Three-Year Substitute Permit

A substitute permit may be issued to an applicant who holds a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university, but has not completed a state-approved educator preparation program.

The application for a substitute permit must be submitted by the employing school district where there has been a shortage of substitute teachers who are fully licensed. As part of the application, the school district must have a plan for providing training to the substitute permit holder.

The three-year substitute permit allows the permit holder to be in a short-term (no more than 20 days in a specific assignment) substitute assignment. The substitute permit does not allow the permit holder to be in a long-term substitute assignment.

For long-term substitute assignment, the applicant may apply for an emergency permit if requested by the employing school district. Emergency permit requires the permit holder to be enrolled in and complete a state-approved educator preparation program in the subject or grade level of their assignment under the emergency permit.

The substitute permit is issued for a period of 3 years and may be renewed upon request from the employing school district.

License Application Requirements

To apply for a three-year substitute permit:

  • Applicant must hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university. Submit original transcripts with the application.
  • The application must be completed by both the application and the employing school district.

License Renewal Requirements

To renew a three-year substitute permit:

  • The DPI does not require completion of coursework to renew three-year substitute permit.
  • The application must be completed by both the application and the employing school district.

Application Forms

To apply and renew:

  • PI-1602-SP: Three-Year Short-Term Substitute Permit

Related information:

Substitute Teacher Training Programs

The following organizations offer training programs for substitute teaching: