How Old Do You Need to Be to Substitute Teach in Louisiana?
Louisiana substitute teacher age requirements. Minimum Age: 18 years old. Maximum Age: No limit.
18 years old
Minimum Age
No limit
Maximum Age
Government-issued ID required
Age Verification
Paraprofessional or aide roles
Alternative for Younger Adults
Louisiana: Age Requirements
Louisiana Requirements Snapshot
Legal minimums. Real success comes from exceeding them with classroom skills.
Required
Education Requirements
Louisiana offers multiple pathways for substitute teachers based on education level. A Type C teaching certificate requires a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution. In parishes that permit it, candidates with at least 48 college credit hours may qualify for a substitute teaching position under a parish-level authorization. The specific requirements vary by parish school board.
Background Check
All substitute teaching candidates in Louisiana must undergo a criminal background check including fingerprinting through the Louisiana State Police and the FBI. Louisiana also requires a check against the state sex offender registry and the child abuse and neglect registry. Background clearance must be obtained before a candidate can enter a classroom.
Age Requirements
Substitute teachers in Louisiana must be at least 18 years of age. This requirement is consistent across all parish school systems and applies regardless of the credential type being pursued.
Application Process
Candidates seeking a Type C certificate apply through the Louisiana Department of Education (LDOE) online TeachLA portal. For parish-level substitute authorization, candidates apply directly with the parish school board. Both pathways require submission of transcripts, background check results, and a completed application with the appropriate fee.
Substitute Teaching Permit/License
Louisiana issues a Type C teaching certificate for substitute teachers who hold a bachelor's degree. This certificate is valid statewide and allows the holder to substitute in any public school. Parishes may also issue local authorizations for candidates with fewer than a bachelor's degree, valid only within that parish. The Type C certificate must be renewed periodically according to LDOE guidelines.
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 Louisiana state and district government authorities — never by any training provider.
Succeed as a Substitute in Louisiana
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.