Want to Be a Substitute Teacher? Here’s How

If you always wanted to substitute teach but couldn't because you didn't have the necessary 60 semester hours or more of college-level credit from a from a Department of Elementary Secondary Education (DESE) recognized and regionally accredited academic degree granting institution, now is your opportunity.

In a news release from the Missouri DSE back in August, due to a potential shortage of substitute teachers due to the COVID-19, through both a proposed amendment and an emergency rule, the Missouri State Board of Education approved an alternative route for individuals to obtain a substitute certificate of license to teach.

If an an individual possesses a high school diploma or equivalent, they may complete a 20-hour state-approved substitute teacher online training to be eligible for a substitute certificate.

According to Assistant Commissioner for the Office of Educator Quality Paul Katnik:

“With already a declining number of candidates entering the education profession, this option will help Missouri school districts and charter schools develop a deeper pool of substitute teachers both in the short- and long-term.”

The training includes topics such as professionalism, honoring diversity, engaging students, foundational classroom management techniques, basic instructional strategies, supporting students with special needs, and working with at-risk youth.

According to the DESE website, the alternate route to the substitute certificate using the 20 hours of online training will be available through February 28, 2021. Individuals will need to have their substitute application submitted and the online training completed by the end of the day on February 28th.

Additional information regarding the online training can be found at dese.mo.gov.