To become a substitute teacher in Alabama, you need a high school diploma or GED, be at least 18, pass a background check, and complete training. Keep in mind that each district can establish its own requirements above what the state requires.
Kelly Education partners with nearly 60 school districts throughout the state. So, we‘re experts in helping applicants understand the substitute teacher requirements in Alabama. With our help and your determination and initiative, you’ll be substitute teaching in classrooms in no time!
It’s important to understand the steps and timeline in becoming a substitute teacher in Alabama. The entire onboarding process can take from three days to six weeks. Some of this depends on the time it takes for the state to process the paperwork, but much depends on how quickly you provide the necessary information.
Substitute teachers in Alabama must have an Alabama teaching license or substitute teacher certification issued by the Alabama Department of Education.
There is an application process to obtain a license.
The application cannot be submitted directly. The local Board of Education, superintendent, or principal for the district or school will submit it to the Department of Education.
No additional education or coursework is required to obtain this license, but there is a $30 application fee.
While the minimum requirement to work as a substitute teacher in Alabama is a high school diploma or equivalent, you may want to provide your college transcripts if you have higher education credits. Some school districts might provide higher pay based on education level. A Kelly Education recruiter will be happy to discuss pay rates with you.
Request transcripts from the school representing your highest education level.
If you’re requesting transcripts from a college, there may be a cost, generally around $10 to $15.
This can take 3 to 5 days to receive, so plan accordingly.
Like most jobs, substitute teachers must provide proof that they can legally work in the U.S.
All applicants must submit to a state-required background check through the Central Registry. They must also agree to fingerprinting. Keep in mind that there may be a small cost associated with this, typically around $50.
Kelly Education also runs a National Sex Offender registry check. The background check process is relatively quick, around two days.
Alabama requires substitute teachers with no previous classroom teaching experience to complete training on classroom management skills and instructional strategies.
Kelly Education requires all applicants to complete our pre-hire training, even if they have prior teaching experience. Our free Class Smarts online training can be completed in just a couple of hours, and it also satisfies Alabama’s pre-credential training requirement.
Also, all substitute teachers, regardless of experience, are required to complete Mandatory Child Abuse Reporting Training .
Before entering the classroom, Kelly Education substitute teachers must also complete our paid New Hire Orientation. This one-hour virtual session provides details on Kely Education and the district’s substitute teaching policies.
Kelly Education places thousands of educators in Alabama schools. We’d be delighted to help get you started on this fulfilling career.
Fill out our interest form, and a Kelly Education recruiter will reach out to you about substitute teacher jobs near you. We’ll be glad to answer any questions you have and explain the next steps in the process. The exciting and enjoyable career of teaching isn’t far away!
* Information subject to change. This is a general guideline. School districts may have more requirements, in addition to state requirements.