Tennessee
City-Large
PK-12

Prepare to Substitute Teach at Shelby County Schools

Get professionally trained and certified for substitute teaching at Shelby County Schools in Memphis, Tennessee. Our courses prepare you for success.

200

Schools

110,000

Students

$100

Daily Rate

PK-12

Grades

District Overview

At a Glance

200

Number of Schools

110,000

Total Students

PK-12

Grade Span

City-Large

Location Type

Shelby County

County

$100

Sub Teacher Daily Rate

How to Prepare for Shelby County Schools

1

Review Tennessee State Requirements

Understand the state requirements for substitute teaching, including a high school diploma. 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 Shelby County Schools and its 200 schools.

Tennessee State Requirements

Education Requirements

Tennessee offers multiple pathways for substitute teachers. A licensed substitute must hold a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university. An alternative pathway exists for non-licensed substitutes who have completed at least 60 semester hours of college credit. Some districts may accept candidates with fewer credit hours for emergency substitute positions, depending on local need.

Background Check

All substitute teachers in Tennessee must pass a fingerprint-based criminal background check conducted through the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) and the FBI. The background check must be completed and cleared before the candidate can be approved for substitute teaching in any Tennessee public school.

Age Requirements

Substitute teachers in Tennessee must be at least 18 years of age. Proof of age is verified through government-issued identification submitted during the application and onboarding process.

Application Process

Candidates apply through individual school districts in Tennessee, as hiring is managed at the district level. Most districts require an online application, submission of transcripts, and completion of the background check process. Some districts use third-party staffing agencies to manage their substitute teacher pools.

Frequently Asked Questions

Related Resources

Get Trained for Shelby County Schools

Our professional training courses prepare you to succeed as a substitute teacher at Shelby County Schools. Start your certification online today.