How to become a substitute teacher in Pennsylvania

If you’re looking for a flexible, rewarding job in education, becoming a substitute teacher in Pennsylvania is perfect. Pennsylvania schools have a constant need for qualified substitute teachers — and the process to get started is more straightforward than you might think.

In this guide, we cover how to become a substitute teacher in Pennsylvania, from submitting your application to stepping into your first classroom.

Apply now

Requirements to substitute teach in Pennsylvania

Before diving into the steps, here’s a summary of Pennsylvania’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
• Three background clearances
  • Child Abuse History Clearance (CAHC)
  • Pennsylvania State Police Request for Criminal Records Check
  • Federal Criminal History Record Information (CHRI)

You do not need a teaching certificate to work as a day-to-day substitute teacher. If you hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, you’re ready to begin the process! 

However, for long-term subbing positions, schools will often request educators to have an emergency certificate. This process can be done by submitting an application via TIMS, Pennsylvania’s online certification system, and sending official transcripts to PDE (Pennsylvania Department of Education). The process takes 15-20 mins.

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)?

Apply now

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.

Step 3: Sign your offer letter!

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

Step 4: Pass background checks

The Commonwealth of Philadelphia requires three background checks, a negative TB test, and Act 168 reference collection before you can step into a classroom and be responsible for caring for students.

1. Child Abuse History Clearance (CAHC)

All Pennsylvania educators must have a clear child abuse history on file. This process is completely online and takes only 15 minutes. Scoot covers this cost upfront — you’ll receive a unique payment code by email.

2. Local Background Check

Pennsylvania uses PATCH (Pennsylvania Access to Criminal History) to run your state criminal background check. This process is also fully online and costs approximately $22 cost to submit your application. Scoot will reimburse you in your first paycheck when you begin working. Just keep your receipt! 

3. FBI Background Check

This federal check costs approximately $26 out-of-pocket, and Scoot will reimburse you in your first paycheck. Results take up to a week to come through.

4. TB Test

A negative TB test is required to work with Scoot’s partner schools in Pennsylvania. If you have a record of a negative TB test within the last three months, you don’t need a new one. If your TB test result is positive, you will be required to complete a chest X-ray to confirm that the TB is latent.

5. Act 168

Act 168 is a Pennsylvania law requiring an employment history review for anyone being considered for a position that has direct contact with children. Previous employers are asked to verify if you have had any investigations, disciplinary action, suspension, or revocation of relevant licenses related to sexual misconduct or abuse.

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, creating 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.

Ready to substitute teach in Pennsylvania?

Scoot Education makes it straightforward to become a Pennsylvania substitute teacher!

Pennsylvania has a lot of compliance hoops to jump through. We’re here to ensure you make it to the finish line smoothly.

Once you’re past the finish line, you get access to:

• 40 partner schools across Pennsylvania
• Full reimbursement for background checks and TB application fees
• Competitive pay (sometimes better than working directly for districts)
• 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)

Subbing with a thoughtful staffing company means feeling supported in your work as a substitute teacher.

Apply now