Alaska Substitute Teacher Requirements
5
Required Items
1
Optional/Recommended
Education Requirements
Alaska generally requires substitute teachers to hold a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited college or university for most district placements. Some rural or hard-to-fill districts may accept candidates with fewer college credits under a limited substitute certificate, but a four-year degree remains the standard expectation.
Background Check
All substitute teachers in Alaska must pass a prior-to-hire criminal background check that includes both state and FBI fingerprint-based screening. Fingerprints are submitted electronically through an approved vendor. Applicants with prior criminal convictions may be subject to additional review by the Alaska Department of Education and Early Development.
Age Requirements
Substitute teachers in Alaska must be at least 18 years of age. Most districts prefer candidates who are 21 or older, though 18 is the statutory minimum for certification eligibility.
Application Process
Candidates must apply for a Type M (Limited) certificate through the Alaska Department of Education and Early Development's online Teacher Certification system. After obtaining the certificate, applicants then apply to individual school districts where they wish to be placed on the substitute roster.
Substitute Teaching Permit/License
Alaska issues a Type M Limited Certificate specifically for substitute teachers. This certificate authorizes the holder to serve as a substitute in Alaska public schools. The Type M certificate must be renewed periodically and requires the holder to remain in good standing with the state's certification office.
Training/Orientation
Individual school districts in Alaska typically provide an orientation session for new substitute teachers covering district-specific policies, student safety procedures, and classroom expectations. Some districts also require completion of online professional development modules before the first classroom assignment.
For more information, visit the Alaska Department of Education and Early Development - Teacher Certification page.
Substitute teaching guides for Alaska
City pay, district size, and the steps to apply in Alaska.
Alaska topics
Cities in Alaska
School districts in Alaska
Recommended training
$89one-time
- 45 self-paced lessons for day-one classroom confidence
- Ready-to-use scripts, routines, and downloadable tools
- Certificate of completion to share with districts
- Access while the course is offered — one-time payment