How to become a substitute teacher in Minnesota.

To become a substitute teacher in Minnesota, you'll need to complete some college, pass a background check, and obtain a substitute teacher license before entering a classroom. 

Minimum substitute teacher requirements in Minnesota, at a glance*:

• Certification: A Minnesota substitute teacher license
• Education: Bachelor’s degree or active enrollment in a state-approved teacher preparation program (with completed student teaching experience)
• Employment verification to work in the U.S.
• Fingerprinting
• Background check

• Pre-hire training 
• Orientation

Kelly Education is the expert in recruiting and hiring Minnesota substitute teachers. We understand the state requirements and are excited to help you get started if you choose to work in one of our 100 partner districts across the state. 

Steps to become a substitute teacher in Minnesota.

As with most jobs, the hiring timeline can take anywhere from a few days to a few weeks to complete after you apply. Your prompt attention and engagement are crucial to getting you into the classroom sooner.  

Keep in mind that some school districts may have additional requirements beyond what the state requires.

1. Substitute teacher certification.

The MDE outlines two major substitute teacher certifications: the short-call substitute teaching license and the lifetime substitute teaching license.

• The short-call substitute teacher license requires either a bachelor's degree or active enrollment in a state-approved teacher preparation program (with completed student teaching experience). It is valid for three years and allows recipients to substitute for 20 consecutive days in the same classroom.
• The lifetime substitute teaching license is only available to retired licensed educators actively receiving a retirement allocation for their prior teaching service. Lifetime substitute teachers can cover extended teacher absences beyond 20 days.

Each license requires a formal application to the Minnesota Professional Educator Licensing and Standards Board (PELSB), proof of education, a background check, and an initial processing fee of $90.25. This fee includes the cost of the state’s required fingerprint card. Once the PELSB receives your background screening results, the licensure process takes about 4 – 6 weeks to complete. 

If you have a full time MN state teaching license, you will not need to apply for additional licensure.

2. Submit education verification.

To verify completion of education, contact your college to request official copies of your transcripts. This request may take up to a week to process and typically includes a small fee. So, be sure to build this into your timeframe.

3. Background check and fingerprinting.

As noted above, the MDE requires all substitute teacher candidates to complete a background check and fingerprint screening.

• The PELSB outlines strict guidance about how to request your fingerprint card and where to complete authorized fingerprinting.

• You’ll then return your card to the PELSB, which will forward your fingerprints to the Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA) for a formal background check.

• Candidates must clear the background check before the PELSB will move forward with their licensure application. The fee is included in the cost of your initial licensure application.

Additionally, if working for Kelly Education, we run a National Sex Offender Registry and county criminal check before hiring our substitute teachers. This step takes one to three days.

4. Employment verification.

Like most jobs, substitute teachers must provide proof that they can legally work in the U.S.

• To verify your eligibility, you'll submit a federal I-9 form with acceptable forms of identification.

• If working with a Kelly Education district partner, one of our recruiters will help you with this step.  

5. Training.

Minnesota doesn’t mandate any supplemental training for substitute teacher candidates.

However, Kelly Education recognizes that not everyone brings the same experience into the classroom. Therefore, we require all applicants to complete our pre-hire ClassSmarts training. Available entirely online, this free course covers essential topics like teacher ethics and classroom management best practices. 

We also require completion of a New Hire Orientation module. This seminar outlines our policies and expectations, including items like scheduling work assignments, managing classroom situations, and how you'll be paid. 

Become a substitute teacher with Kelly Education.

When you work with one of our partner districts across Minnesota, we help you through your hiring journey and set you up for classroom success.

If you are interested in working in one of our Minnesota school districts, complete our interest form and a recruiter will reach out to share more information about becoming a substitute teacher.

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.

Frequently Asked Questions - FAQs:

Do I need substitute teacher certification in MN?

The MDE outlines two major substitute teacher certifications: the short-call substitute teaching license and the lifetime substitute teaching license.

• The short-call substitute teacher license requires either a bachelor's degree or active enrollment in a state-approved teacher preparation program (with completed student teaching experience).
• The lifetime substitute teaching license is only available to retired licensed educators actively receiving a retirement allocation for their prior teaching service. 

How do I submit education verification?

To verify completion of education, contact your college to request official copies of your transcripts. This request may take up to a week to process and typically includes a small fee. 

Do I need a background check?

MDE requires all substitute teacher candidates to complete a background check and fingerprint screening. The PELSB outlines strict guidance about how to request your fingerprint card and where to complete authorized fingerprinting. The fee is included in the cost of your initial licensure application.

What do I need for employment verification?

To verify your eligibility to work in the U.S., you'll submit a federal I-9 form with acceptable forms of identification.

Do I need training to substitute teach in Minnesota?

Minnesota doesn’t mandate supplemental training for substitute teacher candidates. Kelly Education requires all interested substitute teachers, regardless of prior experience, to complete our pre-hire and new-hire training.

What if Kelly Education doesn't partner with my school district?

If you’re interested in a school district where Kelly Education doesn't have a partnership, go to that district’s webpage for its substitute teacher job description and application information. You can also learn more by reading our complete guide to becoming a substitute teacher.