Get Certified to Substitute Teach in Pennsylvania

If you have a Pennsylvania public educator certificate or an out-of-state one, you may be eligible to be a day-to-day substitute. Contact the public school where you would like to substitute directly for more information.

If you lack the proper certification but have a bachelor's degree, a public school can hire you. They can request an emergency permit. An emergency permit for day-to-day substitutes is valid for one (1) school year. A district can request unlimited re-issuances of emergency permits for day-to-day substitutes. A public school may hire you as a classroom monitor without a degree if you meet the criteria in Act 91 of 2021.  Requirements for day-to-day substitutes:

• Bachelor’s or higher degree (or foreign equivalency) 
• Background clearances
• U.S. citizenship or legal authorization to work in the U.S.  A permanent resident immigrant visa holder is legally authorized to work in the U.S.