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Missouri Substitute Teacher Requirements

Last reviewed: February 8, 2026
At a Glance

5

Required Items

2

Optional/Recommended

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

Education Requirements

Missouri requires substitute teachers to hold a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university to obtain a Substitute Teaching Certificate. The degree does not need to be in education. Official transcripts verifying the completion of a bachelor's degree must be submitted as part of the application process through the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE).

Background Check

Missouri requires all substitute teacher applicants to undergo a criminal background check including fingerprinting through the Missouri State Highway Patrol and the FBI. A check of the Family Care Safety Registry, which includes records of child abuse and neglect, is also required. All background checks must be cleared before a Substitute Teaching Certificate can be issued.

Age Requirements

Substitute teachers in Missouri must be at least 18 years of age. Due to the bachelor's degree requirement, most applicants will meet or exceed this minimum age threshold at the time of application.

Application Process

Candidates apply for a Substitute Teaching Certificate through the Missouri DESE online educator certification system (DESE Web Applications). The application requires official transcripts, background check clearance, and the applicable fee. Once the certificate is issued, candidates must register with individual school districts to receive substitute teaching assignments.

Substitute Teaching Certificate

Missouri issues a Substitute Teaching Certificate through DESE that is valid for four years. The certificate authorizes the holder to serve as a substitute teacher in any Missouri public school district. A bachelor's degree is required, and the certificate must be renewed before expiration. Holders of a valid Missouri teaching certificate are automatically eligible to substitute teach.

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

Training/Orientation

Missouri does not mandate specific state-level training hours for substitute teachers. Individual school districts typically require orientation sessions covering district policies, safety procedures, and student behavior management. Some districts partner with substitute placement services that provide additional training and support resources.

References

Many Missouri school districts require substitute teacher applicants to submit professional references as part of the district-level hiring process. Typically, two to three references from individuals who can speak to the candidate's character, reliability, and suitability for working with students are expected. References from educators or former employers are generally preferred.

Additional Information

For more information, visit the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education Certification page.

Substitute teaching guides for Missouri

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

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