Substitute Teaching License & Requirements in New York for 2025

by Imed Bouchrika, Phd

Co-Founder and Chief Data Scientist

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Becoming a substitute teacher in New York is a valuable and strategic entry point into the state’s vibrant and multifaceted education system. With one of the largest student populations in the country, New York offers consistent demand for qualified substitutes, particularly in high-need areas such as New York City and other urban districts.

Substitute teaching not only provides flexibility and firsthand classroom experience but also serves as a gateway to long-term teaching roles.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know—licensing requirements, salary expectations, and key pathways—based on extensive research my team and I have conducted.

Key Points About Becoming a Substitute Teacher in New York

• New York requires substitute teachers to hold a valid teaching certificate or a substitute license, with a minimum of 60 college credits and completion of a fingerprinting background check.
• The job outlook for substitute teachers in New York is strong, driven by high demand in urban and rural districts seeking flexible, qualified educators year-round.
• With an average salary around $130 per day and abundant opportunities, New York offers an inspiring environment to launch and grow a rewarding teaching career.

Table of Contents

1. What are the requirements to become a substitute teacher in New York?
2. What are the different types of substitute teaching permits in New York?
3. How do substitute teachers renew their teaching permit in New York?
4. How do substitute teachers receive assignments in New York districts?
5. Can substitute teaching lead to a full-time teaching job in New York?
6. How much do substitute teachers make in New York?
7. What is the job outlook for substitute teachers in New York?
8. What ethical standards do substitute teachers adhere to in New York?
9. What legal rights and protections apply to substitute teachers in New York?
10. What are the benefits received by substitute teachers in New York?
11. What are the common challenges for substitute teachers in New York?
12. What resources support ongoing professional development for substitute teachers in New York?
13. Other Things To Know About Substitute Teaching License and Requirements in New York

What are the requirements to become a substitute teacher in New York?

Whether you are just starting your teaching journey or looking to expand your professional skills, understanding the substitute teacher license and requirements in New York is key to unlocking this rewarding path. Here are the essential steps and qualifications you need to know:

• Minimum Education: A high school diploma or GED is required to become a substitute teacher, though some districts may prefer additional college coursework or teaching assistant certificates for specialized or longer-term roles.
• Fingerprinting and Background Check: All candidates must complete fingerprinting and a criminal history background check through the New York State Education Department, with a fee of $101.50, ensuring a safe environment for students.
• District Application Process: Prospective substitutes apply directly to each school district, submitting proof of education, references, and often completing an interview and additional local paperwork.
• NYCDOE Substitute Teacher License (New York City only): If you wish to work in NYC public schools, obtaining a substitute teacher license from the New York City Department of Education is mandatory, reflecting specific local requirements.
• Mandatory Training: Many districts require new substitutes to complete training within 30 days of hire, covering classroom management and district policies to prepare you for success.
• Certification Pathways (Optional): While not necessary for short-term assignments, holding or pursuing a teaching certificate allows for more days of work and broader assignment options, enhancing your professional growth.

For those considering advancing their education to enhance qualifications, exploring a list of best 1 year online masters in education programs can provide excellent pathways to certification and career development. Embracing these requirements opens doors to becoming a valued substitute teacher, ready to inspire and support students across New York.

The chart below provides an overview of where short-term substitute teacher employment was most concentrated in 2023. It highlights how larger, more populous states tend to have the highest demand for substitutes, reflecting broader trends in student enrollment and staffing needs. For those considering this role, the chart suggests that opportunities may be more frequent and stable in states with larger school systems and urban districts.

What are the different types of substitute teaching permits in New York?

New York offers several substitute teaching permits designed to accommodate diverse educational backgrounds and experience levels, making it accessible for many aspiring educators to step into the classroom. Each permit type supports a different pathway, empowering you to contribute meaningfully to student learning while gaining valuable experience.

