New Hampshire Substitute Teaching License
New Hampshire has no state-level substitute teaching license or certificate. School Administrative Units (SAUs) and individual districts set their own hiring requirements, and a high school diploma or GED is the only statewide minimum. State rules require a non-credentialed substitute to hold a New Hampshire educator credential once they exceed 20 consecutive days in the same position.
Sponsored School(s)
New Hampshire School Administrative Units are responsible for screening and hiring substitute teachers, rather than the Department of Education. They hire substitute teachers for all school districts in that unit. A listing of school districts and their corresponding SAUs may be found here.
Each School Administrative Unit sets its own pay rates for substitutes, so these vary statewide. State rules require a New Hampshire educator credential, or an applicable certificate of eligibility, once a non-credentialed substitute exceeds 20 consecutive days in the same position. Districts may also set additional hiring requirements. Check with your SAU for details.
Because there is currently a shortage of substitute teachers in New Hampshire, applications are always being accepted, and there are no deadlines.
Requirements to Substitute Teach in New Hampshire
Education Requirements
You must have a high school diploma or GED to substitute teach in New Hampshire. Some SAUs set a higher bar, such as an associate’s or bachelor’s degree, particularly for long-term assignments. Check your target SAU’s posted requirements before applying, since the standard isn’t set statewide.
Want to learn how to earn a professional teaching certification? Contact schools offering teaching certification programs in New Hampshire.
Experience
No experience is required to substitute teach in New Hampshire. However, SAUs may look more favorably upon applicants with some experience working with children.
Criminal History Background Check
Applicants should expect the criminal history and employment screening required by the hiring SAU or district, consistent with New Hampshire law and local hiring procedures. Most districts also require documentation of your education, proof of work eligibility, and references, along with any application fee the SAU sets. You’ll get the specific document list and screening details when you submit your application to an SAU. If you already hold a New Hampshire educator credential, see our guide to teacher certification renewal to keep it current.
How to Apply
Applications go directly to the SAU or school district where you want to work, not to a state agency. Most SAUs post an online application and list their specific document requirements, so start with the SAU serving your target district. Once your background screening clears and the SAU approves your file, you’re typically placed on that district’s substitute roster and can begin accepting assignments. If you’re subbing as a step toward a full teaching career, alternative teaching certification in New Hampshire lets you start teaching sooner while completing requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does New Hampshire issue a state substitute teaching license?
No. New Hampshire doesn’t have a state-level substitute teaching license or certificate. Each School Administrative Unit sets its own requirements and hires its own substitutes.
What’s the minimum education requirement to substitute teach in New Hampshire?
A high school diploma or GED is the statewide minimum, though individual SAUs can require more, such as college coursework or a degree, especially for long-term positions.
Do I need a teaching certificate to substitute teach in New Hampshire?
Not for short-term assignments. State rules require a New Hampshire educator credential, or an applicable certificate of eligibility, once you exceed 20 consecutive days in the same position. Districts may set additional requirements on top of this.
How do I apply to become a substitute teacher in New Hampshire?
Apply directly to the SAU or district where you want to work. You’ll typically need documentation of your education, references, and to pass the criminal history screening required by that SAU before being added to its substitute roster.
How much do substitute teachers get paid in New Hampshire?
Pay rates are set individually by each SAU, so they vary statewide. Check directly with the SAU serving your target district for its current rate.
- No state license required. New Hampshire leaves substitute teacher requirements to individual SAUs and districts.
- High school diploma is the floor. Some SAUs require more, especially for long-term positions.
- Long-term subs may need a credential. Exceeding 20 consecutive days in the same position triggers the New Hampshire educator credential requirement under state rules.
- Apply directly to the SAU. There’s no state application process, so start with the district where you want to work.
Find accredited teaching certification programs in New Hampshire, including coursework and requirements for turning substitute experience into a full teaching career.
