How Do I Become a Substitute Teacher in Ohio?

Land an Ohio substituting job.

Substitute teaching is a rewarding career that allows you to help others while still maintaining a flexible, and commonly part-time, schedule. Working as a substitute teacher can also be a wonderful way to obtain a full-time teaching position. If you want to work as a substitute teacher within the state of Ohio, you must first obtain the credentials necessary. Because substitute teachers work in a one-on-one capacity with children, they are required to undergo rigorous background checks. Once you complete the mandated steps, you will be qualified and ready to work as a substitute teacher.

Instructions

1. Complete a bachelor's degree program. All substitutes within the state of Ohio must have a minimum of a bachelor's degree. This degree does not have to be within the field of education. If you are not in possession of a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution of higher education, you must obtain one before you can qualify for a position as a substitute anywhere within the state of Ohio.

2. Apply for an Ohio substitute license. The Ohio Department of Education offers substitute educator licenses for those interested in working as a substitute. See Resource for a link to the application.

3. Mail your application with necessary fees. All applications must be mailed to:

   Office of Educator Licensure
   25 S. Front Street
   Mail Stop 105
   Columbus, OH 43215

   The completed application must be accompanied by the requisite fees. The fee for a substitute license is dependent upon the length of license for which you are applying. See the Resource link for an up-to-date listing of the current license fees.

4. Obtain a background check. All substitute teachers must obtain a BCI and FBI background check. To complete this check, you must submit fingerprints for inspection. You can generally receive these checks at your local educational service center or area college. For a listing of background check locations near you, contact the state Department of Education.

5. Take a tuberculous test. All substitute teachers must have a current tuberculous test taken no more than three years prior to the license application date. You can take your tuberculous test at any ready care facility, doctor's office or hospital. In some cases, you can have these results sent directly to the Department of Education. Ask the individual performing the test if he can forward the results. If he cannot, you may have to send them yourself.

6. Apply with individual school districts. Each school district maintains its own substitute teaching pool. Once you have acquired the necessary license, you must contact the area school districts at which you would like to work and complete the necessary application to be added to their pool.

References

• Teacher-World: Ohio Substitute Teacher
• Ohio Center for Substitute Teachers: Becoming a Substitute Teacher

Resources

• Ohio Department of Education: Substitute Teaching License