Substitute Teacher Requirements
Texas is one of the most flexible states for substitute teaching.
There is no statewide substitute teacher certification requirement. Instead, each school district sets its own hiring standards.
Minimum Requirements (Most Districts)
High school diploma or GED
At least 18 years old
U.S. citizen or permanent resident
Fingerprint-based criminal background check (required by Texas law)
Additional District-Level Requirements
Some districts may require:
A minimum number of completed college credit hours
Prior classroom experience
Completion of district-specific training
Long-Term Substitute Requirements in Texas
For long-term substitute teacher positions, most districts require:
A bachelor’s degree
In some cases, subject-area qualifications
Because Texas districts control substitute hiring, requirements can vary widely. Always check the specific district’s substitute teacher application page.