Minnesota Substitute Teacher Requirements
Official Minnesota 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
2
Optional/Recommended
$120
Daily Rate (avg)
Minnesota 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
Minnesota does not require a bachelor's degree for short-call substitute teachers. The minimum education requirement is a two-year degree (associate's degree) or 60 semester credit hours from an accredited institution. For long-term substitute assignments exceeding 15 consecutive days in the same position, a bachelor's degree and additional qualifications may be required.
Background Check
Minnesota requires all substitute teachers to undergo a criminal background check through the Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA) and the FBI. The background check includes fingerprinting and is initiated by the hiring school district. Results must be cleared before the substitute can begin working in any Minnesota school.
Age Requirements
Substitute teachers in Minnesota must be at least 18 years of age. This requirement is consistent across all substitute teaching license tiers and applies to both short-call and long-term substitute positions.
Application Process
Candidates apply for a short-call substitute teaching license through the Minnesota Professional Educator Licensing and Standards Board (PELSB) online system. The application requires official transcripts, background check clearance, and payment of the licensure fee. Once licensed, candidates apply with individual school districts to be added to their substitute teacher roster.
Substitute Teaching License
Minnesota issues a Short-Call Substitute Teaching License through PELSB that allows holders to substitute for up to 15 consecutive days in the same assignment. The license requires a minimum of a two-year degree and is valid for five years. Candidates seeking to serve in longer-term substitute roles must obtain additional licensure with higher education requirements.
Recommended / Optional
Training/Orientation
Minnesota does not require state-mandated training for short-call substitute teachers. School districts typically offer orientation sessions covering school policies, student management strategies, and emergency procedures. Some districts provide access to online training platforms for professional development and classroom preparation.
References
Minnesota school districts commonly request professional references from substitute teacher applicants. Typically, two to three references are required from individuals who can attest to the candidate's character and suitability for working in educational settings. References from educators or supervisors in youth-serving roles are preferred.
Additional Information
For more information, visit the Minnesota PELSB Substitute Teacher Licensing page.
After Authorization: How to Actually Get Called More in Minnesota
Complete the official government process
Satisfy Minnesota'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 Minnesota, your documented reliability becomes your strongest job security.
The Real Picture in Minnesota
$120
Avg Daily Rate
$33,000
Annual (regular subs)
Bachelor's degree
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 Minnesota are issued exclusively by state, provincial, and district government authorities — never by Substitute Teacher Training or any private provider.
Meet the Minnesota 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.