If you hold a Pennsylvania public educator certificate or a professional-level out of state educator certificate, you may be eligible to become a day-to-day substitute. Requirements for day-to-day substitutes:
- Valid Pennsylvania educator certificate or out of state certificate
- Bachelor’s or higher degree (or foreign equivalency) if not certified
- Background clearances
- U.S. citizenship or legal authorization to work in the U.S. A permanent resident immigrant visa holder is legally authorized to work in the U.S.
If you do not hold the proper certification but have a conferred bachelor’s or higher degree, a public school entity can hire you by requesting an emergency permit. An emergency permit for day-to-day substitutes is valid for one (1) school year. A district can request unlimited re-issuances of emergency permits for day-to-day substitutes. A public-school entity may also hire you to serve as a classroom monitor without a degree if you meet the criteria established in Act 91 of 2021.
Pennsylvania educators with inactive certificates may substitute for up to a total of 180 days per school year.
Private schools in Pennsylvania also hire substitute teachers, however, private schools may have different requirements for substitute teachers – please contact the school directly for more information on their specific requirements.
Please note: clearances are required of all substitutes in the state of Pennsylvania. More information on the required clearances.