Tennessee Substitute Teaching License
Tennessee doesn’t require a state license to substitute teach: individual school districts hire and set their own requirements. Most districts ask for at least a high school diploma or some college coursework, though some prefer a bachelor’s degree. Every candidate must pass a TBI fingerprint-based background check before stepping into a classroom.
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Substitute teachers in Tennessee don’t hold a state license. They’re hired by local school districts, which establish their own qualifications, subject to applicable Tennessee law.
Education Requirements
If you don’t have a teaching license, you may only substitute up to 20 consecutive days for the same teacher. After 20 days, a licensed teacher must fill the vacancy.
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You must be at least 18 years old to substitute teach in Tennessee. Beyond that baseline, requirements shift by district: some ask for a high school diploma or GED, others want completed college coursework, and a growing number prefer a bachelor’s degree. If you already hold a bachelor’s in another field, Tennessee’s alternative teaching certification path is worth a look too. Check with your target district for details.
Substitute Skills Training
Some Tennessee school districts require new substitutes to complete orientation or training covering topics such as classroom management, professionalism, and student safety. Training requirements vary by district. Confirm the exact requirement with your district’s HR office.
Experience
No experience is required to become a substitute teacher in Tennessee. However, some schools may hire those experienced in working with children over those with no experience. Check with your school district for details.
Criminal History Background Check
You must undergo a criminal history background check, including fingerprinting, prior to substitute teaching in any Tennessee school. Make an appointment with IdentoGO to have your fingerprints taken. You must complete the fingerprint-based background check required by the hiring school district. Fingerprints are processed through the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) using the district’s designated process, and the hiring district reviews the results before you may begin working. You must cover all costs associated with this process. Processing times vary by district and workload.
Contact Information
For more information on substitute teaching opportunities near you, contact your local school district.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a teaching license to substitute teach in Tennessee?
No. Tennessee doesn’t issue substitute teaching licenses. School districts hire substitutes directly and set their own qualification bar, though the state caps how long an unlicensed sub can cover the same class.
How long can I substitute for the same teacher without a license?
Up to 20 consecutive days. After that, the district must place a licensed teacher in the classroom.
What’s the minimum education requirement?
It varies by district. Some accept a high school diploma or GED, others require college coursework, and a growing number ask for a bachelor’s degree. Confirm the specific bar with the district you’re applying to.
Do I need a background check?
Yes. Every substitute teacher in Tennessee must pass a fingerprint-based background check required by the hiring district, processed through the TBI. You cover the processing cost, and processing times vary by district.
Is training required before I can substitute?
Training requirements vary by district. Some districts require substitutes to complete orientation or skills training before beginning work.
- Districts hire and qualify substitutes, not the state — Tennessee doesn’t issue a substitute teaching license; each school district sets its own hiring bar, subject to applicable state law.
- The 20-day rule matters — unlicensed subs can only fill in for the same teacher for 20 consecutive school days before a licensed teacher must take over.
- A district-required background check is mandatory — every substitute needs fingerprint clearance through the TBI, processed according to the hiring district’s process, before working in a classroom.
- Requirements and training vary by district — education level and orientation/training expectations differ from district to district, so confirm specifics before applying.
Find accredited teacher certification programs in Tennessee if substitute teaching turns into your path toward a full license.
