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Emergency Substitute Teacher Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Substitute teachers must have a teaching or an emergency substitute teaching license from the Kansas State Department of Education. COMPENSATION: Substitute teachers are paid $125 per day. If a ...

Substitute teachers must have a teaching or an emergency substitute teaching license from the Kansas State Department of Education. COMPENSATION: Substitute teachers are paid $125 per day. If a ...

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Emergency Substitute Teacher information

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$19K

$42.2K

$69K

How much do emergency substitute teacher jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 20, 2026, the average yearly pay for emergency substitute teacher in the United States is $42,244.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $31,000.00 and $50,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an emergency substitute teacher?

Emergency substitute teachers are individuals who temporarily fill in for regular classroom teachers when there is an urgent or unexpected need and a certified teacher is not available. These substitutes may not always have teaching credentials but are approved to cover classes on short notice to ensure students continue learning without interruption. Requirements for becoming an emergency substitute vary by state and district, but often include a background check and at least a high school diploma or some college credits. Their assignments can range from a single day to several weeks, depending on the situation.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an emergency substitute teacher?

To thrive as an Emergency Substitute Teacher, you typically need a bachelor’s degree, basic classroom management skills, and often a substitute teaching permit or state-specific credential. Familiarity with digital attendance systems, educational software, and lesson plan platforms is beneficial. Adaptability, strong communication, and the ability to quickly build rapport with students are essential soft skills in this role. These competencies ensure instructional continuity, maintain a positive learning environment, and support student well-being during unexpected teacher absences.

What challenges might I face as an emergency substitute teacher, and how can I prepare for them?

As an Emergency Substitute Teacher, you may encounter challenges such as unfamiliar classroom environments, varying student behavior, and limited preparation time. To succeed, it's helpful to quickly review any lesson plans provided, establish clear expectations with students at the start, and remain flexible in your approach. Building strong communication with school staff and utilizing available resources can also make transitions smoother and help maintain classroom continuity.

What is the difference between Emergency Substitute Teacher vs Substitute Teacher?

AspectEmergency Substitute TeacherSubstitute Teacher
CredentialsTypically requires a substitute teaching permit or emergency credentialUsually requires a valid teaching certificate or substitute permit
Work EnvironmentShort-term, often unpredictable assignments in K-12 schoolsSimilar, with more regular or planned substitute roles
Employer & IndustrySchool districts, educational institutionsSchool districts, private schools, charter schools
Search & Comparison IntentOften searched for urgent or short-notice substitute rolesBroader substitute teaching opportunities

Emergency Substitute Teachers are typically called in on short notice and may hold emergency credentials, while Substitute Teachers generally have standard certification and work more regularly. Both roles involve filling in for absent teachers in K-12 schools, but the emergency role is more temporary and urgent.

How to become an emergency substitute teacher in California?

To become an emergency substitute teacher in California, applicants must hold a valid California teaching credential or emergency permit, complete a minimum of 90 college semester units, and pass a background check. No formal teaching experience is required, but familiarity with classroom management and state education standards is beneficial.

How to become an emergency substitute teacher?

To become an emergency substitute teacher, applicants typically need to hold a high school diploma or equivalent and complete a state-approved substitute teaching training program. Some districts may require a background check and fingerprint clearance, and having strong communication skills and classroom management abilities is beneficial.
More about Emergency Substitute Teacher jobs

What cities are hiring for Emergency Substitute Teacher jobs?

Cities with the most Emergency Substitute Teacher job openings:

What states have the most Emergency Substitute Teacher jobs?

States with the most job openings for Emergency Substitute Teacher jobs include:

Infographic showing various Emergency Substitute Teacher job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 3% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 16% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $42,244 per year, or $20.3 per hour.

Emergency Substitute Teacher

Morris County USD 417

Council Grove, KS • On-site

$135/day

Full-time

Re-posted 15 days ago


Job description

Substitute teachers are employed for all grade levels and subject areas.
QUALIFICATIONS: Substitute teachers must have a teaching or an emergency substitute teaching license from the Kansas State Department of Education.
COMPENSATION: Substitute teachers are paid $135 per day.  If a substitute teacher is continuously in one assignment for 20 consecutive days, the pay rate shall follow the beginning teacher base salary for future continuous work in that position and shall become retroactive to the first day of that particular assignment.
Kansas Substitute Teaching Limitations:
I. Emergency Substitute Teaching License w/ 60 college credit hours = 60 days per semester and no more than 15 days in the same classroom.
II. Emergency Substitute Teaching License w/ any bachelor's degree = 186 days per school year and no more than 30 days in the same classroom.
III. Standard Substitute Teaching  w/ current or prior teaching certificate from Kansas or from another state = 186 days per school year and no more than 90 days in the same classroom.
*For more information, visit LICENSURE INFORMATION at www.ksde.gov or https://www.ksde.gov/licensure/teacher-licensure/license-information-application
Option 2: Greenbush Training Pathway













If you do not meet the 60-credit requirement, you may qualify by completing the Greenbush Emergency Substitute Training Modules.

Requirements:

  1. High school diploma
  2. Completion of Greenbush Emergency Substitute Training Modules
  3. Verification of hire from a local school district
  4. Application + $60 processing fee
  5. Fingerprint background check + $57 fee

*Click here to register and complete the Greenbush Emergency Substitute Training Modules: plus.greenbush.org.

Before you can fill out and submit any online application, you must register a username and password to be used for this application process.  Remember this username and password if you want to pay electronically when it is time to pay.

Steps for completing an online application: 

  1. Access the *Kansas Licensure Application System website.

  2. Click on the register button to display the KSDE User Registration Form.

  3. Follow the steps to complete the registration process.

  4. Log in with the username and password you created to see the KSDE Web Applications link.

  5. Click on "KLAS" menu option to access the application form you need.

  6. Fill in the form and submit.

  7. You can monitor the progress of your application using the Educator License Lookup.

    Applicants should contact Rachel Tompkins at 620.767.5192 or rachel.tompkins@usd417.org  for information regarding substitute teaching opportunities or information on obtaining a substitute teaching license.