• Day-to-Day Substitute Teaching Permit: This permit is ideal for individuals with at least 48 college credits who want to substitute teach in any public school across New York State on a daily basis.
• Initial Substitute Teaching Permit: Designed for candidates with a bachelor's degree, this permit allows substitute teaching for up to five years and serves as a stepping stone toward full teacher certification.
• Certified Substitute Teaching Permit: Available to those who hold a valid teaching certificate, this permit enables substitute teaching in the holder’s certified subject area or grade level, offering flexibility and professional growth.
• Short-Term Substitute Teaching Permit: This permit is for substitutes filling positions for less than 40 days in a single assignment, requiring a minimum of 18 college credits and providing a quick entry to substitute teaching roles.
• Uncertified Substitute Teaching Permit: Tailored for candidates with fewer than 48 college credits, this permit is limited to specific districts and offers a unique opportunity for those eager to begin teaching while completing further education.

How do substitute teachers renew their teaching permit in New York?

Renewing your substitute teaching status ensures you can continue serving in schools seamlessly. In New York State, substitute teachers renew their eligibility either through district re-nomination or by fulfilling district-specific renewal criteria.

• Minimum Service Days: Substitute teachers must complete at least 20 days of service in the previous school year, showing ongoing dedication and familiarity with classroom environments.
• Annual Training Completion: Many districts require annual online training covering critical topics such as school safety and discrimination prevention, ensuring substitutes remain informed and compliant.
• Renewal Application Submission: Renewal is typically done through an online portal or by submitting paperwork as instructed by your district, with NYC using an employee login system for convenience.
• Verification of Eligibility: District offices verify your service record and standing, so there’s no need to submit proof of days worked in NYC, streamlining the process.
• Supporting Documentation: Be prepared to upload or mail proof of completed trainings or workshops by district deadlines to maintain your active status.
• Timely Submission: Meeting deadlines is crucial; failure to renew on time may result in removal from the substitute teacher pool.

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How do substitute teachers receive assignments in New York districts?

Substitute teachers in New York benefit from a streamlined and technology-driven system that ensures timely and fair assignment of jobs across districts. This approach empowers substitutes with convenient access and prioritizes experienced professionals, fostering a positive and efficient working environment.

• Automated Assignment Platform: New York City uses the SubCentral System, an advanced platform that manages absence reporting, substitute selection, and job notifications, simplifying the entire assignment process.
• Mandatory Registration: Substitutes must complete a one-time phone registration with SubCentral to become eligible for assignments and receive job alerts, making this step essential for getting started.
• Job Notification Methods: Assignments are offered through automated phone calls starting as early as 5:30 AM and are also accessible online 24/7, giving substitutes flexibility to accept jobs at their convenience.
• Preferred Substitute Requests: Schools can request specific substitutes through the SubCentral “Selection” process, allowing for personalized matches based on relationships or specialized skills.
• Priority and Preferred Lists: Certain districts maintain preferred substitute lists that prioritize substitutes with positive work records or specialized experience, ensuring trusted professionals are contacted first.
• Citywide and Regional Flexibility: Most substitutes are approved to work citywide, though some roles, like substitute paraprofessionals, may be designated to specific programs or boroughs, reflecting New York’s diverse educational needs.
• Assignment Tracking and Management: SubCentral enables substitutes to track assignments, update profiles, and review work history online, enhancing transparency and control over their substitute teaching career.
• Annual Renewal and Standing: Maintaining eligibility requires annual renewal and a positive work record, motivating substitutes to uphold high standards and stay active within the system.

The chart below highlights how certain subject areas remain the most understaffed in public schools, with special education, general elementary education, and ESL/bilingual education showing particularly high demand. This trend points to ongoing opportunities for educators who specialize in these fields. For aspiring or current teachers, focusing on these critical shortage areas can lead to meaningful work and strong job prospects.

Can substitute teaching lead to a full-time teaching job in New York?

Substitute teaching in New York can be a valuable stepping stone toward securing a full-time teaching position. Many districts, including the New York City Department of Education, recognize substitute experience when considering candidates for permanent roles.

• Building Classroom Experience: Serving as a substitute offers practical time in the classroom, which New York’s education authorities accept as part of the required teaching experience for certification, as long as state rules are met.

