How to Apply to Be a Substitute Teacher in Maine
Maine substitute teacher how to apply. Apply Through: Maine DOE and individual school districts (SAUs). Credential Required: Substitute Teaching Certificate.
Maine DOE and individual school districts (SAUs)
Apply Through
Substitute Teaching Certificate
Credential Required
$55
Background Check Cost
2-4 weeks
Processing Time
Portland Public Schools
Largest District
Maine: How to Apply
Maine Requirements Snapshot
Legal minimums. Real success comes from exceeding them with classroom skills.
Required
Education Requirements
Maine does not require a bachelor's degree to serve as a substitute teacher. Candidates can qualify through the Educational Technician (Ed Tech) III authorization, which requires a minimum of 60 college credit hours or an associate's degree. For short-term substitute assignments, requirements may be even more flexible depending on the school administrative unit (SAU).
Background Check
Maine requires all substitute teachers to undergo a criminal history records check, including fingerprinting through the Maine State Bureau of Identification and the FBI. The background check must be completed and cleared before a candidate can begin working in any school. Results are reviewed by the Maine Department of Education.
Age Requirements
Substitute teachers in Maine must be at least 18 years of age. This applies to all substitute teaching authorizations and is a baseline requirement established by the Maine Department of Education.
Application Process
Candidates apply for substitute teaching authorization through the Maine Department of Education's certification office. The application can be submitted online and requires transcripts, background check results, and a completed application form. Candidates should also contact their local SAU for any additional district-level application requirements.
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 Maine state and district government authorities — never by any training provider.
Succeed as a Substitute in Maine
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.