How to become a substitute teacher in Arkansas
Arkansas's Division of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) does not list a license for day-to-day subs, so ask the hiring district what it requires. A long-term sub covers a contracted teacher on leave for more than 60 school days in a row. That person needs at least a bachelor's degree or an Arkansas teaching license. Anyone newly hired in a public school needs Arkansas State, FBI, and Child Maltreatment Central Registry checks.
Checked October 30, 2026 on the Arkansas Division of Elementary and Secondary Education, Educator Licensure's own pages. Rules change; the state's page and your district have the last word.
At a glance
| Least schooling | Ask the hiring district (long-term subs need a bachelor's degree or an Arkansas license) |
|---|---|
| Credential | No state sub license on DESE's pages; districts hire subs and request long-term subs from DESE |
| Background check | Arkansas State Police, FBI fingerprint, and Child Maltreatment Central Registry checks for first employment in a public school. |
| Who issues it | Arkansas Division of Elementary and Secondary Education, Educator Licensure |
How to get it
- Apply with the Arkansas district or charter school where you want to sub.
- Ask the district what education and training it requires.
- Complete the DESE background check consent form and pay for it.
- Get fingerprinted at an approved Live Scan location.
- Complete the Child Maltreatment Central Registry check.
Limits and conditions
- A long-term sub (more than 60 consecutive days) needs a bachelor's degree or an Arkansas teaching license.
- A class may not have a long-term sub for more than one academic year.
- The district requests the long-term sub through DESE; the State Board makes the final call.
Ready for the first day
Sources
- DESE: Long-Term Substitutes (LTS) (opened October 30, 2026)
- DESE: Background Checks (opened October 30, 2026)
- DESE: Classified Employees background check steps (opened October 30, 2026)
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