• Documenting Workdays: To qualify for full-time certification, substitutes must track their teaching days, with a typical requirement being 540 full-time days or about three years. Official verification can be obtained through designated forms from the NYCDOE.

• Teaching Within Certification Areas: Experience must align with the candidate’s certified subject or the subject area they are pursuing certification in to count toward full-time credentials.

• Clearance Procedures: Fingerprinting and criminal background checks are mandatory for substitutes and remain essential steps when moving to full-time teaching roles, ensuring student safety.

• Renewal and Professional Development: Maintaining substitute eligibility often involves annual renewals, which can include ongoing training or professional development as required by local education authorities.

• Applying for Certification: Transitioning substitutes must apply through the New York State Education Department’s certification system, demonstrating their accumulated experience and compliance with all necessary conditions.

The image below offers a quick look at the average tenure of substitute teachers, providing context for how long many stay in these roles before moving into full-time positions.

How much do substitute teachers make in New York?

For those exploring a career as a substitute teacher in New York, understanding the substitute teacher license and requirements is essential. The average pay for substitute teachers in New York reflects rewarding opportunities, with salaries typically ranging from $22 to $26 per hour and annual rates around $46,217 in New York City public schools. This role offers flexibility and a chance to make a meaningful impact while earning competitive pay.

Several factors influence the substitute teacher salary in New York:

• Assignment Type: Pay varies between short-term daily substitutes and full-term regular substitutes, with long-term roles often offering higher compensation.
• Credentials: Holding advanced teaching credentials or participating in alternative certification pathways can lead to increased pay rates.
• Location Differences: Urban districts like New York City typically offer higher salaries compared to suburban or rural areas due to cost of living and budget differences.
• Length of Assignment: Longer assignments spanning weeks or months may come with enhanced daily or weekly rates and additional responsibilities.
• Subject Area: Specialized subjects, such as special education, sometimes command higher pay to reflect the expertise required.

For those considering how to qualify as a substitute teacher, gaining insight into what is an education degree is a helpful starting point. This foundation supports meeting New York’s licensing requirements and sets the stage for a fulfilling substitute teaching career with competitive pay and growth potential.

What is the job outlook for substitute teachers in New York?

The job outlook for substitute teachers in New York is very promising due to sustained teacher shortages in New York schools and other critical factors. This creates exciting opportunities for individuals seeking to enter education or expand their teaching experience through substitute roles. Key regions and districts with high demand include:

• New York City: Large-Scale Hiring Pressures: The NYC Department of Education plans to hire thousands of new teachers in 2025 to meet new class size mandates and fill vacancies, driving a continuous need for substitutes to support transitions and staff absences.
• High-Need Urban Districts: Persistent Shortages: Urban areas with diverse student populations face elevated teacher vacancies, increasing reliance on substitutes as districts struggle to attract certified teachers.
• Upstate and Rural Districts: Limited Local Hiring Pools: Smaller local labor pools and less competitive compensation make it challenging to staff substitutes, especially for specialized subjects in these regions.
• Special Education and STEM Classrooms Subject-Specific Gaps: There is a strong demand for substitutes in special education, math, and science due to national shortages of certified teachers in these fields.
• Temporary and Long-Term Absences: Pandemic Impact: High teacher absenteeism related to health and burnout continues to fuel daily and extended substitute needs across New York schools.

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What ethical standards do substitute teachers adhere to in New York?

Substitute teachers in New York play a vital role in maintaining a supportive and ethical learning environment. Their professional conduct is guided by clear standards designed to protect student welfare, uphold educational integrity, and foster respect within diverse classrooms. Below are the essential ethical responsibilities that every substitute teacher in New York is encouraged to embrace.

