Become a Substitute Teacher in Tennessee Without a Degree
Tennessee substitute teacher without a degree. Degree Required?: Yes (or equivalent credits). Minimum Education: bachelor's degree or 60 college credits.
Yes (or equivalent credits)
Degree Required?
bachelor's degree or 60 college credits
Minimum Education
Tennessee Department of Education
Licensing Body
Community college credits may qualify
Alternative Path
Tennessee: Without a Degree
Tennessee Requirements Snapshot
Legal minimums. Real success comes from exceeding them with classroom skills.
Required
Education Requirements
Tennessee offers multiple pathways for substitute teachers. A licensed substitute must hold a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university. An alternative pathway exists for non-licensed substitutes who have completed at least 60 semester hours of college credit. Some districts may accept candidates with fewer credit hours for emergency substitute positions, depending on local need.
Background Check
All substitute teachers in Tennessee must pass a fingerprint-based criminal background check conducted through the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) and the FBI. The background check must be completed and cleared before the candidate can be approved for substitute teaching in any Tennessee public school.
Age Requirements
Substitute teachers in Tennessee must be at least 18 years of age. Proof of age is verified through government-issued identification submitted during the application and onboarding process.
Application Process
Candidates apply through individual school districts in Tennessee, as hiring is managed at the district level. Most districts require an online application, submission of transcripts, and completion of the background check process. Some districts use third-party staffing agencies to manage their substitute teacher pools.
Substitute Teaching Permit/License
The Tennessee Department of Education (TDOE) issues substitute teaching permits. A Licensed Substitute Permit is available for candidates with a bachelor's degree, while a Non-Licensed Substitute Permit is available for those with at least 60 college credit hours. Permits must be renewed periodically, and the specific renewal cycle is set by the TDOE.
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 Tennessee state and district government authorities — never by any training provider.
Succeed as a Substitute in Tennessee
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.