District of Columbia
City-Large
PK-12

Prepare to Substitute Teach at District of Columbia Public Schools

Get professionally trained and certified for substitute teaching at District of Columbia Public Schools in Washington, District of Columbia. Our courses prepare you for success.

115

Schools

51,000

Students

$160

Daily Rate

PK-12

Grades

District Overview

At a Glance

115

Number of Schools

51,000

Total Students

PK-12

Grade Span

City-Large

Location Type

District of Columbia

County

$160

Sub Teacher Daily Rate

How to Prepare for District of Columbia Public Schools

1

Review District of Columbia State Requirements

Understand the state requirements for substitute teaching, including a bachelor's degree. Our courses are designed to help you meet and exceed these standards.

2

Complete Professional Training

Build essential classroom skills with CertifiedSub's online courses. Learn classroom management, lesson delivery, safety procedures, and more — all at your own pace.

3

Earn Your Certification

Complete your coursework and earn a substitute teacher certificate. Certified substitutes are preferred by districts and often qualify for higher daily rates.

4

Pass Background Check

Complete the required background check and fingerprinting process. Processing typically takes 1-4 weeks.

5

Connect with the District

With your training and certification in hand, you'll be well-prepared to work with District of Columbia Public Schools and its 115 schools.

Washington D.C. State Requirements

Education Requirements

Washington D.C. requires substitute teachers to hold a minimum of a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution. Candidates with degrees in education or a content area relevant to the teaching assignment are preferred. Transcripts must be submitted as part of the application process to verify degree completion.

Background Check

All substitute teacher candidates in D.C. must undergo a comprehensive background check, including FBI fingerprint-based criminal history screening and a check of the National Sex Offender Registry. Background checks are processed through the D.C. Metropolitan Police Department and must be cleared before any classroom placement can begin.

Age Requirements

Substitute teachers in Washington D.C. must be at least 18 years of age. Applicants must provide valid government-issued identification to verify their age and identity during the application process.

Application Process

Candidates apply directly through D.C. Public Schools (DCPS) or through individual charter schools, as there is no single centralized substitute teacher pool for all D.C. schools. DCPS maintains its own substitute teacher program with an online application portal. Charter schools may have separate hiring processes and requirements that candidates should verify directly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Related Resources

Get Trained for District of Columbia Public Schools

Our professional training courses prepare you to succeed as a substitute teacher at District of Columbia Public Schools. Start your certification online today.