How to Become a Substitute Teacher in Utah: A Clear, Updated Guide

If you’re interested in becoming a substitute teacher in Utah, you could step into a flexible, meaningful role that many districts across the state rely on — from larger districts in Salt Lake City, Provo, or Ogden to smaller rural or suburban districts. Whether you’re exploring a new career path, re-entering the workforce, or wanting work that fits a school-year schedule, substitute teaching offers a way to support students without committing to a full-time teaching contract.

This guide walks you through what substitute teaching looks like in Utah, what state and districts generally require, and how a training program like Certified Sub can help you feel prepared and confident walking into the classroom.

Why Substitute Teaching Appeals to Many in Utah

  • Substitute teaching offers flexibility — you can choose when to accept assignments, depending on district demand and your availability.
  • Each assignment can bring variety — different classrooms, students, grade levels, and school communities.
  • Substitute teachers play a crucial role in keeping school operations smooth when regular teachers are absent.
  • For many, substitute teaching provides a way to contribute meaningfully to public education without the long-term commitment of a full-time teaching job.

Because many Utah districts rely on substitutes — especially during teacher absences, leaves, or staffing shortages — demand tends to be steady.

What It Takes to Become a Substitute Teacher in Utah

In Utah, substitute-teacher hiring is managed by individual school districts under the oversight of the Utah State Board of Education (USBE). That means there is no single universal “substitute-teacher license” statewide that applies uniformly — instead, districts set their own qualifying criteria. However, there are common expectations many districts follow.

Here’s what many Utah districts typically look for:

Basic Eligibility: Work Authorization, Background Check, Age

  • You must be legally eligible to work in the U.S. (valid ID, proof of eligibility, etc.).
  • Most districts require a criminal-history background check (state and/or federal) and clearance before you can begin subbing.
  • You must meet any district-specified minimum age requirement (often 18).

Education / Coursework Requirements (Varies by District)

Because there is no uniform statewide substitute license, what qualifies you varies depending on the district. Common patterns include:

  • Some districts accept a high school diploma or GED for occasional or short-term substitute roles.
  • Other districts prefer or require some college coursework or a college degree, especially for regular substitute roles, specialty subjects, or long-term assignments.
  • For higher-grade levels or specialized subject coverage, districts may give preference to candidates with relevant credentials or teaching experience, though a formal Utah teaching license may not be mandatory.

Because of this variability — especially between larger urban districts and smaller rural ones — it’s important to check with each district’s human resources or substitute coordinator before applying.

District Application, Paperwork & Onboarding

To become a substitute in a Utah district, you generally will need to:

  • Submit an application directly to the district (or in some cases a district-approved staffing agency) you wish to substitute for.
  • Provide required documentation: e.g., diploma or transcripts (if requested), valid ID, proof of eligibility to work, and possibly references.
  • Complete the required background check and any mandated clearances.
  • Attend any required district orientation or substitute-training session, if required by the district.
  • Once approved, be added to the district’s substitute roster or pool — after which you become eligible to receive substitute assignments.

Because each district independently manages its substitute lists, many prospective substitutes apply to multiple districtsto maximize opportunities — especially in regions with several districts close together.

What the Application Process Typically Looks Like in Utah

Because substitute hiring is decentralized, there is no single statewide application process — but a common approach across many districts looks like this:

  1. Choose one or more school districts where you’d like to work.
  2. Review each district’s substitute-teacher requirements (often listed under “Human Resources,” “Employment,” or “Substitute/Temporary Teacher Info”).
  3. Gather required documents, which may include:
    • High school diploma or GED (or college transcripts, if requested)
    • Valid ID and proof of work eligibility
    • Résumé, references, or prior experience documentation (if requested)
  1. Submit your application to the district’s substitute-teacher coordinator or HR office.
  2. Complete background/clearance check, as required by the district (may include fingerprinting).
  3. Attend any required orientation, training, or onboarding (if mandated by the district).
  4. Get placed on the substitute roster or pool — after approval, you become eligible for assignments.
  5. Accept substitute assignments as they become available. Many substitutes expand their chances by signing up with multiple districts.

Because policies vary by district (especially between rural vs. urban, small vs. large districts), pay rates, assignment duration, and long-term substitute opportunities may differ — so always confirm with the district directly.

How Certified Sub Can Help Prepare Substitutes in Utah

Meeting a district’s eligibility requirements is one thing — feeling ready to teach is another. That’s where a structured substitute-teacher training program like Certified Sub adds value, especially in a state like Utah where substitutes may enter the classroom with little formal training.

Certified Sub offers practical, classroom-ready training tailored for substitute teachers. Through self-paced modules, you’ll learn to:

  • Establish routines and expectations quickly when you walk into a new classroom
  • Manage student behavior proactively and fairly
  • Deliver lessons clearly — even when lesson plans are minimal or provided by another teacher
  • Keep students engaged across a wide range of grade levels and subjects
  • Use fallback or “emergency” lesson plans when regular plans are missing or incomplete
  • Adapt to different classrooms, age groups, and school cultures with flexibility and confidence

In Utah districts — many of which don’t offer substantial substitute-specific training — Certified Sub helps bridge the gap between “approved substitute” and “effective substitute teacher.” That helps both schools (smoother classroom continuity) and you (more confidence, better performance, more repeat assignments).

Your Next Step

If substitute teaching in Utah appeals to you — here’s how to begin:

  • Identify nearby school district(s) where you’d like to sub and review their substitute-teacher requirements.
  • Collect necessary documents (diploma or GED, ID/work eligibility, any transcripts if required).
  • Submit applications to one or more districts to increase your chances of getting assignments.
  • Complete any required background checks, clearances, or district paperwork.
  • Consider enrolling in a substitute-training program like Certified Sub — especially valuable if you lack prior teaching experience — to walk into your first assignment fully prepared and confident.

Ready to get trained and classroom-ready?

Take the step from “eligible substitute” → “confident, effective substitute teacher.”
👉 Explore Certified Sub’s full training course library here: https://www.certifiedsub.org/courses/

Note: Because substitute-teacher requirements in Utah are determined at the district level, policies vary significantly across the state. Before applying, check with the Human Resources or Substitute Coordinator at each district to confirm their specific qualifications and procedures.