Become a Substitute Teacher in Louisiana Without a Degree
Louisiana allows substitute teaching with a high school diploma or GED. No college degree is required, though additional credentials may increase pay and opportunities.
No
Degree Required?
high school diploma (with some parish-level requirements)
Minimum Education
Louisiana Department of Education
Licensing Body
High school diploma/GED accepted
Alternative Path
Good news for aspiring substitute teachers in Louisiana: it is possible to become a substitute teacher without a college degree. Louisiana is one of the states that allows individuals with a high school diploma or GED to serve as substitute teachers, making it one of the more accessible states for entering the education field.
The minimum education requirement in Louisiana is: high school diploma (with some parish-level requirements). While a bachelor's degree is not mandatory, having college credits or a degree can improve your chances of being hired and may qualify you for higher daily pay rates. Many districts in Louisiana give preference to candidates with post-secondary education, even when it is not strictly required.
Even without a degree, you will still need to meet other requirements to substitute teach in Louisiana. These typically include passing a background check (including fingerprinting), completing any required orientation or training programs, and being at least 18 years old. Some districts may also require you to pass a basic skills assessment or complete a substitute teacher training course, which is usually a few hours to a full day of instruction.
If you are considering substitute teaching without a degree in Louisiana, here are some practical steps to get started:
1. Contact your local school district's human resources department to confirm their specific requirements, as they may vary from state minimums.
2. Gather required documents including your high school diploma or GED, government-issued photo ID, and Social Security card.
3. Complete the background check process, which typically costs around $48 and takes 2-4 weeks.
4. Apply through your chosen districts or register with a substitute staffing agency that operates in Louisiana.
While you do not need a degree, investing in some educational coursework can expand your opportunities. Many community colleges in Louisiana offer affordable education courses that can strengthen your resume and potentially increase your daily rate. Some districts offer higher pay tiers for substitutes who hold at least 60 college credits.
Keep in mind that without a degree, you may be limited to short-term substitute assignments (typically 1-10 days in the same classroom). Long-term substitute positions, which cover for teachers on extended leave, often require additional qualifications such as a bachelor's degree or teaching certificate. However, short-term subbing can be a great way to gain classroom experience and decide if a career in education is right for you.
The demand for substitute teachers in Louisiana continues to be strong, particularly in rural areas and for positions that are harder to fill. Districts are increasingly flexible with their requirements to address persistent substitute shortages, which works in your favor if you are starting without a degree.
Classroom management is often the biggest challenge for substitute teachers without formal education training. To prepare yourself, consider taking free or low-cost online courses in classroom management, child development, and instructional techniques. Many school districts in Louisiana also offer their own training programs for new substitutes that cover essential topics such as managing student behavior, following lesson plans, handling emergencies, and working with students who have special needs. Taking advantage of these resources will help you succeed in the classroom and build a positive reputation with schools, leading to more frequent assignment offers.
Louisiana Requirements Snapshot
Legal minimums. Real success comes from exceeding them with classroom skills.
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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.
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.