Guide to becoming a substitute teacher in North Carolina

North Carolina is definitely an interesting state when it comes to substitute teaching, and there are a few factors that explain why it’s such a prominent place for the role, despite some of the challenges and differences in how substitutes are treated compared to full-time teachers. Take a look at just a couple of reasons:

Teaching in North Carolina: Fast facts

In North Carolina, substitutes are typically needed across all grade levels. Substitutes are in high demand due to the relatively high number of teacher absences for things like personal days, professional development or illness. Elementary teachers usually cover a wider range of subjects, so substitutes in these grades may be asked to step in for multiple subjects, but the content is generally more structured and familiar.

Middle schools also require a lot of substitute teachers, especially because middle school teachers tend to specialize in one or two subjects and when they are absent, substitutes are needed to step in for specific classes.

That said, high school substitutes are also in demand, especially in subjects like math, science and special education, but elementary and middle school tend to be the most frequent areas for substitute teaching.

If you’d like to explore substitute teaching opportunities in North Carolina, here are some facts to consider:

• Number of substitute teachers in North Carolina: 17,970, or nearly four people per 1,000 who live in the state
• Student to teacher ratio in North Carolina: 14:1 for K-12 public schools; specifically, in elementary schools the ratio might be closer to 16:1 on average, while middle and high school ratios could be slightly lower, closer to 13:1 or even 12:1.
• Median substitute salary in North Carolina: $32,420
• Rank for highest employment of substitutes in the U.S.: Ranked #5 in the U.S. for highest employment by the BLS
• Most common grade level taught: Elementary and middle schools
• Degree needed to substitute teach in North Carolina: High school diploma or GED for short-term, “non-licensed” substitutes. Bachelor’s degree in any field and a valid teaching license, which allows you to fill in for teachers who are out for longer periods, such as during maternity leave or extended absences.

Steps to become a substitute teacher in North Carolina

Here are four key steps to becoming a substitute teacher in North Carolina:

Meet basic eligibility requirements

Before you apply, you’ll need to meet the basic qualifications for becoming a substitute teacher in North Carolina. These typically include:

• Hold a high school diploma or GED: For non-licensed substitutes, this is the minimum educational requirement.
• Age: You must be at least 18 years old to be a substitute teacher in NC.
• Pass a background check: You’ll need to pass a criminal background check as part of the hiring process.

Complete the application process

Once you meet the basic requirements, you’ll need to apply through the local school district where you want to work. Each district has its own application process, but generally you’ll need to:

• Submit an application: Apply directly on the district’s website or through the North Carolina substitute teacher portal.
• Provide documentation: You may be asked to submit transcripts for proof of education, proof of identity and other supporting documents.
• Attend a district orientation session: Some districts may require substitutes to attend an orientation or complete online training before they start working.

Complete any required training

While North Carolina does not require substitutes to hold a teaching certification for short-term substitute roles, some districts may require specific training before you can work. This might include:

• Substitute teacher training: Some districts offer training programs to help new substitutes understand classroom management, district policies and instructional strategies. While not required everywhere, completing these programs may improve your chances of being hired.
• Online training courses: You may need to complete brief online training sessions on topics like child abuse reporting, safety procedures or school district policies.

Find and apply to the school districts you’re interested in

If you plan to be a long-term substitute and fill in for a teacher who is out for several weeks or months, you may need to hold a teaching license. For this, you would need:

• A bachelor’s degree in any field—or specific subject areas, like math or science or for specialized roles.
• North Carolina teaching license: To become an NC licensed substitute, you’ll need to apply for an emergency or provisional teaching license through the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction (NCDPI). This process can take more time but allows you to be eligible for long-term assignments with higher pay.

Earning teacher certification

If you want to earn certification to substitute teach in North Carolina, the path depends on whether you’re aiming to become a non-licensed substitute (short-term and day-to-day assignments) or a licensed substitute (long-term assignments). Here’s an overview of the certification process for both:

Non-licensed substitutes

Non-licensed substitutes are the most common in NC and require fewer steps than licensed substitutes. Here’s how to get started:

Eligibility requirements:

• High school diploma or GED: This is the minimum requirement. You don’t need a teaching degree.
• Age: You must be at least 18 years old.
• Criminal background check: All substitutes need to pass a criminal background check to ensure safety in the classroom.
• Application to the school district: Apply directly to the school district where you want to substitute teach. Districts may require you to fill out an application online or submit a paper application.
• Attend required orientation: Some districts may require a brief orientation session to familiarize you with policies and expectations.

Once you’ve completed the application process and met the basic requirements, you can begin working as a substitute teacher in your district.

Licensed substitute teacher

If you’re interested in long-term substitute teaching, that is filling in for an absent teacher for a longer period, such as several weeks or months, you’ll need a teaching license. This gives you the ability to earn a higher daily pay rate and take on specialized subject areas.

