Steps to become a substitute teacher in Texas

Texas stands out as a great state for becoming a substitute teacher for several reasons:

Teaching in Texas: Fast facts

Texas has a high demand for substitute teachers due to the ongoing teacher shortage across the state. Some of the reasons for the shortage include teachers leaving the profession due to workload and pay concerns or retirement, which require substitutes to step in regularly. Texas also has one of the fastest-growing student populations in the U.S., increasing the need for more educators, including substitutes.

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

• Number of substitute teachers in Texas: 54,170, or almost 4.5 people per 1,000 who live in the state
• Student to teacher ratio in Texas: The average student-to-teacher ratio in Texas is approximately 15:1 in public schools, though ratios tend to be higher in middle and high schools, often ranging from 16:1 to 20:1, depending on the subject.
• Texas ranking for highest level of employment of substitute teachers: According to the BLS, Texas ranked #2 nationally
• Median substitute salary in Texas: $29,610
• Area for highest employment level: Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land metro area, followed by the Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington area
• Areas with highest concentration of jobs: Wichita Falls and Tyler, TX, said the BLS
• Degree needed to substitute teach in Texas: High school diploma or GED though a bachelor’s degree may be required for some districts 

Steps to become a substitute teacher in Texas

The process to become a substitute teacher in Texas typically involves these four steps:

Meet basic eligibility requirements

Most districts require at least a high school diploma or GED, though some prefer a bachelor’s degree. No teaching certification is required for substitutes.

Apply to desired school districts

Each district sets its own requirements, so applicants must submit an application through each of their their chosen district’s website. Some districts may require a resume, references or an interview.

Complete a background check and fingerprinting

All substitute teachers must pass a criminal background check and fingerprinting through the Texas Education Agency (TEA) to ensure student safety.

Attend any required orientation or training

Many school districts require substitutes to attend an orientation or training session covering classroom management, district policies and expectations.

Earning certification

In Texas, substitute teachers do not need a state-issued certification, but individual school districts set their own requirements based on the type of substitute teaching position:

Short-term substitutes (daily or temporary)

• High school diploma or GED (though some districts prefer a bachelor’s degree).
• A teaching certification is not required, though a background check, fingerprinting and district training (if applicable) are.

Long-term substitutes (extended Assignments, typically 10 or more days)

• Usually a bachelor’s degree is the minimum requirement, though some districts allow experienced substitutes with an associate degree or equivalent.
• Certification is not required but preferred for long-term roles.
• District training and potentially, subject-specific knowledge may be required.

Subject-specific or certified substitute (specialized roles)

• A bachelor’s degree in the subject area is preferred and Texas teaching certification is preferred or required for certain long-term or advanced subject areas such as math, science and special education.
• Some subject specific placements may require prior teaching experience or district approval.

Texas substitute teacher reciprocity

Texas does not participate in the National Association of State Directors of Teacher Education and Certification (NASDTEC) Interstate Agreement for automatic teacher certification reciprocity. However, Texas does offer out-of-state teacher reciprocity, which means:

• Certified teachers from other states can apply for a Texas teaching certificate through the Texas Education Agency (TEA).
• Applicants may need to take the Texas teacher certification exams unless their credentials meet Texas standards.

How reciprocity works for substitute teachers in Texas

• No state-level certification is required for substitutes, so reciprocity rules don’t apply in the same way.
• If you were a substitute in another state, you must meet the individual Texas school district’s requirements, which may include a background check and proof of education.

Substitute teacher salaries in Texas

Substitute teacher salaries in Texas vary based on factors such as location, district policies and the substitute’s qualifications.

Factors influencing salary:

• Assignment length: Long-term assignments may offer higher daily rates compared to short-term assignments.
• Qualifications: Substitutes with higher education levels or teaching certifications often receive higher pay rates.
• District policies: Each school district sets its own pay scale, which can vary significantly due to budgets, legislation and other factors.

Some of the higher paying metro areas in the state include:

Dallas area: According to the Dallas Independent School District, Dallas ISD offers varying pay rates for substitutes depending on their qualifications. Substitutes without a degree earn about $100 per day, while substitutes with a bachelor’s degree can earn more. Long-term substitutes typically earn higher rates, around $125 per day or more.

Austin area: The Austin Independent School District said substitutes in Austin can earn $100–$130 per day, with long-term or subject-specific substitutes potentially earning higher rates.

Houston area: In districts like Houston Independent School District, daily rates for substitutes can range from $90–$120 per day, with long-term pay going up to $150 or more for certified teachers.

Here’s how the BLS breaks down median salaries, by annual pay and hourly, for short-term substitute teachers in the state:

Job growth for substitutes in Texas

The job growth data for substitute teachers is influenced by factors such as teacher shortages, student population growth and increased absenteeism in schools. Here’s how Texas compares to the national data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS):

• The BLS projects a 1.6% increase in employment for substitute teachers through 2034, which is about as fast as the average for all occupations.
• This growth is driven by the need for substitutes due to factors such as high turnover rate, larger numbers of school-age children and increased staff absenteeism due to health concerns.

How Texas compares

• Texas is expected to have a strong demand for substitute teachers due to the state’s growing student population, which outpaces many other states.
• Texas has faced ongoing challenges with teacher shortages, especially in specialized subjects like math, science and special education. This has translated into a higher demand for substitutes.
• With districts struggling to fill teaching positions and maintain classroom stability, substitute teachers play a critical role in Texas’ educational system. This equates to a higher demand for substitutes compared to many other states.
• O*NET, a subsidiary of the BLS, projected a 19% job growth rate for the state of Texas thorugh 2030, which is much faster than the national projections.

Substitute teacher groups in Texas

There are professional support groups for substitute teachers in Texas that offer resources, networking opportunities and advocacy. Here are some key organizations and groups that can provide support: