How to Become a Substitute Teacher in Kansas for 2025

Co-Founder and Chief Data Scientist

Flexible teaching opportunities in Kansas are more accessible than ever, thanks to a growing demand for substitute teachers across the state. With more than 2,000 teaching positions remaining unfilled, schools urgently need dedicated individuals to help maintain classroom continuity. This shortage has opened the door for aspiring educators, career changers, and community members to step in—even without a full teaching license.

Based on extensive research, this article breaks down everything you need to get started—from certification requirements and salary expectations to application steps and tips for success as a substitute teacher in Kansas.

Key Things to Know About Becoming a Substitute Teacher in Kansas

Aspiring substitute teachers must obtain at least a high school diploma or GED; some districts prefer a bachelor’s degree.
Schools urgently need support as over 2,000 substitute teaching positions remain unfilled statewide.
Substitute teachers in Kansas earn around $90 to $120 per day, depending on the district and experience.

What are the basic requirements to become a substitute teacher in Kansas?
What training is required for first-time substitute teachers in Kansas?
How do you apply to become a substitute teacher in Kansas?
How much do substitute teachers in Kansas make?
How do you renew or maintain a substitute teaching certificate in Kansas?
What are the responsibilities of a substitute teacher in Kansas?
How flexible is a substitute teacher’s schedule in Kansas?
What are the benefits received by a substitute teacher in Kansas?
What legal rights do substitute teachers have in Kansas?
What are the career advancement opportunities for substitute teachers in Kansas?
How Do Substitute Teachers Stay Updated with Licensing and Regulatory Changes in Kansas?
Other Things to Know About Becoming a Substitute Teacher in Kansas

What are the basic requirements to become a substitute teacher in Kansas?

Entering the world of substitute teaching in Kansas invites you to meet specific qualifications that open doors to classrooms across the state. These requirements balance education, legal clearances, and district approvals to ensure readiness for the role.

Age Requirement: Candidates must be at least 18 years old, ready to take on the responsibilities of guiding students.
Educational Background: For the standard substitute license, completion of an approved teacher preparation program is essential, usually involving a bachelor’s degree in education or a related field. Alternatively, the Kansas emergency substitute teaching license pathway requires a minimum of 60 semester credit hours from an accredited institution.
Employment Eligibility: Applicants must be legally eligible to work in the United States, complying with federal and state employment standards.
Background Checks: A thorough fingerprinting and background check at both the state and federal levels is mandatory to ensure student safety.
District Verification: Before stepping into a classroom, candidates need verification of hire from each school district where they intend to substitute.

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What training is required for first-time substitute teachers in Kansas?

Before stepping into a Kansas classroom as a first-time substitute, there are several key requirements designed to prepare you for the unique challenges ahead. These steps include:

Completion of KSDE-approved online training: This essential course covers classroom management, instructional basics, and professional expectations, providing foundational skills for those without a traditional teaching background.
Verification of hire: Applicants must show proof of employment or intent to hire from a specific school district, linking substitutes to the communities they will serve.
Background check: A thorough screening process is mandatory to ensure safety and trustworthiness within Kansas schools.
Professional development opportunities: Many districts offer additional orientation, workshops, and mentoring to support substitutes as they navigate their new roles.
Assignment limits: Emergency substitute licenses restrict service to no more than 75 school days per semester and 25 consecutive days in the same district, balancing flexibility and stability.

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How do you apply to become a substitute teacher in Kansas?

Becoming a substitute teacher in Kansas opens a door to varied classroom experiences and a chance to impact students across the state. Navigating the application process requires attention to detail and understanding a few key steps that guide you from curiosity to classroom readiness.

Choose Your License Type: Decide between the Standard or Emergency Substitute License based on your education background and teaching goals.
Submit Your Application: Complete the required form online through the Kansas State Department of Education, with different forms assigned to first-time applicants, renewals, or emergency licenses.
Provide Official Transcripts: Send your academic records to verify qualifications as part of your application package.
Pay Application Fees: Prepare to pay a fee typically between $60 and $70, plus a small processing charge, noting that expedited options are not available.
Complete Background Checks: Undergo fingerprinting and a criminal background check through both the KBI and FBI, ensuring safety for all students.
Apply to Districts: Once licensed, begin applying to school districts, where references and background checks will be reviewed before onboarding.

The data shows that California employed significantly more short-term substitute teachers than any other state, with over 72,000 positions. Texas and New York also had high employment levels, though still well below California's total. Virginia and North Carolina round out the top five, suggesting regional variation in substitute teacher demand. This may reflect differences in population size, school staffing shortages, or education budgets.

How much do substitute teachers in Kansas make?

The average substitute teacher salary in Kansas varies widely, typically ranging from $27,600 to $44,600 annually. This range reflects differences in location, certification, and assignment length. For those wondering how much do Kansas substitute teachers make, it's important to note that the median wage hovers around $37,675 per year, or roughly $18.11 per hour. This median figure reveals a subtle story: while it offers a baseline income, many substitutes earn significantly less or more depending on experience and district budgets.

Certified substitutes enjoy a noticeable bump, with average salaries close to $45,904 annually, or about $22 per hour. In urban areas like Kansas City, these numbers rise even further. This salary premium suggests that investing in certification can lead to more lucrative opportunities and a steadier income stream for substitutes willing to take that step.

When compared nationally, Kansas ranks 50th out of 50 states for substitute teacher salaries. This ranking highlights a challenge for aspiring educators who might be exploring options across the country.

Despite the flexibility and valuable experience substitute teaching offers, the pay in Kansas lags behind many other states. This gap has sparked interest in ongoing professional development as a strategy to improve qualifications, boost earnings, and expand career options—an area where many substitutes are actively seeking growth.

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How do you renew or maintain a substitute teaching certificate in Kansas?

Renewing your substitute teaching certificate in Kansas involves clear steps that reflect your license type and current regulations. Here’s how to navigate the path with confidence and ease.

Check Your License Type: Identify whether you hold an Emergency Substitute License or a Standard Substitute License, as renewal rules differ for each.
Meet Eligibility Requirements: For the Emergency License, ensure you have 60 college credits post-June 30, 2025; for the Standard License, maintain your bachelor’s degree and teacher prep credentials.
Prepare Your Documentation: Gather updated background checks, transcripts, or any required continuing education records as specified by the Kansas State Department of Education.
Submit Renewal Application: Use the KSDE online portal to apply, typically starting in February of your license’s expiration year for emergency licenses, or before expiration for standard licenses.
Pay the Processing Fee: Expect a fee between $60 and $70, which covers application review and administrative costs.
Observe Renewal Validity: Emergency licenses renew annually until mid-2025, then switch to a two-year cycle; standard licenses renew every five years.
Wait for Confirmation: Processing usually takes 4–8 weeks, so plan accordingly before your current certificate expires.

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What are the responsibilities of a substitute teacher in Kansas?

Substitute teachers in Kansas step into the classroom with a vital mission: to keep learning on track and classrooms running smoothly when the regular teacher is away. Their role blends adaptability with responsibility, ensuring students continue to thrive without missing a beat.

Arrive on Time and Report to the Office: Substitutes must check in at the school office, clock in and out, and receive any important updates to start their day prepared.
Follow and Implement Lesson Plans: Sticking closely to the regular teacher’s plans is key, with any changes carefully noted for the returning teacher’s review.
Assign and Grade Work: If new assignments are given, substitutes take charge of grading and documenting them to maintain continuity in student progress.
Prepare Alternate Lesson Plans: When original plans fall short, having adaptable backup lessons ready keeps the classroom engaged across subjects and grades.
Take Attendance and Manage Records: Daily tasks like attendance and lunch counts fall under their watchful eye, ensuring smooth administrative flow.
Classroom Management and Student Discipline: Maintaining order is essential, including enforcing rules and seeking help for serious issues—while strictly avoiding corporal punishment.
Supervise Non-Classroom Activities: From lunchrooms to playgrounds, substitutes often oversee students beyond the classroom environment.
Communicate with Administration: Sharing notable incidents or concerns with principals and completing feedback forms keeps school leadership informed.
Leave Detailed Notes: At day’s end, substitutes document completed work and any challenges to guide the returning teacher smoothly back into the classroom.
Adhere to Professional Standards: Familiarity with district policies, confidentiality, and professional presentation—including wearing name badges when required—are non-negotiable.

