How to become a substitute teacher in Texas.

School districts across Texas need qualified substitute teachers to lead students when their teachers are absent. If you’re thinking about substitute teaching, now might be the time to enter a rewarding career in education—especially if you’re looking for a more flexible work schedule.   

Since Kelly Education partners with many school districts across Texas, we’re sharing our expertise to navigate the hiring process from initial application to employment.   

While candidates must complete some basic steps, there are few demands for prospective substitute teachers in Texas. The Texas Education Agency (TEA) does not issue substitute teacher certification, so you won’t need to pursue excessive credentialing requirements. You should check your preferred district’s substitute teacher job description posting, as some districts mandate supplemental conditions beyond the state rules. For example, many schools prioritize high school-level substitutes at least 21 years and older. 

Minimum Texas state requirements, at a glance*:

• Age: 18 years 
• Education: high school diploma or equivalent 
• I-9: Employment verification to work in the U.S. 
• Fingerprinting 

In addition to Texas state requirements, Kelly Education requires:

• National Sex Offender Registry check 
• Pre-hire training 
• New hire orientation 

A deeper dive into substitute teacher requirements.

If you’re at least 18 and possess a high school diploma or high equivalency, it shouldn’t take long to get you into the classroom. The employment steps can take a few weeks—though your commitment to the undertaking will ultimately determine the timeline.  

When your district works with Kelly Education, we assist you in the hiring process. 

Education verification. 

Gather your application materials. First, request transcripts to demonstrate your educational achievements. At the Texas state level, you need to verify a high school diploma or equivalent. However, submitting proof of college coursework can only strengthen your candidacy and expand your employment opportunities.  

Some school districts mandate that substitute teachers possess at least 60 college credits or have earned a bachelor’s degree. Requests for official college transcripts can take up to a week to process, and there is typically a small associated cost. 

I-9: Employment verification.

All prospective substitute teachers must be legally eligible to work in the United States. To complete this step, submit a federal I-9 form to your employer. If working with Kelly, this process will be completed electronically with guidance from one of our representatives. You will include copies of valid identification credentials, such as a passport or driver’s license.  

Background check and fingerprinting.

Background checks and fingerprinting are often the longest steps in the application process. In Texas, the state requires all substitute teacher candidates to pass a fingerprint-based criminal history check. Applicants with previous fingerprint checks on file within the Texas public school system may be permitted to bypass this step. 

All Kelly Education candidates are reviewed through the National Sex Offender registry and county criminal records. This step can take up to a week, and court backups can delay the timeline. Regardless, these measures are vital to ensuring student safety and well-being. 

Training.

While the TEA does not mandate a substitute teacher certification or license, interested candidates may consider obtaining a Texas teacher certification. Official certification requires a bachelor’s degree, teacher preparation training, and an examination, but certified individuals will be eligible for higher pay rates and more employment opportunities. 

Generally, the TEA does not require a training course for substitute teachers. Regardless, all Kelly Education candidates will complete pre-hire training. The free ClassSmarts training course is entirely online and requires less than two hours to complete. 

All our substitute teachers also complete New Hire Orientation. Our orientation is a paid one-hour virtual session that will help prepare you to work for Kelly Education and share the school district’s specific policies and expectations. 

Getting started with Kelly Education and our school district partners.

Don’t delay the next chapter in your career. Kelly Education The recruitment team can help you every step of the way. To begin, fill out our interest form. We’ll contact you soon to answer your questions and assess how you can make a positive difference in Texas schools. 

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

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