Substitute Teaching License & Requirements in Texas for 2025

Co-Founder and Chief Data Scientist

Becoming a substitute teacher in Texas is a meaningful way to support student learning while gaining hands-on experience in diverse classroom settings. The state outlines clear requirements and procedures to ensure substitutes are ready to manage instructional responsibilities effectively. Whether you’re an aspiring educator or simply looking for flexible, purpose-driven work, this path can open the door to rewarding opportunities.

In this article, I’ll break down the key requirements, licensing steps, pay expectations, and more. My team and I have researched this thoroughly to give you accurate, practical guidance every step of the way.

Key Points About Becoming a Substitute Teacher in Texas

To become a substitute teacher in Texas, you need at least 60 college credit hours or a valid teaching certificate, plus a background check and fingerprinting.
The job outlook is solid thanks to growing student populations and frequent teacher absences, making substitute teaching a reliable gig with flexible hours.
Texas pays an average of around $100 to $120 per day for substitutes, offering a decent income and a great entry point into education careers.

What are the requirements to become a substitute teacher in Texas?
What are the different types of substitute teaching permits in Texas?
How do substitute teachers renew their teaching permit in Texas?
How do substitute teachers receive assignments in Texas districts?
Can substitute teaching lead to a full-time teaching job in Texas?
How much do substitute teachers make in Texas?
What is the job outlook for substitute teachers in Texas?
What ethical standards do substitute teachers adhere to in Texas?
What are the benefits received by substitute teachers in Texas?
What are the common challenges for substitute teachers in Texas?
What professional development opportunities are available for substitute teachers in Texas?
What legal responsibilities and protections do substitute teachers have in Texas?
Other Things to Know About Substitute Teaching License and Requirements in Texas

What are the requirements to become a substitute teacher in Texas?

If you’re thinking about stepping into the classroom as a substitute teacher in Texas, it helps to know what’s expected. The requirements to become a substitute teacher in Texas can vary quite a bit since each school district sets its own rules. However, there are some common steps and qualifications most districts look for before you can start. Here’s a quick rundown to get you started on your path.

Education Requirements: Most districts want you to have at least a high school diploma or GED. Some may ask for college credits or even a bachelor’s degree, like Austin ISD, which requires at least one college credit hour.
Application Process: You’ll need to apply directly to the district where you want to work. Many districts, such as Dallas ISD and Fort Worth ISD, have online applications that open annually.
Background Check: This is a must-have everywhere in Texas. Districts usually coordinate with the Texas Education Agency or handle it themselves to keep students safe.
Training or Orientation: Expect to attend some training sessions or orientations covering classroom management and district policies. Some districts also use systems like AESOP for scheduling and may require a basic skills assessment.
Certification: Texas doesn’t require a formal substitute teacher license, but having one or a teaching certificate can open more doors and longer assignments.
Local Resources: Many districts support substitutes with handbooks, professional development, and support teams to help you succeed in the classroom.

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What are the different types of substitute teaching permits in Texas?

If you’re thinking about stepping in as a substitute teacher in Texas, it’s good to know there are a few different permits you might come across. Each one has its own set of rules and qualifications depending on your background and how long you plan to substitute.

Here’s a quick rundown of the main types of substitute teaching permits in Texas:

Standard Substitute Permit: This is the most common type, usually for folks who have at least 60 college credit hours. It lets you cover classroom time without needing a full teaching certificate.
Emergency Substitute Permit: Designed for those without the required college hours, this permit is a temporary option that lets you fill in until the district finds someone with a standard permit or full certification.
30-Day Substitute Permit: This permit is handy if you’re planning to substitute in the same classroom for more than 20 consecutive days. It requires a bit more paperwork and approval from the school district.
Retired Teacher Substitute Permit: If you’re a retired educator, this permit allows you to come back and substitute without going through the usual certification hoops again.

How do substitute teachers renew their teaching permit in Texas?

The process of renewing the teaching permit in Texas is pretty straightforward, designed to keep educators up to date and ready for the classroom. Texas requires substitute teachers to stay current with their certification by meeting some key requirements every five years. Here’s a quick rundown of what you need to know to keep your substitute teacher license active and valid.

Complete Continuing Professional Education Hours: You must earn 150 hours of Continuing Professional Education (CPE) during each five-year renewal period. These hours come from workshops, classes, or other professional development activities that help sharpen your teaching skills.
Maintain Good Standing: The Texas Education Agency (TEA) requires you to be current on student loans and child support payments, as any defaults can delay or block your renewal.
Undergo Criminal Background Check: A national background check, including fingerprint submission, is required to ensure the safety of Texas schools before your permit is renewed.
Update Contact Information: Keep your TEA profile up to date with your current email and contact details so you don’t miss important renewal reminders sent six months before your certificate expires.
Submit Renewal Application and Fee: You’ll apply online through the TEA Login (TEAL) system and pay a $20 fee. Renewing on time avoids extra reinstatement costs if your permit expires.
Affirmation of Compliance: Finally, you must submit an online affidavit confirming you’ve completed all renewal requirements, including CPE hours and eligibility criteria.

