How to become a substitute teacher in New York

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Scoot Education

Curious on how to become a substitute teacher in New York? How much do NYC substitute teachers make? In this guide, we cover everything from submitting your application to stepping into your first classroom.

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Requirements to substitute teach in New York

Before diving into the steps, here’s a summary of New York’s substitute teacher requirements:

Bachelor’s degree (a four-year college degree minimum)
U.S. citizenship or legal authorization to work in the United States
Background check

You do not need a teaching certificate to become a substitute teacher. The state of New York also does not issue substitute teaching certificates.

As long as you hold a bachelor’s degree, you can sub in any New York school for up to 40 days.

Step 1: Submit your application to Scoot

Start by submitting your application to Scoot Education. You’ll answer a few screening questions and upload your resume. No resume? No problem–just answer our questionnaire.

When reviewing your application, here’s what we look for:

What kind of teaching experience do you have?
Do you hold any teaching credentials?
If you don’t have classroom experience, have you worked with children before (i.e. tutoring, summer camp, sports)?

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Step 2: Complete phone screen and interview

One of our Education Consultants will reach out to discuss:

Why you want to substitute teach
Your experience working with students
Your school preferences, availability, and location

This helps us match you with the right opportunities. If you ever want to explore new grade levels or subjects down the road, just let us know.

We’ll also talk about whether you’re interested in opportunities across state lines, such as New Jersey and Pennsylvania. We can guide you through compliance if needed.

Step 3: Sign your offer letter!

Once you sign the offer letter, you’ll start onboarding with us. This is where you’ll complete the New York background check, work references, and mandatory training.

Step 4: Pass background check – Get fingerprinted with NYSED

Complete your criminal background check with NYSED (New York State Education Department). You’ll get fingerprinted through IdentoGo, the fingerprinting service vendor in New York.

The fingerprinting fee will cost approximately $100 out of pocket, but Scoot will reimburse you in your first paycheck with us. Just keep and upload your receipt!

Results come back in 48 hours if the record is clear. They may take longer if there is a record to review.

Step 5: Submit official documents

To wrap up onboarding, you’ll submit the following:

Three references (including at least one supervisor) – We’ll reach out by email, phone, or text to verify your work history
Payroll information – So you can start getting paid right away
Scoot profile photo – A professional headshot helps our partner schools recognize you and can lead to more work opportunities
I-9 Form – Standard employment eligibility verification form required by all U.S. employers
Academic transcripts – To confirm your degree

Step 6: Complete mandatory training

Lastly, you’ll complete paid mandatory trainings covering health and safety, workplace violence, how to create inclusive classrooms, and mandated reporting.

Once our compliance team verifies your completion, you’re officially ready to start accepting assignments. Your dedicated consultant will match you with placements that suit your schedule, preferences, and skills.

How much do substitute teachers make in New York?

Substitute teacher pay varies based on district and position types. Long-term roles pay more than day-to-day roles. Having a teaching credential can potentially earn you more as well.

On average, New York substitute teachers are paid anywhere between $150 to upwards $200 per day.

Ready to substitute teach in New York?

Scoot Education makes it straightforward to become a substitute teacher in New York!

In New York though, you’ll get access to:

More work opportunities across state lines! Scoot subs can work also in New Jersey and Pennsylvania–we’ll walk you through the compliance process for those states
Full reimbursement for the background check
Dedicated 1:1 support: Our consultants will match you with best-fit roles and provide expert coaching tips (many of us were former teachers!)
Professional development resources on behavior management, special education, and trauma-informed teaching (check out our Growth Hub learning platform)