Virginia Substitute Teacher Requirements
Official Virginia 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
$115
Daily Rate (avg)
Virginia 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
Virginia requires substitute teachers to hold a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university to qualify for a Division-Level Substitute License. The degree may be in any subject area. Candidates without a bachelor's degree may be considered under emergency provisions at the discretion of the local school division.
Background Check
All substitute teachers in Virginia must undergo a criminal background check, including fingerprinting, through the Virginia State Police and the FBI. Additionally, candidates are screened against the Virginia Sex Offender Registry and the Child Protective Services Central Registry. Background clearance must be obtained before any classroom assignment.
Age Requirements
Substitute teachers in Virginia must be at least 18 years of age. Identification verifying age is required during the application and onboarding process with the school division.
Application Process
Candidates apply for substitute teaching positions through individual school divisions in Virginia. Each division manages its own substitute hiring process, which typically includes an online application, transcript submission, background check, and orientation. Some divisions use third-party staffing agencies to manage their substitute pools.
Substitute Teaching Permit/License
The Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) authorizes school divisions to issue Division-Level Substitute Licenses. These licenses are valid only within the issuing school division and must be renewed according to division policy. Candidates with a valid Virginia teaching license may substitute without obtaining a separate substitute license.
Recommended / Optional
Training/Orientation
Most Virginia school divisions require substitute teachers to complete an orientation session covering division policies, classroom management techniques, emergency response procedures, and student privacy regulations under FERPA. Online training modules may also be required.
References
Virginia school divisions typically require two to three professional references as part of the substitute teacher application. References should be from individuals familiar with the candidate's professional capabilities and suitability for working in an educational environment.
Additional Information
For more information, visit the Virginia Department of Education Licensure page.
After Authorization: How to Actually Get Called More in Virginia
Complete the official government process
Satisfy Virginia'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 Virginia, your documented reliability becomes your strongest job security.
The Real Picture in Virginia
$115
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 Virginia are issued exclusively by state, provincial, and district government authorities — never by Substitute Teacher Training or any private provider.
Meet the Virginia 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.