Pennsylvania Substitute Teacher Requirements
Official Pennsylvania 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)
Pennsylvania 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
Pennsylvania requires Day-to-Day substitute teachers to hold a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution. Candidates applying for an Emergency Substitute Certification may have alternative educational qualifications as determined by the school entity. A Substitute Teaching Permit is available for candidates in specific circumstances with district sponsorship. Official transcripts are required for all pathways.
Background Check
Pennsylvania requires three separate background clearances for all substitute teachers: a Pennsylvania State Police Criminal Record Check (Act 34), a Child Abuse History Clearance from the Department of Human Services (Act 151), and an FBI Federal Criminal History Check via fingerprinting (Act 114). All three clearances must be current and on file before a substitute may begin working in any school.
Age Requirements
Substitute teachers in Pennsylvania must be at least 18 years of age. This requirement applies across all substitute certification categories issued by the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE).
Application Process
Applicants apply through the Pennsylvania Department of Education's TIMS (Teacher Information Management System) online platform. The application requires official transcripts, all three background clearances, and applicable fees. For Emergency Substitute Certification, the employing school entity must initiate or support the application. Processing times vary, and applicants should allow several weeks for review.
Substitute Teaching Permit/License
Pennsylvania offers multiple substitute credential types. The Day-to-Day Substitute Certificate requires a bachelor's degree and is valid statewide. The Emergency Substitute Certificate and Substitute Teaching Permit are district-specific and may have different educational requirements. All credentials are issued through PDE and must be renewed according to their respective validity periods.
Recommended / Optional
Training/Orientation
Training and orientation requirements are set by individual school districts in Pennsylvania. Many districts require an orientation session covering safety protocols, district policies, and student interaction guidelines. Some districts also require completion of mandated reporter training as required by Pennsylvania law.
References
School districts in Pennsylvania typically require professional references as part of the hiring process. Two to three references from individuals who can attest to the applicant's character and ability to work with children are commonly requested. References from prior teaching or educational experience are preferred.
Additional Information
For more information, visit the Pennsylvania Department of Education - Certification.
After Authorization: How to Actually Get Called More in Pennsylvania
Complete the official government process
Satisfy Pennsylvania'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 Pennsylvania, your documented reliability becomes your strongest job security.
The Real Picture in Pennsylvania
$120
Avg Daily Rate
$32,000
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 Pennsylvania are issued exclusively by state, provincial, and district government authorities — never by Substitute Teacher Training or any private provider.
Meet the Pennsylvania 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.