Missouri Substitute Teaching License
A Missouri substitute teaching license comes as either a Content Substitute or Career Technical Substitute certificate, issued by the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. The Content Substitute path needs either 36 semester hours of college credit or a 20-hour DESE-approved training program if you hold only a high school diploma or GED. Both paths require a background check through the state’s online educator certification system.
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Most applicants qualify for a Missouri substitute teaching license through one of two standard pathways, and which one applies to you depends on your education level. The Missouri Department of Elementary & Secondary Education (DESE) issues both, and the process runs entirely through its online certification system.
Types of Missouri Substitute Certificates
DESE issues two distinct substitute credentials. The Content Substitute Certificate covers standard K-12 classroom placements, including elementary grades, core subjects, special education, art, music, and PE. The Career Technical Substitute Certificate applies to career and technical education areas like carpentry, welding, and nursing, and is based on occupational experience rather than college credit.
Education Requirements
For a Content Substitute Certificate, you need at least 36 semester hours of college credit from an accredited junior, community, or four-year college. If you don’t have 36 hours, you can still qualify by completing a DESE-approved substitute teacher training program, which covers at least 20 clock hours of instruction in classroom management and related topics, as long as you hold a high school diploma or GED. A Career Technical Substitute Certificate is based on specific combinations of occupational experience and, in some cases, related college degrees, such as a bachelor’s degree plus 4,000 hours of experience, an associate’s degree plus 5,000 hours, or 6,000 hours of experience alone.
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A directory of Missouri schools is available here. You can find schools alphabetically by school district, by county, or by guided inquiry. If you’re considering a longer-term move into full-time teaching, Missouri’s alternative teaching certification route offers another path worth exploring.
Application Process
There are no specific deadlines for substitute teaching applications in Missouri. Processing times vary throughout the year, and DESE does not publish a standard processing timeline. You’ll apply through the online certification system, where you create a profile, submit your transcripts or training certificate, and pay the application processing fee.
Experience
No experience is necessary to earn a substitute teaching certificate. If you already hold a valid Missouri teaching certificate, including an initial, career continuous, temporary, provisional, student services, or administrative certificate, you no longer need a separate substitute teaching certificate to substitute in a Missouri classroom.
Criminal History Background Check
All substitute teachers must pass a criminal history background check before being authorized to work with Missouri students. Applicants must complete DESE’s required fingerprint-based criminal background check, currently processed through L-1 Enrollment Services (866-522‐7067) via LiveScan electronic fingerprint capture. DESE will not issue your substitute teaching certificate until your background check clears.
Contact Information
Contact the Missouri Department of Elementary & Secondary Education at 573-751-0051 for more information on substitute teaching certification.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need 36 college credit hours to substitute teach in Missouri?
Not necessarily. While 36 semester hours is the standard requirement for a Content Substitute Certificate, DESE also accepts a 20-hour approved substitute teacher training program for applicants who hold only a high school diploma or GED.
What’s the difference between a Content Substitute and a Career Technical Substitute certificate?
A Content Substitute Certificate covers standard K-12 classroom subjects like elementary grades, math, English, art, and PE. A Career Technical Substitute Certificate is for career and technical education fields, such as welding or nursing. It is based on specific combinations of occupational experience and, in some cases, related college degrees.
Do currently certified Missouri teachers need a separate substitute certificate?
No. If you hold a valid Missouri teaching certificate, including initial, career continuous, temporary, provisional, student services, or administrative certificates, you’re already authorized to substitute teach without an additional certificate.
How long does it take to process a Missouri substitute teaching application?
Processing times vary throughout the year, and DESE does not publish a standard processing timeline.
Is a background check required for Missouri substitute teachers?
Yes. Every applicant must complete DESE’s required fingerprint-based criminal background check before DESE will issue a substitute teaching certificate.
- Missouri issues two substitute certificate types. Content Substitute covers standard K-12 classrooms, while Career Technical Substitute covers career and technical education fields.
- 36 college credit hours isn’t the only path. A DESE-approved 20-hour training program qualifies applicants who hold only a high school diploma or GED.
- Certified Missouri teachers are already covered. An active initial, career continuous, temporary, provisional, student services, or administrative certificate means no separate substitute certificate is needed.
- A background check is mandatory. DESE won’t issue a certificate until your LiveScan fingerprint check clears through L-1 Enrollment Services.
Find accredited teacher certification programs in Missouri, including application requirements and licensing timelines for your certification path.
