Missouri Substitute Teacher Requirements
Official Missouri 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
$90
Daily Rate (avg)
Missouri 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
Missouri requires substitute teachers to hold a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university to obtain a Substitute Teaching Certificate. The degree does not need to be in education. Official transcripts verifying the completion of a bachelor's degree must be submitted as part of the application process through the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE).
Background Check
Missouri requires all substitute teacher applicants to undergo a criminal background check including fingerprinting through the Missouri State Highway Patrol and the FBI. A check of the Family Care Safety Registry, which includes records of child abuse and neglect, is also required. All background checks must be cleared before a Substitute Teaching Certificate can be issued.
Age Requirements
Substitute teachers in Missouri must be at least 18 years of age. Due to the bachelor's degree requirement, most applicants will meet or exceed this minimum age threshold at the time of application.
Application Process
Candidates apply for a Substitute Teaching Certificate through the Missouri DESE online educator certification system (DESE Web Applications). The application requires official transcripts, background check clearance, and the applicable fee. Once the certificate is issued, candidates must register with individual school districts to receive substitute teaching assignments.
Substitute Teaching Certificate
Missouri issues a Substitute Teaching Certificate through DESE that is valid for four years. The certificate authorizes the holder to serve as a substitute teacher in any Missouri public school district. A bachelor's degree is required, and the certificate must be renewed before expiration. Holders of a valid Missouri teaching certificate are automatically eligible to substitute teach.
Recommended / Optional
Training/Orientation
Missouri does not mandate specific state-level training hours for substitute teachers. Individual school districts typically require orientation sessions covering district policies, safety procedures, and student behavior management. Some districts partner with substitute placement services that provide additional training and support resources.
References
Many Missouri school districts require substitute teacher applicants to submit professional references as part of the district-level hiring process. Typically, two to three references from individuals who can speak to the candidate's character, reliability, and suitability for working with students are expected. References from educators or former employers are generally preferred.
Additional Information
For more information, visit the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education Certification page.
After Authorization: How to Actually Get Called More in Missouri
Complete the official government process
Satisfy Missouri'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 Missouri, your documented reliability becomes your strongest job security.
The Real Picture in Missouri
$90
Avg Daily Rate
$28,000
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 Missouri are issued exclusively by state, provincial, and district government authorities — never by Substitute Teacher Training or any private provider.
Meet the Missouri 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.