The state of Texas does not mandate the possession of a substitute teacher certificate. This means that there are no statewide prerequisites for individuals interested in substitute teaching within public schools. The specific requirements for substitute teachers vary as they are determined by individual independent and public school districts.
When applying for a substitute teaching position, you may encounter different expectations. For example, some public schools may request that you hold an official TEA-issued certificate, or they may accept certification through private organizations like STEDi or SubSchool. However, these requirements can differ from one district to another, and some districts do hire substitute teachers without certification.
If your career goal is to enter the field of education and you wish to earn income while working toward your teaching credentials, substitute teaching can be an ideal option. It allows you to gain valuable experience as you progress through a teacher preparation program.
What Requirements Are Needed To Be a Substitute Teacher In Texas?
To become a substitute teacher in Texas, individuals must meet specific requirements that vary slightly depending on the school district. Here's a detailed outline of the typical requirements:
Education Requirements
- A high school diploma or equivalent (GED) is typically the minimum requirement.
- Some districts may prefer or require at least some college coursework or a bachelor's degree.
Age Requirements
- Applicants must be at least 18 years old. Some districts may require applicants to be at least 21 years old.
Certification Requirements
- Substitute teachers in Texas generally do not need a teaching certificate. However, having a teaching certificate or being enrolled in a teacher preparation program can be advantageous.
Background Check Requirement
- All applicants must pass a criminal background check and fingerprinting, conducted through the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) and the FBI.
Citizenship & Work Authorization
- You must be a U.S. citizen, authorized to work in the U.S., or have permanent residency (green card).
It's worth mentioning that some Texas districts do require long-term substitute teachers to hold a bachelor's degree. In such cases, long-term substitutes are considered full-time district employees and must meet the same requirements as other educators in the district.
Frequently Asked Questions About Substitute Teaching in Texas
Do I need a certificate to be a substitute teacher in Texas?
No. The Texas Education Agency (TEA) does not require a substitute teaching certificate — there are no statewide prerequisites. Individual public and independent districts set their own rules, and many hire substitutes without certification.
Do you need a degree to substitute teach in Texas?
Not for most roles. A high school diploma or GED is the typical minimum. Some districts prefer college coursework, and long-term substitutes are often required to hold a bachelor's degree because they're treated as full-time district employees.
How much do substitute teachers make in Texas?
Pay is set by the district and assignment. Through HelloSubs, Texas substitute assignments commonly pay $120–$200 per day, with direct deposit every Friday.
Can you substitute teach in Texas without experience?
Yes. Most day-to-day substitute roles need no prior classroom experience — HelloSubs provides free training to get you ready. Browse substitute teacher jobs in Texas.