Louisiana Substitute Teaching License
Becoming a substitute teacher in Louisiana doesn’t require a state license or permit. The Louisiana Department of Education leaves hiring to each school district, which sets its own requirements. Most districts look for at least a high school diploma or GED and a passing criminal background check, though exact rules vary by parish.
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The Louisiana Department of Education does not issue substitute teaching permits or certifications, instead leaving the hiring decisions for substitute teachers up to each individual school district in the state.
Louisiana Substitute Teaching Requirements
Education Requirements
Most Louisiana school districts require substitute teachers to hold at least a high school diploma or GED. Because the state leaves substitute qualifications to individual districts rather than setting one universal minimum, some districts may ask applicants without a college degree to pass a basic skills assessment. Confirm the exact requirement with the school system you’re applying to.
Want to learn how to earn a professional teaching certification? Contact schools offering teaching certification programs in Louisiana.
Minimum Age Requirement
Most Louisiana school districts require substitute teachers to be at least 18 years old. This isn’t set by a single statewide statute, so confirm the exact age policy with the district where you plan to apply.
Experience
No experience is required to substitute teach in Louisiana. However, the district to which you apply may prefer to hire applicants who have experience working with children to those with no experience.
Criminal History Background Check
All teachers, regardless of their status, must pass national and state criminal background checks prior to being allowed to work with children in Louisiana. This is conducted at the time you are hired as a substitute teacher. You will have to supply your fingerprints for the federal background check. Contact your local school district for more information on the process.
How to Apply for a Substitute Teaching Job in Louisiana
Additional Information
Each school has different policies, with some allowing substitute teachers to request placement in certain grade levels or content areas. Contact your local school district for their policies.
Contact Information
Louisiana leaves substitute hiring to each school district, so start with the human resources office at the district where you want to work. The Louisiana Department of Education’s educator resources page can point you toward current district contacts and guidance.
The Special School District oversees the Louisiana Schools for the Deaf and Visually Impaired and other specialized programs for students with low-incidence disabilities. It’s a separate agency from general district hiring, not a statewide substitute pool for every public school. If you’re interested in substituting within one of its specialized programs, contact the Special School District directly rather than a local parish office.
Many substitutes use the role as a stepping stone toward a full teaching license. If you already hold a bachelor’s degree, Louisiana’s alternative teaching certification options let you start teaching under a provisional license while finishing coursework and exams.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Louisiana require a substitute teaching license?
No. The Louisiana Department of Education does not issue substitute teaching permits or certifications. Each of the state’s school districts sets its own hiring requirements and hires substitutes directly.
What’s the minimum age to substitute teach in Louisiana?
Most Louisiana school districts require substitute teachers to be at least 18. Since this isn’t set by a single statewide statute, confirm the exact age policy with your local district.
Do I need a college degree to substitute teach in Louisiana?
No. Most districts accept a high school diploma or GED as the minimum. Some districts may ask applicants without a college degree to complete a basic skills assessment, though this isn’t a uniform statewide requirement, so confirm with the specific school system.
How do I apply to become a substitute teacher in Louisiana?
Contact the human resources office at the school district where you want to substitute and ask about their application process. The Louisiana Department of Education’s educator resources page can point you toward current district contacts.
Does the Special School District hire substitutes for any school in Louisiana?
No. The Special School District oversees the Louisiana Schools for the Deaf and Visually Impaired and other specialized programs for students with low-incidence disabilities. It’s not a general statewide hiring pool for substitute positions. Apply directly to the parish or city school district where you want to work.
- No statewide license required — the Louisiana Department of Education leaves substitute hiring to individual school districts.
- The bar to entry is generally low — most districts accept a high school diploma or GED, though exact rules (including any basic skills assessment) vary by district.
- Background checks are mandatory — fingerprinting and a state and federal criminal history check happen before you can work with students.
- Apply directly to your district — contact the local school district’s human resources office rather than a state agency.
- The Special School District serves a specific population — it oversees the Louisiana Schools for the Deaf and Visually Impaired and other low-incidence-disability programs, not general substitute hiring statewide.
Select your state below to find substitute teaching requirements, application contacts, and paths toward full teacher certification in your area.
