How to Get Your Nevada Substitute Teaching License

Nevada is known as one of the fastest growing states in the U.S. The increase of population size in the Silver State results in a greater need for educators in our local schools. Thousands of students are ready to learn how to be tomorrow’s leaders and are eager to meet passionate educators. 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, we’ll introduce to you the two substitute licenses in Nevada as well as how to apply online and get a background check.

Want a PDF that summarizes the steps on how to sub in Nevada?

Download the Scoot guide

Nevada Substitute Teaching Licenses

Before you can get started in the classroom, you need a substitute teaching license. The Nevada Department of Education (NDE) requires it.

With it, you can teach all subjects in all grade levels from Pre-K to 12th grade.

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

Standard Substitute Teacher License

To apply for the standard substitute teacher license,  you must have a minimum of 60 college credits. This license will last you 5 years and is renewable online.

Standard subs can teach for an unlimited number of days.

Emergency Substitute Teacher License

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

At this time, public schools NO longer accept emergency substitute teacher licenses. However, some private and charter schools still allow educators to fill in for a vacancy if you have this license.

Special Limitations for the Emergency License

This license allows subs 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.

Emergency substitutes can only 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.

Steps to apply for a substitute teacher license in Nevada

Step 1: Fill out your application online

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

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

It will also send you email and text notifications as your application moves through each stage of the process until you’re finally licensed!

Step 2: Send official transcripts

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

• For Emergency, send your high school transcripts.
• For Standard, send your official university transcripts.

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 your fingerprinting done at a NVDPS approved LiveScan location.
3. You will be guided through the process when you arrive to complete your LiveScan.
4. Scoot reimburses up to $65 for the live scan in your first paycheck.

Here are the NVDPS approved LiveScan locations in Las Vegas.

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 you’re certified, you can apply for employment with your nearest county school district.

If you apply to be a substitute teacher with Scoot Education, we’ll help you find assignments with ease. Partner with us and find the right school and classroom fit for you.

Life as a Nevada Substitute Teacher

Curious about what a day in the life of a sub looks like? Here’s a quick snapshot of how long you’d work and how much you’d make on the job.

Substitute Teacher Work Hours

At Scoot we have three different shifts:

• Full-day, normal school day (8 hours, 8:00am – 4:00pm)
• Half-Day, Morning (4 hours or less, 8:00am – 12:00pm)
• Half-Day, Afternoon (4 hours or less, 1:00pm – 4:00pm)

You get to choose how much flexibility you’d like in your assignments. Whether you want to be a day-to-day or a long-term sub, it’s all up to you!

Nevada Substitute Teacher Pay

In general, pay levels vary based on assignment length, schools taught at, your highest certificate level, and the role assigned.

Nevada substitute teachers can make from $60 to $200 per day. If you work with Scoot, you’ll get competitive pay compared to the market standard.

Here’s a breakdown of how much you can make in each role if you substitute teach with us.

Ever since the teacher shortage has afflicted the nation, schools are in dire need of permanent and substitute teachers alike. As a result, some school districts, like Clark County, have increased pay to attract substitute teachers to low-income schools. Douglas County is giving incentive bonuses for subs.

Earn $100 through Scoot’s Refer & Earn program

If you have a friend who’s a Scoot Sub, ask them to refer you.

When your friend applies to Scoot and completes their 10th shift with us, both you and your friend will earn $100 gift cards.

Once you’re a Scoot Sub, you can do the same! You can sign up for our program and track your referrals on your own dashboard. You receive bonus gifts the more you refer!

Why sub with an agency?

Subbing with an agency means feeling supported in your work as a substitute teacher and getting benefits that subs without agencies don’t have.

Here are some of the benefits of subbing with Scoot Education:

• Have access to your own Scoot consultant, an expert in the education field who can answer all your teaching-related questions. Whether you need help becoming a sub or need advice when teaching, your Scoot consultant has your back!
• Get exclusive access to Scoot Camp, our voluntary teacher preparation program that helps educators feel prepared for success in the classroom. This free online professional development course covers three important subjects:
  • Behavior management
  • Special education
  • Trauma-informed teaching
• Be in full control of your schedule with our app Scoot2Work. We have no availability minimum so you can work as much or as little as you want.
• Enjoy weekly pay every Friday via direct deposit straight into your bank account!

Ready to sub with Scoot Education?

Become a Scoot Education substitute teacher today and start making a difference in schools near you!

Apply now