Delaware Substitute Teaching License
The Delaware Department of Education no longer issues substitute teaching permits. Rather, they leave the decision on hiring policies for substitutes up to each individual public school district.
Education Requirements
Some Delaware school districts only require that substitutes have a high school diploma, while others mandate a bachelor’s degree or even a Delaware teaching license and area-specific certificate. Check with the Delaware public school in which you are interested in substitute teaching for their requirements. Regardless, you will need copies of you high school diploma, any college transcripts you may have, and any college degrees you have when you apply to become a substitute. If you have a current Delaware teaching license and certificate, you’ll be required to produce a copy of it.
Want to learn how to earn a professional teaching certification? Contact schools offering teaching certification programs in Delaware.
Sponsored School(s)
Experience Requirements
Just as in educational requirements, experiential requirements for substitute teachers in Delaware vary from one district to the next. Some may prefer that applicants have some classroom experience or experience working with children in general, while others require no such experience. Again, contact the school district in which you are interested in substituting to find out their policies. It is always a good idea to have an updated resume listing your experience.
Criminal History Background Check
Before being permitted to work with children in Delaware, you must have current state child abuse clearance. You must also submit your fingerprints for a criminal history and background check. Because it takes several weeks for such clearances to be completed, you should start the process early.
For Delaware Child Abuse Clearance, you must complete the Delaware Child Protection Registry Request Form. This should be available from the school district in which you are interested in substitute teaching. You must complete the request form and mail it to DSCYF, OCCL, Criminal History Unit, 1825 Faulkland Road, Wilmington, DE 19805. Alternatively, you may fax the form to (302) 633-5191.
You must visit the Delaware State Bureau of Identification, located at a county office of the Delaware State Police, to certify your Delaware criminal history. The three county offices are in Kent County (Dover), Sussex County (Georgetown) and New Castle County (Bear). Sussex County and New Castle County require you to make an appointment, but Kent County offers background checks on a walk-in basis. Bring your driver’s license, school ID card or state ID card and ask for a state and federal background check. The fee is currently $69, payable to Delaware State Police. For more information, call (302) 739-5871.
Additional Information
At the time of application for a substitute teacher position in a Delaware school district, you may be allowed to specify which grade levels and/or subjects you are willing to teach. Some school districts may also give you preference if you are a qualified applicant with experience substituting at a school within the district.
Contact Information
Contact your local Delaware public school system for more information about substitute teaching.
