How to become a substitute teacher in Delaware
Delaware has no state substitute license; the old state law on substitute teachers was repealed in 2007, and districts and charter schools hire subs directly. State pay law sorts subs into classes: licensed teachers, people with a bachelor's degree or 60 credits toward teaching, and everyone else. The Delaware Department of Education funds sub pay at those rates. State law requires criminal background and Child Protection Registry checks for school workers.
Checked October 30, 2026 on the Delaware Department of Education's own pages. Rules change; the state's page and your district have the last word.
At a glance
| Least schooling | Set by each district |
|---|---|
| Credential | No state license; districts hire directly |
| Background check | Criminal background checks and Child Protection Registry checks are required for all employees of child-serving entities. |
| Who issues it | Delaware Department of Education |
How to get it
- Apply to sub with a Delaware school district or charter school.
- Ask the district what education and training it requires.
- Complete the criminal background check and Child Protection Registry check.
- Bring proof of any license or degree so you are paid at the right class.
Limits and conditions
- Daily pay depends on class: A (holds or can hold an educator license), B (bachelor's degree, or 60 credits in a teaching program), C (everyone else).
Ready for the first day
Sources
- Delaware Code Title 14, Chapter 13 (§ 1326, Salary schedule for substitute teachers) (opened October 30, 2026)
- Delaware Code Title 14, Chapter 12, Subchapter IV (§ 1230 repealed) (opened October 30, 2026)
- Delaware Code Title 14, Chapter 90G, Background Checks (opened October 30, 2026)
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