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Delaware Substitute Teacher Requirements

Last reviewed: February 8, 2026
At a Glance

5

Required Items

1

Optional/Recommended

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

Education Requirements

Delaware requires substitute teachers to hold a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution for a Standard Substitute Certificate. Candidates without a bachelor's degree but with at least 60 college credit hours may qualify for a Limited Substitute Certificate, which restricts the grades and subjects the substitute may cover.

Background Check

All substitute teachers in Delaware must pass a criminal background check that includes Delaware State Bureau of Investigation and FBI fingerprint screening. Additionally, applicants must pass a Child Protection Registry check. Background clearances must be obtained before the substitute can begin any classroom assignment.

Age Requirements

Substitute teachers in Delaware must be at least 18 years of age. This minimum age requirement applies to all categories of substitute teaching certificates issued by the state.

Application Process

Candidates apply for a Delaware substitute teaching certificate through the Delaware Department of Education's online DEEDS (Delaware Educator Data System) portal. The application requires official transcripts, completed background check documentation, and the applicable fee. Once certified, substitutes apply to individual districts or charter schools.

Substitute Teaching Permit/License

Delaware issues both a Standard Substitute Certificate (requires a bachelor's degree) and a Limited Substitute Certificate (requires 60 college credit hours). Both certificates are valid for three years and must be renewed through the DEEDS system. The Standard certificate allows substituting across all grade levels and subjects.

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

Training/Orientation

Delaware school districts generally require substitute teachers to complete a district orientation covering school safety protocols, technology access, attendance procedures, and student behavior management. Some districts also require completion of mandatory reporter training and bloodborne pathogen awareness modules.

Additional Information

For more information, visit the Delaware Department of Education - Licensure and Certification page.

Substitute teaching guides for Delaware

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

School districts in Delaware

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