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Maine 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 Maine.

Education Requirements

Maine does not require a bachelor's degree to serve as a substitute teacher. Candidates can qualify through the Educational Technician (Ed Tech) III authorization, which requires a minimum of 60 college credit hours or an associate's degree. For short-term substitute assignments, requirements may be even more flexible depending on the school administrative unit (SAU).

Background Check

Maine requires all substitute teachers to undergo a criminal history records check, including fingerprinting through the Maine State Bureau of Identification and the FBI. The background check must be completed and cleared before a candidate can begin working in any school. Results are reviewed by the Maine Department of Education.

Age Requirements

Substitute teachers in Maine must be at least 18 years of age. This applies to all substitute teaching authorizations and is a baseline requirement established by the Maine Department of Education.

Application Process

Candidates apply for substitute teaching authorization through the Maine Department of Education's certification office. The application can be submitted online and requires transcripts, background check results, and a completed application form. Candidates should also contact their local SAU for any additional district-level application requirements.

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

Ed Tech III Authorization

Maine uses the Educational Technician (Ed Tech) III authorization as one pathway for substitute teaching eligibility. This authorization requires at least 60 college credit hours and allows the holder to serve as a substitute teacher in Maine public schools. It is a practical option for candidates who do not hold a bachelor's degree but have significant college coursework.

Training/Orientation

Maine does not require state-mandated training for substitute teachers. Local school administrative units typically provide orientation sessions that cover building safety, emergency procedures, and expectations for substitute teachers. Some SAUs may offer ongoing professional development opportunities for regular substitutes.

References

Many Maine school administrative units require substitute teacher applicants to provide professional references as part of the hiring process. Typically, two to three references from individuals familiar with the candidate's work ethic and character are expected. References from educators or previous employers are strongly preferred.

Additional Information

For more information, visit the Maine Department of Education Certification page.

Substitute teaching guides for Maine

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

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