Back to All States
MA
United States

Massachusetts 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 Massachusetts.

Education Requirements

Massachusetts generally requires substitute teachers to hold a bachelor's degree, although requirements can vary by district since much of the substitute hiring process is managed at the local level. Some districts may accept candidates with fewer credentials for short-term substitute assignments. Official transcripts are typically required as part of the district application process.

Background Check

Massachusetts requires all substitute teachers to undergo Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI) and Sexual Offender Registry Information (SORI) background checks. Fingerprint-based national background checks through the FBI are also mandatory under state law. These checks are initiated by the hiring school district and must be completed before the substitute can begin working.

Age Requirements

Substitute teachers in Massachusetts must be at least 18 years of age. Districts may set higher minimum age requirements at their discretion. The bachelor's degree expectation typically means most applicants are in their early twenties or older.

Application Process

Massachusetts operates a district-by-district hiring process for substitute teachers. There is no single statewide application portal for substitute teaching credentials. Candidates must apply directly with each school district where they wish to substitute teach, submitting transcripts, references, and background check authorizations as required by the individual district.

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

Substitute Teaching Permit/License

Massachusetts does not issue a statewide substitute teaching license or permit. Instead, districts hire substitute teachers directly based on their own qualification standards. Candidates who hold a valid Massachusetts teaching license issued by the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) are generally given preference for substitute assignments.

Training/Orientation

Training requirements for substitute teachers in Massachusetts are determined at the district level. Many districts provide orientation sessions that cover classroom management basics, emergency procedures, and district-specific policies. Some larger districts offer comprehensive onboarding programs with ongoing professional development opportunities for substitute teachers.

References

Most Massachusetts school districts require substitute teacher applicants to submit two to three professional references. References should come from individuals who can speak to the candidate's reliability, character, and ability to work effectively with students. Former supervisors, colleagues, or professors are commonly accepted.

Additional Information

For more information, visit the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education Licensure page.

Substitute teaching guides for Massachusetts

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

Recommended training

Get classroom-ready in Massachusetts

$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
$89
Full Training Program