How to Apply to Be a Substitute Teacher in Massachusetts
Massachusetts substitute teacher how to apply. Apply Through: DESE ELAR system and individual school districts. Credential Required: Substitute Teaching License.
DESE ELAR system and individual school districts
Apply Through
Substitute Teaching License
Credential Required
$75
Background Check Cost
3-5 weeks
Processing Time
Boston Public Schools
Largest District
Massachusetts: How to Apply
Massachusetts Requirements Snapshot
Legal minimums. Real success comes from exceeding them with classroom skills.
Required
Education Requirements
Massachusetts generally requires substitute teachers to hold a bachelor's degree, although requirements can vary by district since much of the substitute hiring process is managed at the local level. Some districts may accept candidates with fewer credentials for short-term substitute assignments. Official transcripts are typically required as part of the district application process.
Background Check
Massachusetts requires all substitute teachers to undergo Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI) and Sexual Offender Registry Information (SORI) background checks. Fingerprint-based national background checks through the FBI are also mandatory under state law. These checks are initiated by the hiring school district and must be completed before the substitute can begin working.
Age Requirements
Substitute teachers in Massachusetts must be at least 18 years of age. Districts may set higher minimum age requirements at their discretion. The bachelor's degree expectation typically means most applicants are in their early twenties or older.
Application Process
Massachusetts operates a district-by-district hiring process for substitute teachers. There is no single statewide application portal for substitute teaching credentials. Candidates must apply directly with each school district where they wish to substitute teach, submitting transcripts, references, and background check authorizations as required by the individual district.
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 Massachusetts state and district government authorities — never by any training provider.
Succeed as a Substitute in Massachusetts
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.