Eligibility requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree: You must have at least a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution.
• Teaching license: You’ll need a valid North Carolina teaching license. This can be a Standard Professional License (SPL) or an emergency license.
• Emergency teaching license: If you don’t have a full teaching license, you can apply for an emergency license if you meet certain requirements, such as having a bachelor’s degree and teaching experience in a subject area.
• Criminal background check: Same as non-licensed substitutes, you’ll need to pass a criminal background check.
• Complete any required additional training: Depending on your district, you may be required to complete additional training to understand the specifics of the curriculum or classroom management. Some districts also require substitutes to attend an orientation program.

Advantages of being a licensed substitute:

• Higher pay: Licensed substitutes are typically paid more than non-licensed substitutes.
• Long-term assignments: Being licensed allows you to fill in for teachers on longer leaves of absence.
• Career progression: Working as a licensed substitute can be a stepping stone to a permanent teaching role in North Carolina, should you decide to pursue a full-time career in education.

Alternative pathways for specialization

Some districts might offer additional pathways if you have specialized experience or degrees in areas such as:

• Special education
• STEM (Science, technology, engineering and math)
• Foreign language
• Vocational or technical education

For these areas, you may be able to get a specialized license or an alternative certification to qualify as a substitute teacher in those fields.

North Carolina substitute teacher reciprocity

North Carolina is a reciprocity state for substitute teachers, meaning that the state does recognize certain substitute teaching credentials and licenses from other states. However, the pathway to substitute teacher reciprocity is generally tied to state certification requirements, especially if you are seeking to work as a long-term substitute.

If you have experience as a substitute teacher or a high school diploma from another state, you can apply directly to a local school district in North Carolina to work as a non-licensed substitute. While reciprocity may not apply in this case (since non-licensed substitutes don’t need a teaching certification), your previous teaching or substitute experience may help you secure a job more easily, depending on the district’s needs.

If you are a licensed substitute teacher in another state, you can apply for reciprocity in North Carolina, but you will need to meet the regular criteria for licensed substitute teachers, plus you can apply for a North Carolina emergency teaching license (if you meet certain qualifications) or a Standard Professional License (SPL) if you already have completed the appropriate teaching certification requirements from your home state. You will also need to submit verification of your out-of-state teaching license, any transcripts and possibly additional assessments.

Substitute teacher salaries in North Carolina

Substitute teacher salaries in North Carolina can vary based on several factors, including the district you’re working in, whether you’re a licensed or non-licensed substitute and the length of the assignment. Below is an overview of the general pay ranges:

Non-licensed substitute teachers (short-term/day-to-day assignments)

Non-licensed substitutes, also called daily substitutes, typically earn less than their licensed counterparts. The pay for non-licensed substitutes generally falls between:

• $90 to $120 per day on average.
• Some districts may offer slightly lower or higher rates depending on the area’s budget and substitute teacher demand.
• Rural districts or areas with fewer substitutes may offer higher daily rates to attract substitutes, whereas larger urban districts may offer slightly lower rates, but there are generally more available opportunities.

Licensed substitute teachers (long-term assignments)

Substitutes with a valid teaching license (either in North Carolina or through reciprocity) may earn higher daily rates. The pay range for licensed substitutes is generally:

• $120 to $180 per day for standard daily assignments.
• For long-term assignments, licensed substitutes may earn $150 to $200 per day or more, depending on the district and the subject area.
• Specialized subject areas may pay higher daily rates for licensed substitutes due to the higher demand for those subjects.

Since pay often depends upon location and district, it’s advisable for prospective substitute teachers to consult directly with specific school districts to obtain accurate and up-to-date information regarding pay rates and employment opportunities. Here’s how the BLS breaks down median salaries for substitute teachers in the state:

Job growth for substitutes in North Carolina

Substitute teaching in North Carolina follows broader national trends but has its own unique growth patterns, particularly influenced by state-specific needs and demographic factors. In North Carolina, the demand for substitute teachers follows similar trends to national projections, though with some state-specific influences:

• Projected national growth: The BLS projected a 1.6% increase in employment for short-term substitute teachers through 2034.

According to the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction (NCDPI) and local district data, the need for substitute teachers has increased in recent years, with more job openings across various districts. While exact state-level growth projections aren’t always publicly available, certain factors contribute to growing demand. The overall teacher shortage in North Carolina mirrors the national trend, with particular shortages in special education, STEM (science, technology, engineering, math), foreign language and in rural areas. Also, North Carolina has faced relatively high teacher turnover rates in recent years, which leads to more frequent needs for substitutes. The state has struggled with teacher recruitment and retention, which often leaves vacancies filled by substitutes.

In some of the state’s larger districts, like Charlotte-Mecklenburg and Wake County, there may be a steady need for substitutes due to higher student enrollment and teacher absences.

Resources for substitute teachers in North Carolina

Substitute teachers in North Carolina should consider using these resources for several important reasons, as they provide a wide range of benefits that can enhance their professional experience, support their career growth and help them navigate challenges in the classroom.