How to become a substitute teacher in California
Substitute teachers mentor children at every age and in multiple classrooms and schools. The flexibility and freedom of substitute teaching can give you unique opportunities and the ability to modify schedules easily. What requirements do you need to become a substitute teacher, and how do you become one in California? Continue this article to explore the unique teaching opportunities available for substitutes.
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What does a substitute teacher do?
Substitute teachers are critical for educational institutions as they ensure that students' learning continues when their primary teacher is absent. They step in for full-time teachers who are sick, on parental leave, or on vacation. Many college students in education programs seek out substitute teaching opportunities while studying at the undergraduate level to gain experience and explore whether it is the right fit.
- Daily tasks: Grading papers, reading lectures, helping with assignments, lesson planning, classroom attendance, developing reports, ensuring student safety
- Types of roles: Public schools, private institutions, short-term positions, long-term teaching roles, opportunities in primary and secondary schools
- Permit types: 30-day permit, teaching permit for prospective teachers, career permit, career technical education 30-day permit
Steps to becoming a substitute teacher in California
There are several pathways to becoming a substitute teacher in California. You'll need to start by receiving one of the several permits available through the Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC).
These steps focus primarily on the most common permit used for substitute teaching: the Day-to-Day Emergency 30-Day Permit. These permit holders are authorized to teach on a day-to-day basis in any California classroom and can do so in any grade level from preschool through adult education courses. The permit is eligible for the entire academic year but can only be used for up to 30 days in the same general education classroom or 20 days in the same special education classroom.
Here's how to get your permit and start substitute teaching in California:
- Apply: Apply for the permit through the CTC and submit the paper application packet and supporting materials.
- Receive clearance: When working with minors, you must pass certain security clearances. This includes completing various educational or personality tests, obtaining fingerprint clearance, and passing a tuberculosis test.
- Select a school district: You can also apply directly through a school district or county if you have one in mind.
- Renew: The permit authorizes substitute teaching opportunities for one year and is renewable annually.
To become a long-term substitute teacher under the CTC's Emergency Career Substitute Teaching Permit or the Teaching Permit for Statutory Leave, you must first serve as a substitute with a day-to-day emergency permit. This long-term permit, which allows substitutes to teach for up to 60 days in the same general education classroom — 20 days in a special education classroom — has rigorous requirements.
- Provide proof of substitute teaching in California: Submit verified employer proof of three consecutive years of substitute teaching for at least 90 days in a California school district.
- Submit endorsement: Turn in an endorsement statement from the superintendent where you previously served for up to 60 days, demonstrating teaching your skills and experience.
- Demonstrate you have a bachelor's degree: Submit transcripts from an accredited university or college to fulfill the basic skills requirement.
- Submit application: Thoroughly review the permit application packet and submit it.