Many public schools are facing significant pressure due to ongoing substitute teacher shortages. To maintain classroom coverage, schools are frequently turning to administrators, non-teaching staff, and even asking full-time teachers to give up their planning periods. In some cases, classes are combined, further straining resources and impacting instructional quality.

With limited alternatives available, expanding the pool of qualified substitute teachers could help ease this burden and restore greater stability and consistency in day-to-day classroom operations.

How flexible is a substitute teacher’s schedule in Kansas?

Imagine a job where your work hours bend around your life, not the other way around. Substitute teaching in Kansas offers that kind of freedom. You can pick assignments by the hour, half-day, or full day, shaping your schedule to fit your own rhythm.

Whether you’re juggling family commitments or exploring other passions, this role adapts to your pace and preferences. Districts often allow you to choose preferred schools and age groups, opening doors to varied experiences that keep every day fresh and engaging.

Beyond daily choices, some districts even negotiate start and end times, making it easier to balance personal and professional demands. And while there are limits—like a 75-day cap per semester—the wide range of assignment lengths and locations means few days feel the same. This flexibility is more than a perk; it’s a lifestyle that invites curiosity and adaptability.

I spoke with a substitute teacher from Kansas who graduated locally. He described how his schedule often shifts week to week, sometimes filling a morning slot at an elementary school, other times covering a full week for a high school teacher on leave. “It’s a bit like puzzle-solving,” he said, “figuring out which blocks fit best with family needs and other gigs.”

He admitted that the unpredictability can be challenging but also rewarding, as it forces him to stay organized and open-minded. “Knowing I can say yes to just the right assignment makes all the difference,” he reflected, highlighting how the system’s flexibility supports both his professional growth and personal life.

What are the benefits received by a substitute teacher in Kansas?

Diving into substitute teaching in Kansas reveals a variety of benefits that reward flexibility and dedication. From competitive pay to professional growth, the opportunities can be both rewarding and practical for those seeking dynamic roles in education.

Daily Pay Rates: Substitute teachers earn daily wages that vary by district and license, with long-term assignments often unlocking higher pay, sometimes matching full-time teachers’ starting salaries.
Flexible Scheduling: You can choose when and where to work, allowing for a customizable balance between work and personal life.
Professional Development: Mandatory training, such as suicide prevention, is compensated, encouraging ongoing skill-building.
Retirement and Workers’ Compensation: Some substitutes gain access to KPERS and are covered by workers’ compensation, depending on their hours and district policies.
Additional Benefits: In larger districts, longer-term substitutes may qualify for limited medical, dental, and life insurance benefits, though these are less common for short-term roles.

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What legal rights do substitute teachers have in Kansas?

Substitute teachers in Kansas navigate a unique set of legal rights that balance flexibility with essential protections. These rights shape how substitutes engage with schools, ensuring a regulated and fair working environment while accommodating the diverse nature of substitute assignments.

Employment Duration Limits: Substitutes may work up to 75 school days per semester and cannot exceed 25 consecutive days in the same assignment within one district.
Long-Term Assignment Requirements: Holding a valid Kansas teaching license is necessary for assignments over ten consecutive days, with pay matching a beginning teacher’s salary based on local agreements.
Mandatory Training and Background Checks: Completion of a KSDE-approved online training course and passing a background check are prerequisites before starting any substitute role.
Unemployment Status Protections: Substitutes are not considered unemployed between assignments if they remain on the district’s approved list with reasonable assurance of future work.
No Tenure Accrual: Substitute teachers do not earn tenure and can be removed from substitute lists at the district’s discretion unless protected by rare negotiated contracts.
Workers' Compensation Coverage: On-the-job injuries, including permanent disabilities, are covered under Kansas workers’ compensation laws for substitutes.
Online Teaching Eligibility: Emergency substitute licenses apply to online teaching roles when substitutes meet training and background check standards.

