Wisconsin Substitute Teacher Requirements
Official Wisconsin 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.
4
Required Items
3
Optional/Recommended
$105
Daily Rate (avg)
Wisconsin 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
Wisconsin does not require a statewide license for short-term substitute teaching assignments of 20 or fewer consecutive days in the same assignment. For these short-term positions, the education requirements are set by individual school districts. However, for longer-term substitute assignments exceeding 20 days, a bachelor's degree and a DPI-issued substitute license are required.
Background Check
All substitute teachers in Wisconsin must undergo a criminal background check as required by state law. The background check includes a review of criminal records through the Wisconsin Department of Justice (DOJ). Districts are responsible for conducting these checks and must verify clearance before allowing any substitute to work with students.
Age Requirements
Substitute teachers in Wisconsin must be at least 18 years of age. For those seeking a DPI substitute license for longer-term assignments, the minimum age is also 18, with verification required through valid government-issued identification.
Application Process
For short-term substitute positions, candidates apply directly to individual school districts in Wisconsin. For longer-term positions requiring a DPI substitute license, candidates must apply through the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction (DPI) online licensing system. After obtaining the DPI license, candidates then apply to districts for placement opportunities.
Recommended / Optional
Substitute Teaching Permit/License
The Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction (DPI) issues a substitute teaching license for assignments exceeding 20 consecutive days in the same position. This license requires a bachelor's degree and is valid for three years. Short-term substitutes working 20 or fewer days do not need a DPI license, but must meet district-level requirements.
Training/Orientation
Training and orientation requirements for substitute teachers in Wisconsin are determined by individual school districts. Most districts provide an orientation covering emergency procedures, student behavior expectations, technology access, and the district's substitute management system. Completion of orientation is typically required before the first assignment.
References
Wisconsin school districts commonly request two to three professional references from substitute teacher applicants. References from prior employers, particularly in education or child-related fields, are preferred and may be contacted during the vetting process.
Additional Information
For more information, visit the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction Licensing page.
After Authorization: How to Actually Get Called More in Wisconsin
Complete the official government process
Satisfy Wisconsin'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 Wisconsin, your documented reliability becomes your strongest job security.
The Real Picture in Wisconsin
$105
Avg Daily Rate
$30,000
Annual (regular subs)
High school diploma
Education Floor
Yes
License Required?
Frequently Asked Questions
Related Resources
All State Requirements
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Wisconsin: Salary Guide
Wisconsin: Without a Degree
Wisconsin: Background Check
Wisconsin: Age Requirements
Wisconsin: State Credential
Wisconsin: How to Apply
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Madison schools
Milwaukee Public Schools
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School District of Janesville
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Classroom Skills Courses
Practical training that gets you called more
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 Wisconsin are issued exclusively by state, provincial, and district government authorities — never by Substitute Teacher Training or any private provider.
Meet the Wisconsin 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.