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Mississippi offers multiple substitute teaching license tiers based on education level. A Standard Substitute License requires a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution. An Expert Citizen Substitute License is available for candidates with a high school diploma or GED plus at least 48 semester hours of college credit. The license type determines the scope of assignments available.
All substitute teacher applicants in Mississippi must undergo a criminal background check including fingerprinting through the Mississippi Department of Public Safety and the FBI. The background check must be cleared before the Mississippi Department of Education (MDE) will issue a substitute license. Applicants with disqualifying offenses will be denied licensure.
Substitute teachers in Mississippi must be at least 21 years of age for the Standard Substitute License. For the Expert Citizen Substitute License, candidates must also be at least 21. This higher age requirement distinguishes Mississippi from many other states.
Candidates apply for a substitute teaching license through the Mississippi Department of Education online licensure system (ELMS). The application requires official transcripts, background check results, and the applicable fee. District superintendents must verify the applicant's eligibility, and the license is issued by the MDE upon approval.
Mississippi issues substitute teaching licenses through the MDE in multiple tiers. The Standard Substitute License requires a bachelor's degree and is valid for five years. The Expert Citizen Substitute License requires a high school diploma plus 48 college credit hours and is valid for one year, renewable annually. Both licenses authorize the holder to substitute teach in Mississippi public schools.
Mississippi does not mandate specific state-level training hours for substitute teachers, but the MDE recommends that districts provide orientation and professional development opportunities. Many districts require substitutes to attend a training session covering classroom management, district procedures, and student safety protocols before accepting assignments.
For more information, visit the Mississippi Department of Education Licensure page.
Our courses are designed to help you meet all the requirements for substitute teacher training.