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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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
For more information, visit the Delaware Department of Education - Licensure and Certification page.
Our courses are designed to help you meet all the requirements for substitute teacher training.