Becoming a Substitute Teacher in Indiana: Licensure & Requirements

<p>The specific requirements to work as a substitute teacher in Indiana are determined by the individual schools and/or school districts. However, the state has set some minimum prerequisites that must be met to secure a Substitute Permit, which include having a high school diploma or equivalent and being at least 18 years old. It is common for schools to seek candidates who have a minimum of two years of documented college coursework or a college degree. </p> <p /> <table border="1"><tr><td> Education/Experience Required </td><td> Minimum of high school diploma or equivalent; bachelor's degree or college credits often needed</td></tr> <tr><td>Licensure</td><td> Substitute Permit</td></tr> <tr><td> Permit Validity Period </td><td> Three years</td></tr> <tr><td> Annual Mean Wage (2018)* </td><td> $24,610</td></tr> <tr><td> Estimated Job Growth (2016-2026)* </td><td> 10% (teachers and instructors, all other, nationwide)</td></tr> </table><p><i>Source: *U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics</i> </p> <h3 id="section---Step1MeetEducationAndExperienceRequirements">Step 1: Meet Education and Experience Requirements</h3> <p>Before securing a substitute teaching position in Indiana, you should contact the local school district you want to work in order to get further information on their specific requirements. Some districts may require a college degree or a combination of college credit and experience working with children (i.e. 60 college credits or 30 college credits and at least one year of work experience). In addition, you typically must pass a criminal history background check and secure a Substitute Permit. </p> <h3 id="section---Step2ApplyForASubstitutePermit">Step 2: Apply for a Substitute Permit</h3> <p>After making sure you meet the specific requirements for the school you wish to substitute in, you'll need to secure a Substitute Permit. A Substitute Permit is valid only for the specific Indiana school that requests it (unless the school has a reciprocity agreement with another school employer); you'll need to apply for multiple permits if you wish to work at multiple schools. The minimum requirements to secure this permit include: </p> <ul><li>Possess a high school diploma or equivalent </li><li>Be 18 years of age or older </li><li>Meet the requirements determined by the school employer of the local district </li></ul><p>If you meet the necessary requirements, you'll fill out an application with the Indiana Department of Education's Licensing Verification and Information System (LVIS) and pay the permit fee. As of July 2019, the permit fee was around $15. Your potential employer will then recommend you through this system as well as verify employment. Once approved, your Substitute Permit is valid for three years and is not renewable. Once it expires, you must apply for another one. </p> <h3 id="section---Step3BeginWorkAsASubstituteTeacher">Step 3: Begin Work as a Substitute Teacher</h3> <p>Substitute teachers fill in for permanent teachers who are absent for a day or longer due to a variety of reasons (such as maternity leave, sickness, etc.). They may work with children of all ages, and their duties could include following the lesson plans left by the teacher, supervising students, monitoring and reporting student behavior, enforcing classroom rules, grading student assignments, tracking attendance, and so on.</p>