Background Check Requirements for Substitute Teachers in Texas
Texas substitute teacher background check. Background Check Type: Texas DPS and FBI fingerprint. Approximate Cost: $50.
Texas DPS and FBI fingerprint
Background Check Type
$50
Approximate Cost
1-3 weeks
Processing Time
Texas Education Agency (TEA)
Administered By
Every 3-5 years
Renewal Period
Texas: Background Check
Texas Requirements Snapshot
Legal minimums. Real success comes from exceeding them with classroom skills.
Required
Education Requirements
Texas substitute teacher requirements vary by district. Some districts require a bachelor's degree, while others accept candidates with a high school diploma or GED plus at least 48 semester hours of college credit. Districts set their own minimum education thresholds, so candidates should verify requirements with the specific district where they wish to substitute.
Background Check
All substitute teachers in Texas must undergo a criminal background check, including fingerprinting processed through the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) and the FBI. Texas law also requires districts to check candidates against the state's registry of persons not eligible for employment in public schools.
Age Requirements
Substitute teachers in Texas must be at least 18 years of age. Government-issued photo identification is required to verify age and identity during the application and hiring process.
Application Process
The application process in Texas is managed entirely at the district level. Many districts contract with third-party staffing agencies such as ESS or Kelly Education to manage substitute teacher recruitment and placement. Candidates typically complete an online application, submit transcripts, and attend an orientation before being approved.
Training/Orientation
Most Texas districts require substitute teachers to complete a district-specific orientation or training program before they can accept assignments. Training typically covers classroom management, district policies, emergency procedures, and the use of electronic attendance and grade systems.
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 Texas state and district government authorities — never by any training provider.
Succeed as a Substitute in Texas
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.