How to become a substitute teacher in Indiana.

To become a substitute teacher in Indiana, you'll need a minimum of a high school diploma, be age 18+, and pass a background check to earn a substitute teacher permit.

Minimum Indiana substitute teacher requirements, at a glance*:

• Certification: Indiana teaching license or substitute permit
• Education: High school diploma or equivalent (college credits required for some districts)
• Age: 18 years old
• Employment verification to work in the U.S.
• Background check
• Reference check

In addition, Kelly Education requires:

• Online application
• Pre-hire training
• New hire orientation

Kelly Education works with more than 30 school districts in the state, so we’re experts in helping candidates understand substitute teacher requirements. So, let's get to it!

A deeper dive into substitute teacher requirements.

Since there are several steps in the process, it can take some time to be cleared to begin work once you apply for a job. You'll need to stay on top of the process and follow up appropriately.

Let’s take a closer look at the basic requirements, including the estimated costs and timeframes to complete each item.  

How do I get a substitute teacher certification?

If you don't have a state teaching license, you must obtain a special permit from the Indiana Department of Education (DOE). This substitute teacher certification process is relatively simple but includes a few conditions, prerequisite steps, and a $15.00 fee.

Ultimately, the hiring timeline will depend on your commitment and the volume of applicants in the state’s Licensing Verification and Information System (LVIS).

The school district will need to recommend you for the permit. If you work with a Kelly Education district, we’ll help you with this process.

How do I submit education verification?

The Indiana DOE requires that all substitute teachers have obtained a high school diploma or equivalent. Some districts have additional education requirements (up to 60 college credits).

• To verify your academic background, request transcripts from any institution(s) you’ve previously attended.

• Some colleges or universities charge a fee for transcripts, generally $10 to $15.

• Once requested, the transcripts are typically received in 3 to 5 days.  

Be patient and follow up, if needed.

Background check and fingerprinting.

The Indiana DOE mandates all K-12 classroom staff complete a SafeHire background check, which covers the Indiana Department of Child Services requirements. There is a small cost, but the background check is valid for five years.

In addition to the state’s required background check, all substitute teaching candidates must provide three references — two peers and one employer. Contact your potential references early in the process to avoid hiring delays.

Do I need training to be an Indiana substitute teacher?

The Indiana DOE does not require additional training for its substitute teacher applicants. Regardless, all Kelly Education candidates will complete our pre-hire ClassSmarts course. You can complete this free online training in 1-1.5 hours.

Before entering the classroom, Kelly Education substitute teachers must also complete our paid New Hire Orientation. This one-hour virtual session provides details on Kelly Education and the district’s substitute teaching policies.

What do I need for employment verification?

All Indiana substitute teachers must be at least 18 years of age and eligible for work in the United States. Submit a federal I-9 form and copies of valid identification credentials.

This form can be completed in just a few minutes. If working with Kelly Education, we'll guide you through this process.

Please note that while the state’s minimum age for prospective substitutes is 18, you must be at least 21 to work in certain high schools.

Getting started with Kelly Education.

Become a substitute teacher in Indiana and dedicate your time to helping students in your community. To start, complete our simple interest form.

A Kelly Education recruiter will be in touch soon to share more details, answer questions, and explain next steps.

* Information subject to change. This is a general guideline. School districts may have more requirements, in addition to state requirements.

About the Author

Kelly Education powers more than 10,000 schools across the country with a workforce that keeps students learning every day. From recruiting and hiring to workforce management and professional development, we provide qualified people for mission-critical roles in our schools.