Maine Substitute Teacher Requirements
Official Maine 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
$100
Daily Rate (avg)
Maine 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
Maine does not require a bachelor's degree to serve as a substitute teacher. Candidates can qualify through the Educational Technician (Ed Tech) III authorization, which requires a minimum of 60 college credit hours or an associate's degree. For short-term substitute assignments, requirements may be even more flexible depending on the school administrative unit (SAU).
Background Check
Maine requires all substitute teachers to undergo a criminal history records check, including fingerprinting through the Maine State Bureau of Identification and the FBI. The background check must be completed and cleared before a candidate can begin working in any school. Results are reviewed by the Maine Department of Education.
Age Requirements
Substitute teachers in Maine must be at least 18 years of age. This applies to all substitute teaching authorizations and is a baseline requirement established by the Maine Department of Education.
Application Process
Candidates apply for substitute teaching authorization through the Maine Department of Education's certification office. The application can be submitted online and requires transcripts, background check results, and a completed application form. Candidates should also contact their local SAU for any additional district-level application requirements.
Recommended / Optional
Ed Tech III Authorization
Maine uses the Educational Technician (Ed Tech) III authorization as one pathway for substitute teaching eligibility. This authorization requires at least 60 college credit hours and allows the holder to serve as a substitute teacher in Maine public schools. It is a practical option for candidates who do not hold a bachelor's degree but have significant college coursework.
Training/Orientation
Maine does not require state-mandated training for substitute teachers. Local school administrative units typically provide orientation sessions that cover building safety, emergency procedures, and expectations for substitute teachers. Some SAUs may offer ongoing professional development opportunities for regular substitutes.
References
Many Maine school administrative units require substitute teacher applicants to provide professional references as part of the hiring process. Typically, two to three references from individuals familiar with the candidate's work ethic and character are expected. References from educators or previous employers are strongly preferred.
Additional Information
For more information, visit the Maine Department of Education Certification page.
After Authorization: How to Actually Get Called More in Maine
Complete the official government process
Satisfy Maine'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 Maine, your documented reliability becomes your strongest job security.
The Real Picture in Maine
$100
Avg Daily Rate
$30,000
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 Maine are issued exclusively by state, provincial, and district government authorities — never by Substitute Teacher Training or any private provider.
Meet the Maine 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.