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Substitute Teaching

No certificate is offered by New York State specifically for substitute teaching (go to Teacher Regulations Section 80-5.4 Substitute teachers ).  Any New York State certificate allows an individual to work as a substitute. 

Individuals who do not hold a certificate may teach up to 40 days each year.  However, a district may impose local requirements that the individual must meet to be employed as a substitute teacher.

A school district may employ an individual as a substitute teacher in a position held by a teacher who is absent but expected to return. Employment of a substitute teacher does not require a certificate.

There are three categories of substitutes:

1. Persons holding valid certificates may substitute for any length of time in any area.
   
   

2. Persons without certification but who are preparing to be certified may substitute for any length of time in any area.
   
   

3. Persons without certification and who are not preparing to become certified are limited to a maximum of 40 days per year.

Substitutes employed for long-term absences are expected to hold or be working toward certification in the specific field or area in which they are substituting. For details of the requirement, click on Commissioner's Regulations 80-5.4.

Information Specific to New York City
The New York City Board of Education requires that a substitute teacher hold a substitute license.