Get your Nevada substitute teaching license

Support your local schools by becoming a Nevada substitute teacher!

But how do you become a Nevada sub? What are the requirements to get a Nevada substitute teaching license?

In this guide, you’ll learn about the two substitute licenses in Nevada, how to apply for them online, and get a background check.

Download our PDF guide with all the steps to become a substitute teacher in Nevada!

Download the Scoot guide

Get certified with Scoot’s help!

We help you get certified and placed at schools that fit your skills and preferences.

Even as you wait for your license to get approved, you can start working immediately as a support staff or in special education–such roles include paraprofessional, instructional assistant, library aide, cafeteria aide, and more!

Nevada substitute teaching licenses

The Nevada Department of Education (NDE) requires all substitute teachers to obtain a substitute teaching license. The license lets you teach all subjects in any grade level from Pre-K to 12th grade.

There are two options you can apply for: Standard or Emergency.

Which license should I apply for?

If you meet the 60 college credit requirement, we recommend applying for the Standard Substitute License. This gives you the most work opportunities, lasts longer than the emergency substitute teacher license, and has no limit to the number of teaching days.

When should I apply for the Emergency Substitute License?

Want to sub, but you’re just shy of 60 college credits? Apply for the Emergency Substitute License with just your high school diploma. This license will last you 1 year. Renew it up to 2 times.

The Emergency License has a few limitations:

• Allowed to work specifically in rural districts and schools with less than 9,000 students. A list of these counties and rural schools can be found on the NDE website.
• Teach up to 5 days out of every 20-day period

Considering these limitations, we recommend only applying for this license if you don’t have the 60 college credits.

How to apply for a Nevada substitute teacher license

Step 1: Fill out your application online

Create an OPAL account to complete and submit your license application.

OPAL is the NDE’s Online Portal for Applications and Licensure. OPAL streamlines the application process for education applicants. It can take 4-8 weeks for your application to get processed.

You will also receive email and text notifications at each stage of the application process, right up until you’re licensed!

Step 2: Send official transcripts

After you submit your application, have your institution send official transcripts to transripts@doe.nv.gov.

Step 3: Complete a background check

All educators must submit their fingerprints to the FBI to check for any criminal history before stepping in the classroom.

Follow these steps to get your background check:

1. Complete a background authorization form
2. Get fingerprinted at a NVDPS approved LiveScan location

Scoot reimburses up to $65 for the LiveScan in your first paycheck!

If you work with Scoot, note that you will have to submit your fingerprints twice: once with the state and once with Scoot. This is because the state and employers cannot share your results.

Step 4: Apply to school districts

Once your license is approved, apply for employment with your nearest county school district.

But if you become a sub with Scoot, we help you find school assignments with ease.

Scoot Education is partnered with 30 schools in Nevada. Get more work opportunities as a Scoot sub!

Steps to become a Scoot sub

Becoming a Scoot educator is simple! You’ll complete the following requirements:

• Three references–including at least one supervisor and one person who can speak to your experience working with children
• State-mandated and Scoot-required trainings

Perks of subbing with Scoot Education

Join our community of educators, get personalized support from your consultant, and access professional development resources! Read our blog post to find out why educators love Scoot.

Variety of school assignments

In Nevada, we partner with over 30 schools in charter networks and private and public school districts. Explore teaching for a variety of grade-levels, subjects, and school sites!

1-on-1 support from an education expert

Every Scoot educator is paired with a dedicated Education Consultant who answers all your questions from hiring to onboarding to teaching in the classroom.

Here’s what our Scoot paraprofessional had to say about working with us:

“The people at Scoot were very reassuring [and] compassionate for my situation with being a single mom and getting back into the field again. They gave me a chance, so that’s why I took it.”

– Aurrianna Jackson, Substitute teacher and paraprofessional in Las Vegas

Professional development resources

Get access to teacher preparation materials that cover strategies and mindsets for behavior management, supporting students in special education, and trauma-informed teaching.

Flexibility and control over your schedule

Set your availability easily with our Scoot2Work app. Work as much or as little as you want.

Ready to sub with Scoot Education?

Become a substitute teacher today! You could be making a difference in schools near you within a few weeks.

Apply now