Background Check Requirements for Substitute Teachers in New York
New York substitute teacher background check. Background Check Type: DCJS and FBI fingerprint. Approximate Cost: $75.
DCJS and FBI fingerprint
Background Check Type
$75
Approximate Cost
4-8 weeks
Processing Time
New York State Education Department (NYSED)
Administered By
Every 3-5 years
Renewal Period
New York: Background Check
New York Requirements Snapshot
Legal minimums. Real success comes from exceeding them with classroom skills.
Required
Education Requirements
New York does not have a statewide substitute teaching certificate, and requirements are determined by individual school districts. Most districts require substitute teachers to hold at least a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution. Some districts may accept candidates who are currently enrolled in a teacher preparation program or have significant college coursework completed.
Background Check
All substitute teachers in New York must undergo a fingerprint-based criminal background check as required by state law. The background check is processed through the New York State Education Department (NYSED) TEACH system and the FBI. Clearance must be obtained before a substitute teacher may begin working in any school district.
Age Requirements
Substitute teachers in New York must be at least 18 years of age. This requirement applies across all districts in the state and ensures that individuals responsible for supervising students meet the minimum age threshold for employment in an educational setting.
Application Process
Since New York does not issue a statewide substitute teaching certificate, applicants must apply directly to the school district or districts where they wish to substitute teach. The application process typically involves registering in the NYSED TEACH online system for fingerprint clearance, submitting transcripts and references to the district, and completing any district-specific onboarding 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 New York state and district government authorities — never by any training provider.
Succeed as a Substitute in New York
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.