Texas Substitute Teacher Requirements
Official Texas 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
$110
Daily Rate (avg)
Texas 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
Texas substitute teacher requirements vary by district. Some districts require a bachelor's degree, while others accept candidates with a high school diploma or GED plus at least 48 semester hours of college credit. Districts set their own minimum education thresholds, so candidates should verify requirements with the specific district where they wish to substitute.
Background Check
All substitute teachers in Texas must undergo a criminal background check, including fingerprinting processed through the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) and the FBI. Texas law also requires districts to check candidates against the state's registry of persons not eligible for employment in public schools.
Age Requirements
Substitute teachers in Texas must be at least 18 years of age. Government-issued photo identification is required to verify age and identity during the application and hiring process.
Application Process
The application process in Texas is managed entirely at the district level. Many districts contract with third-party staffing agencies such as ESS or Kelly Education to manage substitute teacher recruitment and placement. Candidates typically complete an online application, submit transcripts, and attend an orientation before being approved.
Training/Orientation
Most Texas districts require substitute teachers to complete a district-specific orientation or training program before they can accept assignments. Training typically covers classroom management, district policies, emergency procedures, and the use of electronic attendance and grade systems.
Recommended / Optional
Substitute Teaching Permit/License
The State Board for Educator Certification (SBEC) does not issue a statewide substitute teaching certificate in Texas. Instead, individual school districts are responsible for establishing their own qualification criteria and approving substitute teachers. Districts maintain their own rosters of approved substitutes.
References
Texas districts commonly require two to three professional references from applicants seeking substitute teaching positions. References from prior supervisors, educators, or professionals who can speak to the applicant's reliability and suitability for working with students are preferred.
Additional Information
For more information, visit the Texas Education Agency Certification page or contact your local school district's human resources department.
After Authorization: How to Actually Get Called More in Texas
Complete the official government process
Satisfy Texas'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 Texas, your documented reliability becomes your strongest job security.
The Real Picture in Texas
$110
Avg Daily Rate
$31,000
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 Texas are issued exclusively by state, provincial, and district government authorities — never by Substitute Teacher Training or any private provider.
Meet the Texas 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.