How to Become a Substitute Teacher in California

Michelle Wilson - October 3, 2023

Perhaps you have always wanted to educate the youth of tomorrow but can’t commit to a full-time schedule, or you are having difficulty landing a permanent role without experience. If either sounds like your situation, then you might want to explore the substitute teacher position alongside the 818,029 others in the United States.

To become a substitute teacher in California, you must meet the eligibility requirements, including the possession of a bachelor’s degree, complete a background check and obtain the necessary substitute teaching permits before looking for a position on relevant job boards.

Table of Contents

Meet The Eligibility Requirements

To become a substitute teacher, you must first meet certain qualifications for eligibility. The first is a certain level of education. A bachelor’s degree is typically a fundamental requirement in California. Online data from the California Department of Education in 2020 suggests that approximately 80% of substitute teachers in the state held a bachelor’s degree. That said, while specific subject-area expertise may vary depending on the assignment, having a solid educational foundation is key to providing effective instruction.

In addition to education, the other eligibility requirements you will have to meet are being 18 years of age and holding government authorization to work in the United States, whether you are a citizen, hold permanent residency or have an eligible work visa. After this initial check, you must also require a background check that looks at criminal history, among other misdemeanors, which determine if you might pose a threat to school-age children.

Complete The Application Process

If an applicant meets the eligibility requirements, they must then register for the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing. The CTC serves as the gatekeeper for educators, including substitute teachers. Registering with the CTC typically involves providing personal information, educational credentials, and relevant work experience.

Once you have completed the initial registration and provided all the necessary documentation, you will move on to the next crucial step in the application process: undergoing a background check.

Secure Fingerprint Clearance

In California, all educators, including substitute teachers, must undergo a comprehensive background check that involves fingerprint clearance. The California DOJ and the FBI conduct this step in the vetting process to ensure the safety of students in an educational environment.

This background check, often called a “live scan,” requires the submission of your fingerprints for scrutiny. The live scan process typically takes three to seven days to complete. You have options for getting your fingerprints taken: your school district may facilitate the process, or you can opt for a third-party fingerprinting service. Public data from 2021 shares that approximately 97% of educators (including substitute teachers) cleared their background checks in California via the live scan fingerprinting process.

Undergo Tuberculosis (TB) Testing

In compliance with California regulations, all educators, including substitute teachers, must undergo a tuberculosis (TB) test. Aspiring substitute teachers should ensure this test is completed no more than 60 days before submitting their application. This health screening serves a dual purpose: it verifies your well-being and contributes to the educational community’s overall health and safety.

As of the latest available data from 2021, 98% of substitute teachers in California have completed their TB tests.

Once registered with the CTC, you must gather and submit the remaining documents and fees. These documents may include transcripts verifying your educational qualifications, proof of legal authorization to work in the United States, or any other certifications the school district or employer requests. Additionally, there may be application fees associated with your submission, so it’s crucial to ensure you fulfill all document and fee requirements promptly to avoid delays in your application process.

Obtaining the Appropriate Substitute Teaching Permits

The next step to becoming a substitute teacher in California is obtaining the correct permits. First on the list is the 30-Day Substitute Teaching Permit, which is for applicants with a bachelor’s degree or other form of higher education but who have yet to complete a teacher preparation program. The permit allows these ones to teach for up to 30 days in a single assignment. The second type of permit is the Emergency Substitute Teaching Permit, for those who meet the bachelor’s degree requirement but have yet to pass the California Basic Educational Skills Test (CBEST). This permit allows aspiring subs to teach while they work towards passing this test.

The third type of permit is the short-term staff permit, which exists for those who need to complete supervised classroom experience. With the short-term staff permit, candidates can teach for up to one year in the same assignment. Lastly, for teachers looking at teaching in early childhood education settings, the CCTC permit will signal that the applicant has completed the correct courses related to early childhood education.

Submitting Your Application

With the right permits, you can initiate the next steps in submitting your application. For this step, you can start by creating an account on the CTC website. Once you create it, you can begin filling in the online application, providing all necessary documentation and information. Afterwards, you can pay the fee associated with the permit type you applied for.

After completing all these steps, you must sit back and wait. Unfortunately, the processing time for permit applications can vary, so you must be patient. Applicants can check the status of their teaching application online. However, once your application is approved, you will receive your substitute teaching permit, allowing you to begin substitute teaching in California schools.

Job Search and Placement

After acquiring the necessary qualifications and permits, securing substitute teaching positions is the next step on your journey to becoming a substitute teacher in California. In this section, we’ll explore where to find substitute teaching job openings and provide guidance on crafting a compelling resume.

Where to Find Substitute Teaching Job Openings

One of the most direct ways to find substitute teaching opportunities is by visiting the websites of local school districts. District websites often have dedicated sections for employment opportunities, including substitute teaching positions. Check the district(s) where you are interested in working and look for job postings or employment information.

Alternatively, online job boards specialize in education-related positions, including substitute teaching. Websites like EdJoin, Teachers-Teachers, and SchoolSpring often list substitute teacher openings in California. Create profiles on these platforms to receive job alerts and apply to positions that match your preferences.

A final area to consider is staffing agencies, which maintain relationships with multiple school districts and can help match you with available substitute teaching assignments. Some well-known agencies in California include Kelly Educational Staffing and Swing Education.

Making a Lasting Impact

As you evaluate different roles, remember that day-to-day substitute is a contract role, which means the guarantee of daily work is nonexistent, although you will have the flexibility to decline assignments as needed. Therefore, given the ongoing teacher shortage, the bigger question as you evaluate roles will be whether you want to take on the first day-to-day substitute role or hold out for the growing number of long-term substitute positions.