Wisconsin Substitute Teacher Requirements

Last reviewed: February 8, 2026

At a Glance

Required Items

Optional/Recommended

Required Requirements

You must meet all of these requirements to become a substitute teacher in Wisconsin.

Education Requirements

Wisconsin does not require a statewide license for short-term substitute teaching assignments of 20 or fewer consecutive days in the same assignment. For these short-term positions, the education requirements are set by individual school districts. However, for longer-term substitute assignments exceeding 20 days, a bachelor's degree and a DPI-issued substitute license are required.

Background Check

All substitute teachers in Wisconsin must undergo a criminal background check as required by state law. The background check includes a review of criminal records through the Wisconsin Department of Justice (DOJ). Districts are responsible for conducting these checks and must verify clearance before allowing any substitute to work with students.

Age Requirements

Substitute teachers in Wisconsin must be at least 18 years of age. For those seeking a DPI substitute license for longer-term assignments, the minimum age is also 18, with verification required through valid government-issued identification.

Application Process

For short-term substitute positions, candidates apply directly to individual school districts in Wisconsin. For longer-term positions requiring a DPI substitute license, candidates must apply through the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction (DPI) online licensing system. After obtaining the DPI license, candidates then apply to districts for placement opportunities.

Recommended / Optional

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

Substitute Teaching Permit/License

The Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction (DPI) issues a substitute teaching license for assignments exceeding 20 consecutive days in the same position. This license requires a bachelor's degree and is valid for three years. Short-term substitutes working 20 or fewer days do not need a DPI license, but must meet district-level requirements.

Training/Orientation

Training and orientation requirements for substitute teachers in Wisconsin are determined by individual school districts. Most districts provide an orientation covering emergency procedures, student behavior expectations, technology access, and the district's substitute management system. Completion of orientation is typically required before the first assignment.

References

Wisconsin school districts commonly request two to three professional references from substitute teacher applicants. References from prior employers, particularly in education or child-related fields, are preferred and may be contacted during the vetting process.

Additional Information

For more information, visit the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction Licensing page.

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