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Vermont Substitute Teacher Requirements

Last reviewed: February 8, 2026
At a Glance

4

Required Items

2

Optional/Recommended

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

Education Requirements

Vermont does not require a bachelor's degree for short-term substitute teaching assignments. For short-term positions (typically up to 30 consecutive days in the same assignment), a high school diploma or equivalent is generally sufficient. However, long-term substitute positions require a bachelor's degree and may require a Vermont educator license issued by the Agency of Education (AOE).

Background Check

All substitute teachers in Vermont must pass a criminal background check, including fingerprinting through the Vermont Crime Information Center (VCIC) and the FBI. The background check must be completed and cleared prior to the first day of substitute teaching in any Vermont public school.

Age Requirements

Substitute teachers in Vermont must be at least 18 years of age. Proof of age through government-issued identification is required as part of the hiring process.

Application Process

In Vermont, substitute teacher hiring is managed by individual supervisory unions or school districts. Candidates apply directly to the district or supervisory union where they wish to work. The application process typically includes submission of an application form, references, background check authorization, and verification of educational qualifications.

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

Substitute Teaching Permit/License

Vermont does not require a state-issued substitute teaching license for short-term substitute assignments. For long-term substitute positions, the Vermont Agency of Education (AOE) may require the candidate to hold a valid Vermont educator license or an emergency authorization. Districts determine the threshold for when a substitute assignment transitions from short-term to long-term.

Training/Orientation

Vermont school districts may require substitute teachers to attend an orientation covering district procedures, student safety protocols, and classroom management expectations. Training requirements are set at the district level and vary in scope and duration.

Additional Information

For more information, visit the Vermont Agency of Education Licensing page.

Substitute teaching guides for Vermont

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

School districts in Vermont

Recommended training

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