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Virginia requires substitute teachers to hold a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university to qualify for a Division-Level Substitute License. The degree may be in any subject area. Candidates without a bachelor's degree may be considered under emergency provisions at the discretion of the local school division.
All substitute teachers in Virginia must undergo a criminal background check, including fingerprinting, through the Virginia State Police and the FBI. Additionally, candidates are screened against the Virginia Sex Offender Registry and the Child Protective Services Central Registry. Background clearance must be obtained before any classroom assignment.
Substitute teachers in Virginia must be at least 18 years of age. Identification verifying age is required during the application and onboarding process with the school division.
Candidates apply for substitute teaching positions through individual school divisions in Virginia. Each division manages its own substitute hiring process, which typically includes an online application, transcript submission, background check, and orientation. Some divisions use third-party staffing agencies to manage their substitute pools.
The Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) authorizes school divisions to issue Division-Level Substitute Licenses. These licenses are valid only within the issuing school division and must be renewed according to division policy. Candidates with a valid Virginia teaching license may substitute without obtaining a separate substitute license.
Most Virginia school divisions require substitute teachers to complete an orientation session covering division policies, classroom management techniques, emergency response procedures, and student privacy regulations under FERPA. Online training modules may also be required.
Virginia school divisions typically require two to three professional references as part of the substitute teacher application. References should be from individuals familiar with the candidate's professional capabilities and suitability for working in an educational environment.
For more information, visit the Virginia Department of Education Licensure page.
Our courses are designed to help you meet all the requirements for substitute teacher training.