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How do substitute teachers receive assignments in Texas districts?

If you’re curious about how substitute teachers get their assignments in Texas, it’s a pretty flexible system that varies a lot depending on the district. Because Texas lets each district run its own show, the process can look different from one place to another. Here’s a quick rundown of the main ways substitutes hear about and pick up jobs across the state:

District Autonomy: Each Texas school district decides its own method for assigning substitutes, so there’s no one-size-fits-all approach statewide.
Online Management Systems: Many districts use platforms like Absence Management or Frontline Education, where subs can see and accept available jobs right from their phone or computer.
Automated Notifications: Substitute teachers often get alerted about openings through emails, texts, or automated calls, helping them respond quickly to opportunities.
Priority and Preferred Lists: Some districts keep special lists for their top-performing or highly qualified substitutes, giving them first dibs on certain assignments.
Regional Differences: Big city districts tend to rely heavily on tech-driven systems, while smaller or rural districts might have subs contracted directly by school staff.
Manual Contact: In cases where there’s a last-minute need or in smaller districts, school admins may personally call or email substitutes to fill spots fast.
Long-Term Assignments: For longer gigs, districts usually have a more selective process that might include interviews and favor certified teachers or those with special skills.

Based on the chart below, the widespread staffing shortages across key teaching areas emphasizes a strong need for educators in specialized and foundational roles. These trends show that focusing on high-need subjects can lead to greater job stability and meaningful opportunities to make a positive impact in schools.

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

Substitute teaching in Texas can definitely open doors to a full-time teaching career. It’s a great way to get your foot in the door, gain classroom experience, and make connections that might help you land a permanent role.

Gaining Experience: Being a substitute lets you get comfortable managing different classrooms and learn the ropes of district policies. Doing a solid job can earn you good recommendations and make you stand out when full-time positions come up.
Building Your Network: Working as a sub helps you meet teachers, principals, and other staff. These relationships often lead to tips about upcoming jobs or even direct referrals.
Learning District Culture: Subs who cover multiple grade levels or schools get a better sense of what districts expect, which can be a big plus during hiring, especially for challenging positions.
Meeting Certification Requirements: While you don’t need certification to substitute, you’ll have to get your teaching certificate to move into a full-time role. This means completing an approved educator program, passing exams, and completing background checks.
Showing Dedication: Serving as a substitute shows you’re serious about teaching and understand the challenges of running a classroom, which many districts appreciate.

This pathway also connects to broader trends in the field, as shown in the image below highlighting the average tenure of substitute teachers.

How much do substitute teachers make in Texas?

Wondering about the substitute teacher license and requirements in Texas? While the process varies by district, having a proper certification can seriously impact your paycheck. On average, substitute teachers in Texas make around $39,357 a year, which breaks down to about $18.92 per hour. However, depending on where you work and your credentials, the pay can swing quite a bit.

Here’s a quick rundown of factors that affect the salary of substitute teachers in Texas:

Credential Type: Certified substitutes often earn more, with some districts paying $100 per day for certified teachers, compared to $90 for those with a bachelor’s but no certificate, and $80 for non-degreed substitutes.
Length of Assignment: The longer you stay in the same assignment, the higher your pay can go. After 10 days, daily rates might jump from $100 to $125, and after 21 days, even up to $150 in some districts.
District Policies: Pay scales differ widely across districts. Bigger or urban districts usually offer better rates and sometimes bonuses for tough-to-fill positions.
Location Differences: Urban areas like Dallas, Houston, and Austin tend to pay more due to demand and higher living costs, while rural districts often pay less.

If you’re curious about the educational routes to qualify for substitute teaching, checking out the list of the best education degrees is a great place to start. Keep in mind that substitute teacher salary in Texas is generally lower than full-time teacher pay, which averages about $57,761 annually, but it offers flexibility and a foot in the door to a rewarding career.

What is the job outlook for substitute teachers in Texas?

If you’re looking into substitute teacher jobs in Texas forecast, you’ll find that demand is sky-high in 2025 due to ongoing teacher shortages and high turnover across the state. The need for substitutes is especially urgent as districts struggle to keep classrooms staffed consistently, making this a great time to consider stepping in as a substitute teacher.

