Delaware
Without a Degree

Become a Substitute Teacher in Delaware Without a Degree

Delaware substitute teacher without a degree. Degree Required?: Yes (or equivalent credits). Minimum Education: bachelor's degree or 60 college credits.

Yes (or equivalent credits)

Degree Required?

bachelor's degree or 60 college credits

Minimum Education

Delaware Department of Education

Licensing Body

Community college credits may qualify

Alternative Path

Delaware: Without a Degree

Delaware without a degree: Degree Required? — Yes (or equivalent credits). Minimum Education — bachelor's degree or 60 college credits. Licensing Body — Delaware Department of Education. Alternative Path — Community college credits may qualify. Larger cities in this guide: Wilmington, Dover, Newark, Middletown, Smyrna. Wilmington is the largest listed city, population 70,898, out of 10 cities on file. Example districts: Christina School District, Red Clay Consolidated School District, Brandywine School District, Colonial School District. Notes specific to this Delaware page: Delaware SBI and FBI fingerprint; approximately $64. Delaware state record: a credential is required; a background check is required. Cost-of-living index 108. Region: northeast.

Delaware Requirements Snapshot

Legal minimums. Real success comes from exceeding them with classroom skills.

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Required

Education Requirements

Delaware requires substitute teachers to hold a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution for a Standard Substitute Certificate. Candidates without a bachelor's degree but with at least 60 college credit hours may qualify for a Limited Substitute Certificate, which restricts the grades and subjects the substitute may cover.

Background Check

All substitute teachers in Delaware must pass a criminal background check that includes Delaware State Bureau of Investigation and FBI fingerprint screening. Additionally, applicants must pass a Child Protection Registry check. Background clearances must be obtained before the substitute can begin any classroom assignment.

Age Requirements

Substitute teachers in Delaware must be at least 18 years of age. This minimum age requirement applies to all categories of substitute teaching certificates issued by the state.

Application Process

Candidates apply for a Delaware substitute teaching certificate through the Delaware Department of Education's online DEEDS (Delaware Educator Data System) portal. The application requires official transcripts, completed background check documentation, and the applicable fee. Once certified, substitutes apply to individual districts or charter schools.

Substitute Teaching Permit/License

Delaware issues both a Standard Substitute Certificate (requires a bachelor's degree) and a Limited Substitute Certificate (requires 60 college credit hours). Both certificates are valid for three years and must be renewed through the DEEDS system. The Standard certificate allows substituting across all grade levels and subjects.

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.

Practical skills training only. Actual substitute teaching authorization, certification, permits, and credentials are issued exclusively by Delaware state and district government authorities — never by any training provider.

Succeed as a Substitute in Delaware

Practical skills training that helps you stand out once you have met the government's authorization requirements. We do not issue credentials or guarantees.

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 does not issue substitute teaching authorization, credentials, or employment. All decisions rest solely with state education authorities, provincial ministries, and local school districts.