How to become a substitute teacher in Texas

Make a difference in your community – become a substitute teacher in Texas! Support students while keeping a flexible schedule that works for you.

Keep reading to learn how to become a substitute teacher with Scoot Education in Houston, Austin, San Antonio, or Dallas. We currently support more than 200 Texas schools and filled more than 40,000 roles in the 2023/2024 school year.

Want a simple PDF guide with all the steps? We’ve got you covered!

Download the Scoot guide

Why substitute teach?

Whether you want to work in education long-term or need something flexible between jobs, substitute teaching is a great next step. Here’s why:

Make a difference in your community

Substitute teachers are incredibly valuable to school communities and students. When teachers have to call out of work, it’s the subs who help keep schools open.

Even if you only see your students for one day out of the week, you play an essential role in keeping their education on track.

Like Houston Scoot sub Queen Kee-Kee says, “If I could change one child’s life, one scholar’s life, that’s what matters the most.”

Create your own schedule

The best part about being a sub? You choose when you want to work—no questions asked. This flexibility is perfect for balancing other commitments.

As a Scoot sub, you can set your available hours and days using our Scoot2Work app. We only call you for jobs that suit your schedule.

Earn extra income

Many people substitute teach alongside other priorities. Whether you’re a student, stay-at-home parent, retiree, or pursuing other goals, subbing lets you earn money doing meaningful work.

Provide bilingual support

If you’re bilingual, you can help make learning more inclusive and accessible to English language learners (ELL). Nationally, 10% of U.S. students are ELLs. In Texas, 20.2% of its public school K-12 students are learning English as a second language. With such a large demand, you can step in as an ESL aide.

Why sub with Scoot?

Substitute teaching can be an isolating experience when it doesn’t have to be. We do our best to let our educators know they have a community at Scoot and fellow educators supporting them.

Get dedicated 1-on-1 support

When you sub with Scoot, you’ll get paired with a dedicated Education Consultant. You don’t have to brave classrooms alone!

Your consultant finds jobs that match your skills and preferences. They also check in after each assignment and offer coaching when you need it. Many of our consultants are former teachers who understand the challenges you face.

Join a community of Scoot subs

Connect with other Scoot subs in your area! We host year-end celebrations and fun events to eat, drink, socialize, and celebrate your wins.

We also support their school efforts. Scoot subs have written school plays and organized events at school, and we’ve shown up to cheer them on!

Get free teacher preparation resources

We provide teacher tips and guides to behavior management, special education, and trauma-informed teaching mindsets. We also run summer professional development sessions for our subs in long-term positions.

How to become a Scoot substitute teacher in Texas

Substitute teacher requirements vary between Texas school districts, which can be confusing. Each district has different rules, and you’d normally need to submit separate applications for each one.

Good news! With Scoot, you only need one application to work in any Texas district.

Apply now

Here’s how to become a Scoot substitute teacher:

Step 1: Submit your application

First, start your application online and upload an updated resume. Don’t have one? Just fill out our work experience questionnaire instead. After we review and approve your application, you’ll be contacted for a phone screen.

Step 2: Submit transcripts and teaching certificates

Send in transcripts to show proof of:

• 60+ college credit hours OR
• An Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree or higher

Don’t have 60+ credits? No problem! With a high school diploma, you can still work as a substitute aide or paraprofessional. However, having the education requirements makes you eligible to work at more schools.

Also upload any teaching certificates you have—this helps you get more work opportunities.

Step 3: Complete phone screen and interview

One of our Education Consultants will call you to discuss:

• Why you want to substitute teach
• Your teaching credentials and experience
• Your school preferences and availability
• Your skills working with students

This helps us match you with the right opportunities. If you ever want to branch out to new grade-levels or different subjects, just let us know. You can enjoy a variety of subbing opportunities with Scoot.

Step 4: Complete onboarding requirements

Great job! Once you’ve passed your interview and signed your offer letter, you’ll start onboarding with us. You’ll submit:

• Three references–including at least one supervisor and one person who can speak to your experience working with children
• Payroll information
• I-9 Employment Eligibility Verification form
• Friendly, professional Scoot profile photo
• Complete three Scoot trainings:
  • Health and safety
  • Workplace violence
  • Creating inclusive classrooms
• Complete state-required Mandated Reporter Training

Step 5: Get your criminal history background check

All substitute teachers in Texas must pass a criminal history background check in order to teach at any public, private or charter school.

Scoot will put in a fingerprint screening request through IdentoGo. You’ll:

1. Schedule your appointment
2. Visit your nearest IdentoGo vendor. Bring a government-issued ID.
3. Pay the $50 processing fee.

We fully reimburse you for the $50! Just upload your receipt and we’ll add it to your first paycheck.

Substitute teach with Scoot Education

In summary, Scoot Education makes it easy to become a Texas substitute teacher!

Our only requirements are:

• 60 college credits in any subject matter or an Associate’s degree or a Bachelor’s degree
• 3 professional references including at least one supervisor
• A completed Scoot application form which you can access below
• You will be requested to get a criminal history background check – Scoot will reimburse this fee!

Subbing with Scoot means access to more opportunities, more school districts and more excitement!

Apply now