Tennessee Substitute Teacher Requirements
Official Tennessee 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
$88
Daily Rate (avg)
Tennessee 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
Tennessee offers multiple pathways for substitute teachers. A licensed substitute must hold a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university. An alternative pathway exists for non-licensed substitutes who have completed at least 60 semester hours of college credit. Some districts may accept candidates with fewer credit hours for emergency substitute positions, depending on local need.
Background Check
All substitute teachers in Tennessee must pass a fingerprint-based criminal background check conducted through the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) and the FBI. The background check must be completed and cleared before the candidate can be approved for substitute teaching in any Tennessee public school.
Age Requirements
Substitute teachers in Tennessee must be at least 18 years of age. Proof of age is verified through government-issued identification submitted during the application and onboarding process.
Application Process
Candidates apply through individual school districts in Tennessee, as hiring is managed at the district level. Most districts require an online application, submission of transcripts, and completion of the background check process. Some districts use third-party staffing agencies to manage their substitute teacher pools.
Substitute Teaching Permit/License
The Tennessee Department of Education (TDOE) issues substitute teaching permits. A Licensed Substitute Permit is available for candidates with a bachelor's degree, while a Non-Licensed Substitute Permit is available for those with at least 60 college credit hours. Permits must be renewed periodically, and the specific renewal cycle is set by the TDOE.
Recommended / Optional
Training/Orientation
Many Tennessee school districts require substitute teachers to attend an orientation or training session before their first assignment. Training typically covers district policies, classroom management strategies, student safety procedures, and use of the district's technology systems.
References
Most Tennessee districts require substitute teacher applicants to submit two to three professional references. References should be from individuals who can speak to the candidate's character, work ethic, and ability to work with students in an educational setting.
Additional Information
For more information, visit the Tennessee Department of Education Licensing page.
After Authorization: How to Actually Get Called More in Tennessee
Complete the official government process
Satisfy Tennessee'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 Tennessee, your documented reliability becomes your strongest job security.
The Real Picture in Tennessee
$88
Avg Daily Rate
$28,000
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 Tennessee are issued exclusively by state, provincial, and district government authorities — never by Substitute Teacher Training or any private provider.
Meet the Tennessee 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.