Idaho Substitute Teacher Requirements
Official Idaho 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.
5
Required Items
1
Optional/Recommended
$90
Daily Rate (avg)
Idaho 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
Idaho generally requires substitute teachers to hold a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution. However, the state also offers an Alternative Authorization for substitute teaching that may allow candidates without a bachelor's degree to serve as substitutes in districts experiencing shortages, provided they meet other qualifications set by the district and the State Board of Education.
Background Check
All substitute teachers in Idaho must complete a criminal background check, including fingerprinting processed through the Idaho State Police and the FBI. The background check is a mandatory requirement for obtaining any teaching-related certificate in Idaho. Costs are typically the responsibility of the applicant.
Age Requirements
Substitute teachers in Idaho must be at least 18 years of age. This minimum age applies to all categories of substitute teaching authorization in the state.
Application Process
Idaho substitute teacher applicants apply through the Idaho State Department of Education's certification portal for a substitute teaching certificate. The application requires official transcripts, background check clearance, and a processing fee. After obtaining the state certificate, candidates register with individual school districts.
Substitute Teaching Permit/License
Idaho issues a Substitute Teaching Certificate that is valid for five years. This certificate authorizes the holder to substitute teach in any Idaho public school district. The certificate is renewable, and holders must maintain a clear background check for renewal. An Alternative Authorization is also available for non-degreed candidates in shortage areas.
Recommended / Optional
Training/Orientation
Idaho school districts typically require new substitute teachers to complete a district orientation program. Orientations cover district policies, classroom management techniques, emergency procedures, and student behavior expectations. Some districts also require online training on topics such as mandatory reporting and student data privacy.
Additional Information
For more information, visit the Idaho State Department of Education - Certification page.
After Authorization: How to Actually Get Called More in Idaho
Complete the official government process
Satisfy Idaho'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 Idaho, your documented reliability becomes your strongest job security.
The Real Picture in Idaho
$90
Avg Daily Rate
$28,000
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 Idaho are issued exclusively by state, provincial, and district government authorities — never by Substitute Teacher Training or any private provider.
Meet the Idaho 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.