Substitute Certification Frequently Asked Questions

What do I have to do so I can substitute teach?

You must have at least 60 hours of college credit documented by official transcripts.  Go to the school district(s) where you want to substitute teach; complete and sign the Application for Substitute Certificate of License to Teach (Form S).  The district will keep your application on file.  They will electronically submit a request for the certificate to the Department.  You are required to have a Missouri Highway Patrol/FBI fingerprint check.  Please check http://www.L1id.com for details in scheduling an appointment.  
 

I have applied at several school districts to substitute teach.  Do I have to submit fingerprint information for each school district?

Maybe.  The fingerprints only need to be reported to the initial requesting school district.  The result of the background check will be forwarded to you and the requesting district.  You must submit a copy of your results to any other district in which you may apply.  The results with have the phrase "Please keep for future reference" on the right hand side.  Fingerprint results for educational purposes are only valid for six months.  Your certificate to substitute teach is acceptable in all public schools.

If I already hold a valid Missouri certificate of license to teach, do I need to submit fingerprints for a background check?

Maybe.  Anyone who is a "new hire" with a school district after January 1, 2005 is required to submit fingerprints for a background check.  If you are a "new hire," you must complete a fingerprint check.  As long as your teaching certificate is valid you are not required to have a separate substitute certificate.  A teacher who has retired within the last year may substitute in that school district after August 28, 2006, without going through the fingerprint requirement (unless the local district requests it).

How long is my substitute certificate valid?

A substitute certificate is valid from August 1 of the current year through July 31 of the next year. 

Do I need to reapply for a substitute certificate each school year?

Yes.  You must reapply each school year.  However, as long as you remain with the same school district you will not be required to submit fingerprint information.  The school district will need to reapply every year for your certificate as long as you stay with them.