• Student Confidentiality: Substitutes must safeguard students’ private information, using it solely to enhance their educational experience in line with New York State’s ethical codes.
• Safe and Inclusive Environment: They are charged with creating classrooms where every student feels valued and secure emotionally, physically, and intellectually.
• Adherence to Policies: Understanding and following all district and school rules, including curriculum and behavior expectations, is fundamental to their role.
• Professional Conduct: Substitutes serve as role models, consistently exhibiting respectful and ethical behavior toward students, staff, and the community.
• Conflict of Interest Avoidance: Maintaining impartiality means avoiding gifts or actions that could compromise judgment or fairness.
• Consistent Behavioral Standards: Establishing clear expectations for student behavior supports a positive and productive classroom atmosphere.
• Ongoing Professionalism: Annual renewal requirements, including background checks and performance reviews, reinforce commitment to high ethical standards.
• Diversity and Equity: Substitutes actively champion fairness and inclusion, recognizing and respecting the diverse identities of New York’s student body.
• Instructional Integrity: They faithfully implement lesson plans provided by regular teachers, ensuring academic consistency without unauthorized changes.

What legal rights and protections apply to substitute teachers in New York?

Substitute teachers in New York operate under specific legal frameworks that secure workplace safety, fair compensation, and non-discriminatory treatment. These rights are defined by state education policies and supported by district-specific guidelines, ensuring that substitutes are clear about their roles, responsibilities, and protections against unfair labor practices. Understanding these provisions is crucial when navigating assignments and addressing workplace challenges. For insights into career progression within this framework, consider reviewing how to become a substitute teacher in New York.

What are the benefits received by substitute teachers in New York?

While traditional benefits like comprehensive health insurance or retirement plans may be limited, substitute teachers enjoy unique advantages that make this career path both flexible and rewarding. Below is an overview of the key benefits commonly available to substitute teachers working within New York, particularly under the New York City Department of Education.

• Flexible Scheduling: Substitute teachers in New York benefit from the ability to choose when they work, offering a level of flexibility ideal for those balancing other commitments or seeking part-time income.
• Competitive Daily Pay: The per diem rate is currently set at $217.75 per day as of January 2025, providing a reliable and straightforward compensation model for days worked.
• Long-term Assignment Opportunities: Substitutes may access longer-term assignments that offer greater stability and the potential to achieve Q-status, unlocking benefits similar to full-time teachers.
• Professional Development Access: Many schools provide opportunities for substitute teachers to enhance their skills and credentials, supporting career growth and eventual transition to full-time teaching roles, often encouraging pursuit of advanced credentials like EdD degree programs.
• Union Representation: The United Federation of Teachers (UFT) advocates for substitute teachers’ rights, working to improve pay and benefits, especially for those in long-term positions.

These benefits reflect the evolving landscape of substitute teaching in New York, offering promising incentives for those considering or currently working in this flexible and impactful educational role.

What are the common challenges for substitute teachers in New York?

Substitute teaching in New York presents a unique set of challenges that affect both newcomers and seasoned educators alike. Below are key issues they frequently encounter within the state's diverse school environments.

• Unpredictable Scheduling: Substitute teachers often face irregular and fluctuating assignments, making it difficult to maintain a steady income or plan ahead financially.
• Limited Compensation and Benefits: Pay rates are generally lower than those for full-time teachers, with no remuneration during school holidays or weather-related closures, and benefits like health insurance are typically unavailable.
• Staffing Shortages: A significant number of districts struggle to fill substitute positions, as many qualified individuals decline assignments due to job dissatisfaction and challenging conditions.
• Insufficient Training and Orientation: Many substitutes enter classrooms without adequate preparation or professional development, which can hinder effective classroom management and adaptability.
• Classroom Management Challenges: Being assigned to unfamiliar environments with little student background information often limits substitutes’ ability to maintain authority and deliver focused instruction.
• Isolation from School Communities: Limited integration with full-time staff and scarce mentorship opportunities leave many substitutes feeling unsupported and disconnected.
• Administrative Hurdles: In New York City, annual renewal processes and school-level nomination systems add layers of job insecurity and complexity for substitutes.
• Stressful Work Conditions: Hostile or high-pressure environments, aggravated by personnel shortages and sudden assignments, contribute to turnover and reluctance to continue in substitute roles.

