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Alabama Substitute Teacher Requirements

Last reviewed: February 8, 2026
At a Glance

4

Required Items

3

Optional/Recommended

Required Requirements
You must meet all of these requirements to become a substitute teacher in Alabama.

Education Requirements

Alabama requires substitute teachers to hold a minimum of a high school diploma or GED along with at least 48 semester hours of college credit from a regionally accredited institution, or an associate's degree. A bachelor's degree is not required, though candidates who hold one may qualify for higher-level substitute positions with fewer restrictions.

Background Check

All substitute teacher applicants in Alabama must undergo a criminal background check, including fingerprinting processed through the Alabama State Department of Education and the FBI. The background check must be cleared before placement in any classroom. Results are typically returned within two to four weeks.

Age Requirements

Substitute teachers in Alabama must be at least 18 years of age at the time of application. There is no maximum age limit for substitute teaching in the state.

Application Process

Applicants should apply directly through the local school district in which they wish to substitute teach. Most Alabama districts manage their own substitute pools and may use third-party staffing services. Required documents typically include transcripts, identification, and background check authorization forms.

Recommended / Optional
These may help your application or are recommended but not strictly required.

Substitute Teaching Permit/License

Alabama does not issue a statewide substitute teaching license or permit. Instead, individual school districts set their own credentialing standards and approve substitutes at the local level. Some districts may require additional documentation or certifications beyond the state minimums.

Training/Orientation

Most school districts in Alabama require substitute teachers to attend a district-specific orientation session before their first assignment. Orientation typically covers classroom management, district policies, emergency procedures, and student safety protocols. Some districts also offer or require online training modules.

References

Alabama school districts generally require two to three professional references as part of the substitute teacher application. References should be from individuals who can speak to the applicant's character, work ethic, and suitability for working with children.

Additional Information

For more information, visit the Alabama State Department of Education - Substitute Teachers page.

Substitute teaching guides for Alabama

City pay, district size, and the steps to apply in Alabama.

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