How to become a substitute teacher in Indiana.

Substitute teaching is a meaningful career with flexible opportunities and valuable work experience. Whether you’re on the path to becoming a full-time teacher or looking for a part-time job, there are a few things you need to know before applying to become a substitute teacher in Indiana.   

Kelly Education works with more than 30 school districts in the state, so we’re experts in helping candidates understand substitute teacher requirements. So, let’s get to it! 

Before starting the process, applicants should ensure they meet the basic qualifications. 

Minimum Indiana state requirements, at a glance*:

• Certification: Indiana teaching license or substitute permit 
• Education: High school diploma or equivalent (college credits required for some districts) 
• Age: 18 years
• Employment verification to work in the U.S. 
• Background check 
• Reference check 

In addition to Indiana state requirements, Kelly Education requires:

• Online application  
• Pre-hire training 
• New hire orientation 

A deeper dive into substitute teacher requirements.

Substitute teachers in Indiana don’t need a teaching license, though it will certainly help. Those without a prior teaching license must obtain a special permit from the Indiana Department of Education (DOE). This substitute teacher certification process is relatively simple but includes a few conditions, prerequisite steps, and a $15.00 fee. Ultimately, the hiring timeline will depend on your commitment and the volume of applicants in the state’s Licensing Verification and Information System (LVIS).  

The school district will need to recommend you for the permit, but if you work with a Kelly Education district, we’ll help you with this process. 

Education verification.

The Indiana DOE requires that all substitute teachers have obtained a high school diploma or equivalent. Some districts have additional education requirements (up to 60 college credits), so contact your desired school district and read through the substitute teacher job description for more specific details. To verify your academic background, request transcripts from any institution(s) you’ve previously attended. Official transcripts can take a few days to process and may include a small fee. 

Employment verification.

All Indiana substitute teachers must be at least 18 years of age and eligible for work in the United States. Submit a federal I-9 form and copies of valid identification credentials, such as your driver’s license, to your employer.  

Please note that while the state’s minimum age for prospective substitutes is 18, you must be at least 21 to work in certain high schools.  

Background check and fingerprinting.

The Indiana DOE mandates all K-12 classroom staff complete a SafeHire background check, which covers the Indiana Department of Child Services requirements. There is a small cost, but the background check is valid for five years.  

In addition to the state’s required background check, all substitute teaching candidates must provide three references — two peers and one employer. Contact your potential references early in the process to avoid hiring delays. 

Training.

The Indiana DOE does not require additional training for its substitute teacher applicants. Regardless, all Kelly Education candidates will complete our pre-hire ClassSmarts course. You can complete this free online training in under two hours. 

Before entering the classroom, Kelly Education substitute teachers must also complete our paid New Hire Orientation. This one-hour virtual session provides details on Kely Education and the district’s substitute teaching policies. 

Getting started with Kelly Education and our school district partners.

Become a substitute teacher in Indiana and dedicate your time to helping students in your community. To start, complete our simple interest form. A Kelly Education recruiter will be in touch soon. 

Are you ready to make a difference with flexible work that matters? Visit myKelly to learn more about opportunities near you! 

* Information subject to change. This is a general guideline. School districts may have additional requirements, in addition to state requirements.