What are the career advancement opportunities for substitute teachers in Kansas?

Exploring career advancement for substitute teachers in Kansas reveals promising pathways beyond the classroom day-to-day. With the right steps, substitutes can transform their flexible roles into long-term professional opportunities.

Here are some exciting directions to consider:

Becoming a Fully Certified Teacher: Many substitutes pursue full teaching licenses, unlocking access to permanent positions with comprehensive benefits and higher pay.
Long-Term Substitute Roles: Working 10 or more consecutive days in the same classroom often leads to long-term substitute status, which comes with increased pay and more stability.
Specialized Educational Roles: Some substitutes leverage experience to move into specialized areas like special education or curriculum development.
Professional Development and Training: Engaging in required training, such as suicide prevention, enhances qualifications and readiness for advanced roles.

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What do substitute teachers in Kansas say about their careers?

Completing my substitute teacher certification program at Wichita State University opened a world of possibilities for me in Kansas. Starting as a substitute in local schools allowed me to explore different grade levels and subjects, which truly ignited my passion for education. The flexibility of substitute teaching gave me the chance to balance personal growth with professional development, all while positively impacting students' daily lives. Kansas’s strong community values and supportive school environments make this career path especially rewarding. I feel proud knowing I contribute to shaping the next generation in such a meaningful way. Vicente
My journey began after finishing my substitute teaching training at the University of Kansas, and it has been a reflective and fulfilling experience ever since. Working as a substitute teacher in various local schools has helped me connect deeply with diverse communities and understand the unique challenges faced by students in rural Kansas. This role has enhanced my patience and adaptability, skills that are invaluable for my personal and professional growth. I appreciate how Kansas schools embrace substitute teachers as integral to their educational mission, encouraging continuous learning and career advancement. Pia
Choosing to start my teaching career as a substitute in Kansas has given me unique opportunities to engage with students from different backgrounds and rural settings, especially after completing my program at Fort Hays State University. The cultural richness and natural environment of Kansas create a distinctive classroom atmosphere where every day brings new experiences and challenges. This career has allowed me to develop strong classroom management skills and a deeper understanding of the community’s needs. I find great satisfaction in knowing my work helps maintain stability and continuity for students even when regular teachers are unavailable. Diego

Other Things to Know About Becoming a Substitute Teacher in Kansas

Are online substitute teacher training programs in Kansas legitimate?

Yes, several online programs are legitimate and widely recognized. The American Board for Certification of Teacher Excellence (ABCTE) offers a Kansas-approved certification program known for its flexibility and strong curriculum. The Substitute Teaching Institute (STI) also provides quality training, especially in classroom management, though it is not Kansas-specific. Always confirm that the program meets Kansas Department of Education requirements before enrolling.

Is substitute teaching in Kansas considered full-time employment?

Not typically. Most substitute teaching jobs in Kansas are part-time or on-call positions without guaranteed daily work. However, some long-term substitute roles may offer full-time hours and benefits, depending on the district and assignment length.

What skills do you gain as a substitute teacher in Kansas?

As a substitute teacher in Kansas, you gain valuable skills like classroom management, adaptability, and clear communication. You learn to adjust quickly to different grade levels and subjects, solve problems on the spot, and follow lesson plans efficiently. Working with diverse students also builds cultural awareness. These skills not only support your current role but also prepare you for future opportunities in education.

Should you substitute teach before becoming a full-time teacher in Kansas?

Yes, substitute teaching in Kansas can be a great step before becoming a full-time teacher. It offers hands-on classroom experience, helps you develop classroom management skills, and gives you a feel for different teaching environments. It also provides networking opportunities with school staff and strengthens your resume with relevant experience.

While it’s not required for licensure, substituting can confirm your interest in education and build patience and adaptability. Just keep in mind that you’ll still need to meet Kansas’s education and certification requirements to become a licensed teacher.