How to Become a Substitute Teacher in New York: A Clear, Updated Guide
If you’re considering becoming a substitute teacher in New York, you’re exploring a flexible and meaningful role that supports schools across the state. Whether you’re looking for part-time work, re-entering the workforce, or testing the waters of the education field, substitute teaching offers structure, impact, and a school-year schedule without the commitment of a full-time position.
This guide walks you through New York’s requirements, what the application process looks like, and how Certified Sub can help you feel fully prepared for the classroom—even if you have no prior teaching experience.
Why Substitute Teaching Appeals to So Many New Yorkers
In New York, substitute teaching is known for its flexibility. You choose when you work, how often, and even which districts to apply to. Many people appreciate that the job ends when the school day ends—no grading or planning to bring home—and that each assignment offers variety. You may work with different age groups, grade levels, or communities throughout the year, keeping your schedule dynamic and engaging.
Pay rates vary widely by district and region. Urban and suburban districts often pay more per day than rural ones, and long-term assignments usually come with higher rates than day-to-day work. Regardless of location, demand for substitutes remains consistently high across New York, giving new applicants frequent opportunities to accept assignments.
What It Takes to Become a Substitute Teacher in New York
New York is unique in that there is no statewide substitute teacher permit and a teaching certificate is not required. Instead, each school district sets its own expectations. This means the requirements can look very different from one district to another.
Many districts require candidates to have at least a high school diploma. Others prefer or require some college credits, and some prefer candidates with a bachelor’s degree—especially for long-term assignments where instructional continuity is important.
Across the state, every district will require some form of background check or fingerprinting through the New York State Education Department. This is done to ensure safety and is usually initiated as part of the hiring process. Districts may also ask you to complete onboarding sessions, orientation meetings, or training modules before you begin.
Because the state does not set a single standard, the most important step is reviewing the requirements of each district you’re interested in. Most districts outline expectations clearly on their HR or employment webpages.
A Look at the Application Process in New York
The process is generally straightforward. You’ll start by identifying the district—or multiple districts—you want to work in. After reviewing their specific requirements, you’ll gather necessary documentation such as your diploma or transcripts, identification, and any references they request.
Once your application is submitted, the district will guide you through fingerprinting and onboarding. Some districts include short training sessions or orientations designed to familiarize you with school policies, expectations, and protocols.
After approval, you’ll be added to the district’s substitute list and can begin accepting jobs. Because hiring is decentralized in New York, many substitutes apply to more than one district to maximize their scheduling and earnings potential.
How Certified Sub Helps Prepare Substitutes in New York
While New York does not require a teaching certificate or formal substitute permit, stepping into a classroom without training can feel overwhelming. That’s where Certified Sub fills the gap.
Certified Sub provides comprehensive, classroom-focused training created specifically for substitute teachers. Through self-paced online modules, substitutes learn the exact skills needed to walk into any New York classroom—whether it’s elementary, middle, or high school—and manage it with confidence.
The training covers how to set clear expectations, run simple routines, manage behavior, communicate effectively with students, follow lesson plans, and handle unexpected situations. These are the real skills substitutes need, but that most districts don’t have the time or resources to teach.
What makes Certified Sub especially valuable in New York is the variability between districts. Since New York does not mandate standardized training for substitutes, many new subs begin their first day without guidance. Certified Sub closes that gap by providing structure, real-life classroom examples, ready-to-use tools, and practical routines that work across all grade levels.
For substitutes, this means walking into unfamiliar classrooms with confidence. For districts, it means having reliable, prepared substitutes who maintain consistency and support positive student experiences.
If you want more than just eligibility—and prefer to enter the classroom prepared, calm, and capable—Certified Sub offers the training foundation that helps new substitutes succeed from day one.
Your Next Step
Substitute teaching in New York is accessible, flexible, and in demand. With straightforward district-based requirements and training support from Certified Sub, it’s never been easier to get started with confidence.
Ready to get trained and classroom-ready?
Explore the full library of substitute teacher training courses here:
👉 https://www.certifiedsub.org/courses/