Alabama Substitute Teacher Requirements
Official Alabama minimums (last reviewed February 8, 2026). Authorization comes only from government authorities. The real competitive edge: practical classroom skills that get you called back repeatedly.
4
Required Items
3
Optional/Recommended
$80
Daily Rate (avg)
Alabama Requirements
These are the current published minimums. Skills that exceed them are what move you to the top of district call lists.
Required
Education Requirements
Alabama requires substitute teachers to hold a minimum of a high school diploma or GED along with at least 48 semester hours of college credit from a regionally accredited institution, or an associate's degree. A bachelor's degree is not required, though candidates who hold one may qualify for higher-level substitute positions with fewer restrictions.
Background Check
All substitute teacher applicants in Alabama must undergo a criminal background check, including fingerprinting processed through the Alabama State Department of Education and the FBI. The background check must be cleared before placement in any classroom. Results are typically returned within two to four weeks.
Age Requirements
Substitute teachers in Alabama must be at least 18 years of age at the time of application. There is no maximum age limit for substitute teaching in the state.
Application Process
Applicants should apply directly through the local school district in which they wish to substitute teach. Most Alabama districts manage their own substitute pools and may use third-party staffing services. Required documents typically include transcripts, identification, and background check authorization forms.
Recommended / Optional
Substitute Teaching Permit/License
Alabama does not issue a statewide substitute teaching license or permit. Instead, individual school districts set their own credentialing standards and approve substitutes at the local level. Some districts may require additional documentation or certifications beyond the state minimums.
Training/Orientation
Most school districts in Alabama require substitute teachers to attend a district-specific orientation session before their first assignment. Orientation typically covers classroom management, district policies, emergency procedures, and student safety protocols. Some districts also offer or require online training modules.
References
Alabama school districts generally require two to three professional references as part of the substitute teacher application. References should be from individuals who can speak to the applicant's character, work ethic, and suitability for working with children.
Additional Information
For more information, visit the Alabama State Department of Education - Substitute Teachers page.
After Authorization: How to Actually Get Called More in Alabama
Complete the official government process
Satisfy Alabama's published education, background check, and application requirements. These are issued only by state and district authorities.
Install fast authority signals
Students decide in the first 90 seconds whether to cooperate. Master the specific voice, posture, and routine moves that establish calm control immediately.
Build a portable engagement toolkit
Have 5-6 repeatable tactics ready for any grade band. Subs who keep learning happening (not just managed) get requested for long-term and repeat assignments.
Earn a reputation that travels
Leave every classroom better + one precise note. In Alabama, your documented reliability becomes your strongest job security.
The Real Picture in Alabama
$80
Avg Daily Rate
$27,500
Annual (regular subs)
High school diploma
Education Floor
Often No
License Required?
Frequently Asked Questions
Related Resources
This is skills-based professional development training only. It does not constitute state certification, a teaching license, or a guarantee of employment or assignments. All substitute teaching authorization and certification is issued exclusively by government/state/provincial/district authorities.
Skills-based professional development only. Actual substitute teaching authorization, certification, permits, and credentials in Alabama are issued exclusively by state, provincial, and district government authorities — never by Substitute Teacher Training or any private provider.
Meet the Alabama Rules — Then Stand Out with Skills
Our courses focus on the exact classroom tactics that turn authorized substitutes into the ones schools request again and again. All authorization and credentials come exclusively from state and district authorities.
Substitute Teacher Training provides practical skills development and resources to help substitute teachers perform more effectively in the classroom. Actual substitute teaching authorization, certification, permits, and credentials are issued exclusively by government/state/provincial/district education authorities. Decisions about hiring, pay rates, assignments, and any required credentials are made solely by schools, districts, and state education authorities. Completion of our courses results in a Certificate of Completion for professional development purposes only. We do not issue, approve, or guarantee any form of certification or employment.
Substitute Teacher Training provides no authorization, certification, or employment guarantees. All hiring, pay, and credential decisions rest solely with schools, districts, and state education authorities.