Rhode Island Substitute Teaching License

The Rhode Island Department of Education (RIDE) issues Substitute Permits to qualified individuals who wish to substitute teach in the state. This permit is valid for one year and may be renewed. You may teach as a day-to-day substitute in general subjects in grades PK through 12.

Education Requirements

You must have at least a bachelor’s degree to obtain a Substitute Permit.

Want to learn how to earn a professional teaching certification? Contact schools offering teaching certification programs in Rhode Island.

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Experience

No experience is required to obtain a Substitute Permit. However, applicants with some experience working with children in some capacity may be looked upon more favorably than those with none.

Criminal History Background Check

Before you will be allowed to substitute teach, you must undergo a criminal history background check, including fingerprinting. This may be performed at the time you apply for a Substitute Permit, and is more likely to be done when you accept a substitute teaching position with a school district. The district will provide you with forms and instructions detailing how to proceed. The criminal history background check is run through the Rhode Island Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI) as well as the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).

Documents and Application Requirements

Submit the Application for Substitute Permit along with the $50 processing fee to Rode Island Department of Education, Office of Educator Quality and Certification 255 Westminster St. Providence, RI 02903-3400

Contact Information

Each school district hires its own substitutes. Check with your local school district for openings and pay rates for substitute teachers.

For more information on Substitute Permits, contact Rhode Island Department of Education’s (RIDE) Office of Educator Quality and Certification at [email protected].