors and submits the permit application through LVIS; it is valid for three years and costs $15.00 plus a $0.70 processing fee.
How much do substitute teachers make in Indiana?
Pay is set by the district and assignment. Through HelloSubs, Indianapolis-area substitute assignments commonly pay $150–$200 per day, with weekly pay.
Can you substitute teach in Indiana without experience?
Yes. Most day-to-day substitute roles need no prior classroom experience, and HelloSubs provides free training to get you ready. Browse substitute teacher jobs in Indianapolis or learn how to become a substitute teacher in Indianapolis.