If you are thinking ‘How do I get my Texas subbing license? You have come to the right place. More than 22,000 teachers are subbing in Texas schools each year, and you could be one of them in no time.

The Texas Education Agency (TEA) allows individual schools and districts to lay down their own guidelines when it comes to substitute teacher qualifications.

This job is something you can fit around your current lifestyle. It is flexible, well-paying, and allows you to pursue other interests. If you are moving to Texas or are looking for a new teaching job without a standard certification, substitute teaching might just be the thing for you.

Here is a list of things you would definitely want to know before you start applying for substitute teaching in Texas:

How can you become a substitute teacher in Texas?

1. Build your resume

Job hunting begins with a perfect resume (PDF). When you start looking for a substitute teacher job, pay special attention to what the school wants. This way you can tailor your resume to highlight relevant skills and expertise. Take professional assistance if you must. Check for essential qualifications, certifications, experience letters, and everything else.

2. Get some teaching experience

You might think how do I become a substitute teacher in Texas if I don’t have prior experience? Although it differs from school to school, a little experience goes a long way. But if you are not familiar with school teaching, don’t think it’s the end of the line. Texas schools accept graduates with little to no formal experience. But if have worked with children in any capacity, be sure to highlight it in your resume.

3. Get in touch with schools or recruiters for interviews

Most schools will advertise substitute teaching positions as they open up. So, stay updated. You can also get in touch with educator preparation programs to help you find schools that are a good fit.

How much does a substitute teacher make per day/hour in Texas?

On average, a substitute teacher makes around a hundred dollars daily. Some schools pay more than $85 while others agree to pay more than $110 per day. Besides, the compensation depends to some extent on a teacher’s academic qualifications as well as their preferred grade levels. In fact, substitute teachers of ESL or Mathematics or Science are in high demand, particularly at the middle schools level, and so they can play this shortage to their advantage. If the Bureau of Labor Statistics is true, you could be adding upwards of $23,000/- every year by subbing at Texas schools.

Apart from the salary, substitute teachers get to connect with school principals and certified teachers. This comes in handy if and when they decide to apply as permanent educators.

How many credits do you need to be a substitute teacher in Texas?

Since there is no fixed qualification for subbing, schools are free to decide on the credit hours. For instance, schools in Dallas need more than 60 hours of college credit while those in Austin are happy with a High School diploma. However, at least 60 credits are normally asked for in most districts. Northside (San Antonio) demands more than 90 hours of credit in addition to a 2.5 GPA.

So before you apply as a sub, be sure to check out the credit needs. If you find yourself falling short at many of these places, perhaps it’s time to update yourself or improve upon your credit hours.

How long does it take to become a substitute teacher in Texas?

If you want to know ‘how do I become a substitute teacher in Texas’ within a short time, connecting with your nearest educator preparation program would be helpful. Your Program can assist you with finding the right schools, the right certifications, and the necessary training.

Apart from getting the right number of credit hours, there are a few requirements that need fulfilling. Fingerprinting, for instance. Before you can start subbing, you will undergo a mandatory background check for a fee ($39). Three things – criminal records, misconduct, complaints from previous schools – are checked. Also, you are tested to rule out the possibility of carrying infectious diseases since you’ll be spending most of your working day among young people.

All schools require fingerprinting proof before they can hire you. In addition, a few days or weeks may pass before your credentials are verified. Moreover, you will need to furnish references if schools ask for it.

Do you have to have a degree to be a substitute teacher in Texas?

No, although school districts in Texas require substitute teachers to possess a Bachelor’s degree or an Associate’s degree or at least several college credit hours.

Some schools ask for substitute teacher training. Most trainings last for 7 or 8 hours. They may be conducted online or offline or in a blended mode. A substitute teacher certification opens many more doors.

How do you get a substitute teaching certificate in Texas?

Educator Preparation Programs prepare teachers for classroom teaching and taking certification exams. Get in touch with an EPP in your district to find out more about substitute teacher certification. So, for your question, ‘how do I become a substitute teacher in Texas’ with a certificate, your Program will likely have all the answers. Usually, they have a large number of partner schools and stay updated about openings. Certificates are generally valid for a lifetime and the training includes a short classroom observation module.

Your Program can also help you advance your career by becoming a licensed permanent teacher through TExES exams and initial teaching licenses.

Summing up

Overall, substitute teaching is a great option for those who want to balance work and life while planning a career in teaching. A High School diploma is the minimum requirement in addition to a substitute teaching certificate for most school districts. For further information on ‘how do I become a substitute teacher in Texas’, call your local Program or teacher training center today.

 

Disclaimer

This article does not contain legal, educational, or government advice. As regulations can change from time to time, readers are advised to check with their local education departments to receive up-to-date information.

Last updated: May, 2023.