Substitute teaching in Arkansas provides a flexible and impactful career path, supporting the state’s public education system. The demand for qualified substitutes remains high across the state, as over 500 public schools consistently seek professionals to maintain classroom continuity. This role offers valuable experience in a school setting while contributing to the learning environment. Securing a position requires understanding specific state and local requirements.
Minimum Requirements for Substitute Teachers
Prospective substitutes must be at least 18 years old. The foundational educational requirement for most short-term positions is a high school diploma or a General Educational Development (GED) certificate. While a college degree is not mandated for daily substitute work, districts may offer higher pay rates for candidates who possess a bachelor’s degree or college credit hours. For long-term assignments, which typically exceed 60 consecutive days in the same classroom, the district must secure a special waiver, and the substitute often needs a bachelor’s degree.
Mandatory Screening and Documentation
State-mandated clearance procedures must be completed before a substitute can be placed in a classroom. Applicants must undergo a comprehensive criminal history background check covering statewide and national records. This requires submitting fingerprints to the Arkansas State Police Identification Bureau, which forwards the information to the FBI. Applicants are responsible for associated fees, typically ranging from $40 to $60.
A separate screening is the Child Maltreatment Central Registry check, administered through the Arkansas Department of Human Services. This requires submitting an online form and an associated fee of approximately $11. Results from both checks are submitted to the Arkansas Department of Education (ADE) for review. The ADE then informs the hiring school district whether the applicant is eligible for employment based on state law.
Obtaining the Arkansas Substitute Permit
Arkansas does not require a state-issued permit or license for traditional short-term substitute teachers. For most daily assignments, successful completion of the background screening process, documented by the ADE, serves as the primary authorization for a district to hire a substitute. Substitutes are often hired directly by the district or a staffing agency once clearance is confirmed.
The Arkansas Department of Education does offer a “Professional Teaching Permit” for substitutes with a bachelor’s degree and professional experience in a specific field. This permit allows the substitute to teach up to two class periods per day in their content area, typically at the secondary level. Applying involves submitting an application, documentation of a bachelor’s degree, two letters of recommendation, and passing the appropriate Praxis II content area knowledge test. Holders of this permit must also complete 40 hours of pedagogy training within their first year.
Applying to Local School Districts
The employment and placement process is handled by local school districts or their contracted staffing partners. Applicants must submit a formal application to the human resources department of each district where they wish to work. Many districts utilize third-party educational staffing agencies, such as Kelly Education or ESS, to manage their substitute pools. In these cases, the first step is often applying through the agency’s online portal.
The application requires submitting official transcripts to verify the highest level of education completed. Candidates should tailor their resume to highlight experience in classroom management, working with youth, or relevant content knowledge. Once documentation is submitted and background checks are cleared by the ADE, the district or staffing agency finalizes onboarding and grants access to the assignment system.
Training and Professional Expectations
Arkansas does not impose a mandatory, standardized training program for all short-term substitute teachers. Orientation and preparation are the responsibility of local school districts and staffing agencies. Many districts require substitutes to attend a mandatory orientation session covering local policies, emergency procedures, and classroom management expectations before accepting assignments. Staffing partners often require candidates to complete pre-hire training modules focused on classroom skills.
Substitutes are expected to maintain professionalism, including strict adherence to the regular teacher’s lesson plans and school-wide rules. Confidentiality is paramount; substitutes must respect student privacy and refrain from discussing school matters outside of the professional environment. The role demands flexibility and adaptability, requiring quick transitions between grade levels and subject matter while maintaining a positive atmosphere.
Compensation and Scheduling Logistics
Compensation for substitute teaching is handled on a per-day basis, with rates varying significantly between districts and based on qualifications. Daily pay rates across the state generally range from $80 to $100. Substitutes with a bachelor’s degree or those accepting long-term assignments may qualify for higher pay scales.
Scheduling is flexible, allowing individuals to work as much or as little as they prefer. Most school systems use an automated calling or online system to notify substitutes of available assignments. Substitutes use these platforms to view, accept, or decline jobs based on availability and preferred location. Most substitute teachers are classified as at-will employees, meaning they do not have the same tenure or protections as contracted, full-time teachers.