Substitute Teacher

Substitute permits allow you to substitute teach in a classroom. In Nebraska, there are three types of substitute permits. Local substitute and state substitute permits require a Human Relations Training Course. More information can be found here: Human Relations Training

Substitute Pathways

Local Substitute Permit– for applicants who have at least 48 credit hours of college coursework

State Substitute Permit– for applicants who have completed a full educator preparation program that led to a teaching certificate but don’t have the experience to renew their regular certificate

Paraprofessional Substitute Permit- for applicants hired as para professionals, only valid in specific school district requesting the permit

FAQs

What’s the difference between a state sub and a local sub? 

  • A state sub requires completion of an educator preparation program. A local sub has a requirement of at least 48 semester credit hours. If you went to school to become a teacher and completed that program, you qualify for the state sub. If you did not go to school to be a teacher, you would qualify for the local sub.

Where can I sub if I get a permit? 

  • For both the state sub and local sub, you are eligible to sub in any Nebraska school system. A local sub has a limitation of 90 days per school system per year while the state sub does not have a limitation on how many days you may sub. For a paraprofessional substitute, you are only eligible to sub in the school system that requested the permit.

What is the Human Relations Training Requirement? 

Do I need to renew my substitute permit? 

  • Each substitute permit expires every 5 years. In order to renew a state substitute permit you need to apply and have subbed at least 50 days in the past five years. For a local substitute permit, you need to apply to renew. For a paraprofessional permit, you need to apply and continue to be a para in the school system. If you don’t qualify to renew your state substitute permit, we can move your permit type to a local substitute.

How do I find substitute teaching jobs? 

  • Once you get your permit, you may reach out to a district around you and apply for substitute teaching positions. Many districts offer online applications for substitute teaching.
Updated October 9, 2025 4:19pm