Michigan Substitute Teacher Requirements
Official Michigan 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
$105
Daily Rate (avg)
Michigan 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
Michigan does not require a bachelor's degree for substitute teachers at the state level. To obtain a valid Michigan substitute teaching permit, candidates must have completed a minimum of 60 semester credit hours from an accredited college or university. Some districts may set higher education standards at their discretion.
Background Check
All substitute teacher applicants in Michigan must undergo a criminal background check through the Michigan State Police (ICHAT) and an FBI fingerprint-based check. Michigan law also requires a check against the sex offender registry and the central registry for child abuse and neglect. Background clearance must be obtained before the substitute permit is issued.
Age Requirements
Substitute teachers in Michigan must be at least 18 years of age. This is a baseline requirement set by state law and applies to all substitute teaching permit holders across the state.
Application Process
Candidates apply for a substitute teaching permit through the Michigan Department of Education (MDE) online certification system, the Michigan Online Educator Certification System (MOECS). The application requires official transcripts showing at least 60 credit hours, background check clearance, and payment of the applicable fee. Once the state permit is obtained, candidates apply directly with school districts.
Substitute Teaching Permit
Michigan issues a substitute teaching permit through the MDE that is valid for up to five years. The permit authorizes the holder to work as a substitute teacher in any Michigan public school district. A minimum of 60 college credit hours is required. Holders of a valid Michigan teaching certificate are automatically eligible to substitute teach without a separate permit.
Recommended / Optional
Training/Orientation
Michigan does not mandate state-level training for substitute teachers. Most school districts provide their own orientation programs that cover emergency procedures, classroom management expectations, and district technology systems. Some districts may require completion of online training modules before a substitute can accept assignments.
Additional Information
For more information, visit the Michigan Department of Education Certification page.
After Authorization: How to Actually Get Called More in Michigan
Complete the official government process
Satisfy Michigan'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 Michigan, your documented reliability becomes your strongest job security.
The Real Picture in Michigan
$105
Avg Daily Rate
$30,000
Annual (regular subs)
60 college credit hours
Education Floor
Yes
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 Michigan are issued exclusively by state, provincial, and district government authorities — never by Substitute Teacher Training or any private provider.
Meet the Michigan 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.