Becoming a substitute teacher allows you to work a flexible schedule while making a difference in student lives.

Kansas State Department of Education substitute license options:

Standard Substitute License – available for individuals who have completed an approved teacher preparation program. 

Requirements

In order to qualify for a standard substitute license:

  • Have earned a bachelor’s degree, or above 

AND

  • Verification from an accredited institution of completion of an approved teacher preparation program. 

If you completed an approved Kansas teacher preparation program, you need to complete the standard substitute license application. 

If you completed a teacher preparation program outside of Kansas, then you need to complete the out of state application

If your degree has led to bachelor’s degree but it did NOT lead to a teaching license you do NOT qualify for the standard substitute license. Please review the emergency substitute license information. 

Emergency Substitute License

Option 1: College Credit Pathway

Requirements:

  • Minimum of 60 semester credit hours from a regionally accredited college or university
    Accepted accrediting bodies:
    • Middle States Commission of Higher Education
    • The Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
    • Northwest Commission of Colleges and Universities (Formally Northwest Association of Schools and Colleges)
    • Southern Association of Colleges and Schools
    • Western Association of Schools and Colleges
    • Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges
    • Association for Biblical Higher Education
    • New England Commission of Higher Education

Note: CEUs and clock hours do not count toward semester credit hours.

Option 2: Greenbush Training Pathway

If you do not meet the 60-credit requirement, you may qualify by completing the Greenbush Emergency Substitute Training Modules.

Requirements:

  1. High school diploma
  2. Completion of Greenbush Emergency Substitute Training Modules
  3. Verification of hire from a local school district
  4. Application + $60 processing fee
  5. Fingerprint background check + $57 fee

*Click here to register and complete the Greenbush Emergency Substitute Training Modules: plus.greenbush.org.

License Limitations (Greenbush Pathway)

  • Non-transferable; limited to the school district listed on the license
  • May apply for multiple districts if each submits an Expanded Emergency Substitute Qualification Form
  • Only one $60 application fee is required for multiple districts
  • May serve no more than 25 consecutive days in the same assignment
  • May substitute up to 75 school days per semester in one district