Statewide Teacher Shortages: Texas is facing about 8,000 unfilled teaching positions this year, with over 22% of K-12 teachers not fully qualified for their roles. This shortage means substitute teachers are crucial for filling both short-term absences and longer vacancies.
Urban Districts: Houston, Dallas, San Antonio: Big city districts are dealing with enrollment booms and high teacher absenteeism, causing a steady demand for substitutes to keep classrooms running smoothly.
Critical Shortage Subjects: There’s a big need for substitutes certified in bilingual/ESL, special education, math, and career and technical education, especially in secondary schools.
High Retirement and Attrition Rates: Since 2021, thousands of teachers have retired, and new teacher retention is low, which keeps demand for substitutes strong.

These Texas substitute teaching trends show that this role can be a practical way to gain flexible work experience or start a teaching career, including one that may also open doors in some of the highest-paying industries for substitutes, as shown in the image below. If you want to explore educational paths that support this field, check out this list of cheapest online library science masters degrees for affordable ways to advance your credentials.

top-paying industry for short-term substitute teachers

What ethical standards do substitute teachers adhere to in Texas?

Working as a substitute teacher in Texas means following a clear set of ethical standards that keep the classroom safe, respectful, and professional. These guidelines help ensure substitutes support students effectively while respecting the school's rules and the community’s values. Here are the key ethical responsibilities every substitute teacher in Texas should keep in mind:

Protecting Student Privacy: Substitutes must keep all student information confidential, never sharing records or personal details with unauthorized people to comply with both state laws and professional ethics.
Creating a Safe Classroom: It’s important to foster an inclusive and supportive environment where every student feels valued and protected, promptly reporting any safety or abuse concerns as required by law.
Following School Policies: Substitute teachers need to stick to district and campus rules, including classroom management and communication guidelines, since ignoring these can lead to dismissal.
Maintaining Integrity: Honesty and good character are crucial; substitutes should avoid deception, personal business during work hours, or criticizing others in front of students and staff.
Respecting Colleagues and Leadership: Treat fellow educators and administrators fairly, and handle concerns privately rather than airing grievances publicly.
Avoiding Conflicts of Interest: Using the substitute role for personal gain or soliciting during school hours is a no-go.
Adhering to the Texas Educators’ Code of Ethics: This statewide code applies to all substitutes and is enforced by the State Board for Educator Certification, making ethical conduct both a professional and legal must.
Mandatory Reporting: Substitutes must report suspected student abuse or neglect to avoid serious consequences and protect student welfare.

What are the benefits received by substitute teachers in Texas?

If you’re thinking about becoming a substitute teacher in Texas, it’s helpful to know what kinds of benefits and incentives come with the role. While substitute teachers don’t usually get the same perks as full-time educators, there are still some pretty solid advantages that make the job worthwhile.

Here’s a quick rundown of the key benefits that many districts offer, making substitute teaching in Texas a flexible and rewarding option.

Flexible Scheduling: One of the biggest draws is the ability to pick and choose your assignments. Whether you’re a student, retiree, or just need part-time work, you can decide when and where to work, which helps keep your schedule manageable.
Competitive Daily Rates and Bonuses: Pay can be surprisingly good, with some districts like Austin ISD offering up to $190 per day. Plus, there are bonuses for long-term assignments or special roles, adding a nice boost to your paycheck.
Long-Term Assignment Incentives: If you take on assignments longer than 10 consecutive days, you often qualify for higher pay and may get involved in classroom activities beyond just covering lessons, like grading or curriculum planning.
Access to Professional Development: While health insurance and paid leave are usually off the table, many districts provide chances to attend training sessions or workshops, helping you build skills that can open doors to full-time positions.
Unemployment Eligibility: Substitute teachers in Texas might qualify for unemployment benefits during breaks if there’s no written guarantee of returning, which can offer some financial security during the summer or holidays.

For those interested in education, exploring substitute teacher pay and benefits texas can be a great way to get started and gain experience. If you want to learn more about pathways into education, check out this list of easiest education degree programs that might fit your goals.

What are the common challenges for substitute teachers in Texas?

Substitute teaching in Texas comes with its own set of unique hurdles that can affect both the teachers and the students they serve. Understanding these challenges helps shed light on the realities substitutes face day-to-day and why schools are continually looking for better ways to support them.

Here are some of the main difficulties substitute teachers often encounter in Texas.

