How to Become a Substitute Teacher in Kentucky: A Clear, Updated Guide

If you’re interested in becoming a substitute teacher in Kentucky, you could step into a flexible, meaningful role that many districts rely on — from urban districts to rural counties. Whether you’re exploring a new career path, returning to the workforce, or looking for schedule-friendly work, substitute teaching can be a practical way to support students without committing to a full-time teaching contract.

This guide walks you through what substitute teaching looks like in Kentucky, what the state (and many districts) require, and how a training program like Certified Sub can help you take the classroom with confidence.

Why Substitute Teaching Appeals to Many in Kentucky

  • Substitute teaching offers flexibility — you may be able to choose when you work, depending on district needs and availability.
  • Each assignment can bring new classrooms, different students, and varying daily routines — ideal for those who enjoy variety and flexibility.
  • Many Kentucky schools need substitutes to cover teacher absences, short-term leaves, or unexpected vacancies — creating steady demand for substitute teachers.
  • Substitute teaching allows individuals to contribute meaningfully to public education without committing to full-time work, making it a good fit for retirees, parents, students, or mid-career changers.

Given the dynamics of staffing in many Kentucky districts, substitute teaching can be a viable way to make a difference while maintaining flexibility.

What It Takes to Become a Substitute Teacher in Kentucky

In Kentucky, substitute teaching qualifications are generally set by the Kentucky Department of Education (KDE), but many school districts also apply their own additional criteria. Requirements may vary by district — but common statewide and district-level expectations include:

Basic Education Requirement

Most districts expect substitute-teacher candidates to have at least a high school diploma or GED. Some districts may prefer or require some college coursework or a degree — especially for long-term or regularly scheduled substitute roles.

Background Check and Clearances

Prospective substitutes must complete background screening and any required clearances (such as criminal background checks, sex-offender registry checks, etc.) before being eligible to work in a school. Districts will require proof of eligible status.

District Application and Approval

Because there is no single “statewide substitute-teacher license” that guarantees placement, candidates typically need to apply directly to school districts. This often involves submitting an application, proof of education (diploma or transcripts), proof of identity and eligibility to work, possibly references, and any district-specific forms or documentation.

Local District Policies Vary

Some districts may require substitutes to attend an orientation or training, complete a substitute handbook review, or demonstrate prior experience working with children (though no prior teaching license is generally mandated). Because districts manage substitute rosters individually, standards vary — so it’s important to check with the specific district where you want to work.

What the Application Process Typically Looks Like in Kentucky

Because Kentucky’s substitute-teaching system is largely district-based, the path can vary. A typical sequence is:

  1. Identify the school district(s) where you want to substitute and review their substitute-teacher requirements (often found under “Human Resources,” “Employment,” or “Substitute Teacher Info” on their website).
  2. Gather required documentation:
    • High school diploma or GED (or college transcripts if requested)
    • Government-issued ID and eligibility-to-work documentation
    • Any additional documents requested by the district (references, resume, former employer verification)
  1. Complete background check / clearances as required by the district.
  2. Submit the district application. Many districts allow online applications; others require paper forms.
  3. If applicable — attend orientation or complete required training. Some districts require a brief orientation or safety training before substitutes are cleared to work.
  4. Be added to the district’s substitute roster. Once approved, you become eligible to be called for assignments.
  5. Accept substitute assignments as they come — many substitutes choose to register with multiple districts to increase opportunities.

Because of the variability between districts, the process is more decentralized than in states with a uniform statewide substitute license — but in return offers flexibility and a lower barrier to entry.

How a Program Like Certified Sub Can Help Prepare Substitutes in Kentucky

Even when educational and clearance requirements are minimal, stepping into a classroom — especially as a substitute — can be challenging if you have little or no prior classroom experience. That’s where a training program like Certified Sub adds value.

Certified Sub offers practical, classroom-ready training designed specifically for substitute teachers — especially those with little formal teaching background. Through self-paced modules, you learn:

  • how to quickly establish routines when entering a new classroom
  • strategies for effective classroom management and behavior guidance
  • how to deliver lessons clearly, even when lesson plans are minimal or missing
  • how to keep students engaged across various grade levels
  • fallback lesson plans and activities for unexpected situations
  • how to adapt to different classroom environments, grade levels, and teaching styles

In a state like Kentucky — where many districts may not provide formal substitute-teacher training — Certified Sub can help bridge the gap between “eligible to sub” and “ready to lead.” This can benefit both you (with confidence and preparedness) and the school (with smoother, more effective substitute coverage).

Your Next Step

If substitute teaching in Kentucky sounds like a good fit — here are your next steps:

  • Identify which school district(s) you want to work for and review their substitute-teacher requirements.
  • Gather your credentials (diploma or transcripts, ID, etc.) and be prepared for background clearances.
  • Submit your application to one or more districts to increase your chances of getting assignments.
  • Consider enrolling in a substitute-training program like Certified Sub to ensure you step into the classroom ready — not just eligible.

Ready to get trained and classroom-ready?

Take the leap from “eligible substitute” → “effective, confident substitute teacher.”


👉 Explore Certified Sub’s full training course library here: https://www.certifiedsub.org/courses/