Minnesota Substitute Teaching License
The Minnesota Department of Education Educator Licensing Division issues two Substitute Teacher Licenses: the Two-Year, Short Call Substitute Teacher License and the Five-Year, Short Call Substitute Teacher License. A Two-Year, Short Call Substitute Teacher may only teach for 15 consecutive days in one classroom assignment, in any subject or grade level. A Five-Year, Short Call Substitute Teacher may replace the same teacher for 16 or more consecutive days.
Education Requirements
Two-Year:
- You must have a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college/university. Official transcripts and/or foreign evaluation reports must be provided.
Five-Year:
- You must have a bachelor’s degree and complete an approved teacher preparation program. Official transcripts and/or foreign evaluation reports must be provided.
Want to learn how to earn a professional teaching certification? Contact schools offering teaching certification programs in Minnesota.
Experience
Two-Year:
- No experience is required to receive a two-year, short call substitute teacher license.
Five-Year
- To receive a five-year, short call substitute teacher license, you must complete an approved teacher preparation program, which means you have completed the required practicum and student teaching portions of the program.
Criminal History Background Check
For both types of substitute teaching licenses, you must submit a completed fingerprint card with your application to be used in submitting to a background check. You can request a fingerprint card by contacting Educator Licensing at 651-582-8691 or by emailing [email protected]. Take it to your nearest local law enforcement office, and they will fingerprint you. Mail the card in with your licensure application. A full criminal history background check will then be conducted.
Additional Information
To find available substitute teaching positions once licensed, visit the Minnesota Public Schools Directory.
Contact Information
For more information on substitute teacher licensure in Minnesota, contact the Educator Licensing Division at 651-582-8691 or [email protected].