Inconsistent Scheduling: Many substitutes struggle with unpredictable schedules, making it tough to plan their work and income. Texas districts are trying out automated systems to help smooth out these scheduling bumps.
Limited Training and Support: A lot of substitute teachers feel they don’t get enough training or guidance, which can make managing classrooms and delivering lessons more stressful. Boosting training programs could help them feel more prepared and confident.
Classroom Management Challenges: Walking into a classroom without knowing the students or having a heads-up on the lesson plan can be tough. This often leads to difficulties keeping control and keeping students engaged throughout the day.
Restricted Access to Benefits: Unlike full-time educators, substitutes typically miss out on benefits like health insurance and retirement options, which can make sticking with substitute teaching long-term a bit tricky.

On top of these issues, Texas schools face substitute shortages and high teacher workloads, prompting districts to experiment with strategies like floating substitutes or central office teams to better support their substitute pool and ease the strain on classrooms.

The chart below highlights that many substitute teachers feel unprepared to support students with special needs and would benefit from additional training in areas such as trauma-informed practices, teaching strategies, and classroom management. This points to a widespread lack of practical preparation for substitutes working with high-need student populations. The need for clearer guidance on roles, expectations, and district policies also suggests ongoing gaps in orientation and support from schools.

What professional development opportunities are available for substitute teachers in Texas?

In addition to hands-on classroom experience, substitute teachers can access targeted professional development programs designed to enhance instructional and classroom management skills. Many districts and state initiatives offer specialized training, workshops, and online courses that help substitutes adapt to diverse learning environments and address current educational challenges. Exploring further certification options, such as those outlined in our article on types of teaching certifications and requirements in Texas, can also provide a clear pathway toward career advancement and broader teaching opportunities.

What Substitute Teachers in Texas Say About Their Careers

The flexibility of substitute teaching in Texas has been a game-changer for me. I can choose when and where to work, which allows me to balance family life effortlessly while earning a competitive daily rate. Knowing I’m making a difference in students’ lives while maintaining my schedule feels incredibly rewarding. – Dorris
Starting as a substitute teacher opened doors I hadn’t imagined. Texas school districts offer clear pathways for advancement, and through dedication, I transitioned into a full-time teaching role. The experience gave me confidence and a deep understanding of classroom dynamics before fully committing. – Theo
Texas provides amazing professional development opportunities for substitute teachers, including workshops and certification programs that enhance skills and classroom management techniques. Being part of this supportive community has made me feel valued and continuously growing as an educator. – Agatha

What legal responsibilities and protections do substitute teachers have in Texas?

Substitute teachers in Texas must comply with district-specific policies and state regulations designed to ensure a safe and effective learning environment. They are legally accountable for maintaining confidentiality, adhering to mandated reporting protocols, and following established classroom management practices. Additionally, substitutes should be aware of contractual obligations that outline liability coverage and measures for protecting both themselves and the students during classroom incidents. Familiarizing oneself with these legal standards helps mitigate risks and reinforces professional accountability. For a detailed guide on eligibility and procedural requirements, refer to how to become a substitute teacher in Texas.

Other Things to Know About Substitute Teaching License and Requirements in Texas

Is substitute teaching in Texas a good career option?

Becoming a substitute teacher in Texas offers a valuable opportunity for individuals seeking flexible work within the education sector. Substitute teaching allows for gaining classroom experience, networking with educators, and exploring different grade levels and subjects.

Ethical standards in Texas emphasize professionalism, confidentiality, and maintaining a positive learning environment, ensuring substitutes adhere to the same core principles as licensed teachers. Overall, this career path is a practical choice for those interested in education with flexible hours and meaningful engagement in schools across the state.

Can substitute teachers work in special education classrooms in Texas?

Substitute teachers in Texas can work in special education classrooms, but there are specific requirements and considerations. According to the Texas Education Agency (TEA), substitutes must meet the same qualifications as regular educators when assigned to special education settings, which often include additional training or certification in special education strategies. Many school districts require substitutes to have prior experience or specialized training to effectively support students with disabilities.

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

In Texas, a single substitute teaching permit does not allow an individual to teach across multiple school types, such as public, private, and charter schools. This limitation exists because each school type operates under different regulatory frameworks and employment policies that require specific credentials or separate permits.

Public schools, governed by the Texas Education Agency, have distinct certification standards that may not apply to private or charter schools, which often have their own hiring criteria. Therefore, even with one valid substitute teaching permit, educators must obtain additional approvals or meet separate requirements to work in different school settings.

How do substitute teachers in Texas handle student behavior issues?

Generally, substitutes are expected to follow the established classroom management plans and discipline protocols set by the regular teacher or the school administration. According to the Texas Education Agency (TEA), substitutes should use positive reinforcement and non-punitive strategies first, such as redirecting students or consulting the campus behavior specialist. They typically do not have the authority to impose major disciplinary actions like suspensions or expulsions, which must be handled by permanent staff or administrators.