What Substitute Teachers in New York Say About Their Careers

• The flexibility of substitute teaching in New York has been a game-changer for me. I can choose assignments that fit my schedule, and the average daily rates really help me maintain financial stability. It’s rewarding to step into different classrooms and make an immediate impact. – Claire
• Starting as a substitute teacher opened doors I never expected. New York offers clear pathways for advancement, from long-term substitute roles to full-time teaching positions. This career has given me a sense of purpose and professional growth that I truly value. – Mitchel
• What I appreciate most about substitute teaching in New York is the strong emphasis on professional development. The city provides numerous workshops and certification programs that have enhanced my skills and confidence. It’s fulfilling to know I’m continually improving while supporting students every day. – Arnold

What resources support ongoing professional development for substitute teachers in New York?

Substitute teachers in New York can enhance their expertise and career trajectory by accessing targeted professional development programs. Ongoing training in instructional strategies, advanced classroom management, and emerging educational technologies supports not only immediate classroom effectiveness but also long-term career growth. Educators are encouraged to evaluate accredited platforms for additional credentials such as different types of teaching certifications and requirements in New York that align with evolving classroom demands. Furthermore, participation in district-led workshops and specialized seminars offers practical insights and mentorship opportunities that reinforce both professional skills and personal achievement.

Other Things to Know About Substitute Teaching License and Requirements in New York

Is substitute teaching in New York a good career option?

Choosing to become a substitute teacher in New York offers a practical entry point into the education field, combining flexibility with valuable classroom experience. The position often appeals to recent graduates, career changers, and education professionals seeking supplemental income or a pathway toward full certification.

Additionally, substitute teaching provides an opportunity to develop classroom management skills and gain insight into various grade levels and subjects. Labor market data indicates steady demand for substitutes statewide, particularly in high-need areas, making it a viable and strategic career choice for those interested in education. 

Can substitute teachers work in special education classrooms in New York?

Special education settings often require additional training or certification related to students with disabilities. According to the New York State Education Department, substitutes assigned to special education must demonstrate knowledge of individualized education programs (IEPs) and appropriate classroom management techniques.

Many school districts prefer or require substitutes to hold a valid teaching certificate with a special education endorsement or to have completed targeted professional development. This ensures that substitute teachers are prepared to support diverse learning needs and comply with federal and state regulations such as the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). 

Can you substitute teach at multiple school types in New York with one permit?

In New York, substitute teachers cannot typically use a single permit to teach across multiple types of schools, such as public, private, and charter schools. Each school type often requires distinct certification or approval processes because the state’s education regulations and employment policies vary between them.

For example, a permit valid for public schools generally does not extend to private or charter schools, which may have their own credentialing requirements. This separation ensures that substitute teachers meet the specific standards and legal criteria set by each educational sector, maintaining consistent quality and accountability in different learning environments.

How do substitute teachers in New York handle student behavior issues?

When addressing student behavior issues, substitutes typically employ proactive strategies such as clear communication of expectations, positive reinforcement, and redirection. However, they often must defer major disciplinary actions, such as detention or suspension, to the school’s permanent staff or administration. This limitation ensures consistency in discipline and aligns with district policies that prioritize student safety and fairness. 

References:

• Cousineau, M. (2024, January 31). Rampant misclassification costs subs higher wages. New York Focus. https://nysfocus.com/2024/01/31/substitute-teacher-new-york-city-pay-status

• Elevate K12. (n.d.). How to address the teacher shortage in New York City. https://www.elevatek12.com/blog/elevate-in-action/nyc-teacher-shortage/

• New York City Department of Education. (n.d.). Substitute teaching. https://www.schools.nyc.gov/careers/substitute-teaching

• New York State Education Department. (n.d.). Substitute teaching: OTI. https://www.highered.nysed.gov/tcert/certificate/special-education-teacher.html

• Will, M. (2024, February 7). 10 major challenges for substitute teachers. Education Week. https://www.edweek.org/teaching-learning/10-major-challenges-for-substitute-teachers/2024/02