How to become a substitute teacher in Tennessee
The Tennessee Department of Education says substitutes may serve up to 20 consecutive days in a position without a teaching license. After that, the person needs a valid Tennessee teaching license. The state pages we read set no education minimum for short-term subs, so ask the hiring district. A state report says all school employees, including substitute teachers, must have a background check and be fingerprinted.
Checked October 30, 2026 on the Tennessee Department of Education, Office of Educator Licensure's own pages. Rules change; the state's page and your district have the last word.
At a glance
| Least schooling | Not set on the state pages we read; ask the hiring district |
|---|---|
| Credential | No state license for subs up to 20 days in a row; districts hire directly |
| Background check | A background check with fingerprinting, required for all school employees including substitute teachers. |
| Who issues it | Tennessee Department of Education, Office of Educator Licensure |
How to get it
- Contact the school district where you want to substitute and ask for its qualifications.
- Complete the district's application.
- Get fingerprinted and pass the background check the district starts after a job offer.
- For an assignment past 20 days in a row, you will need a valid Tennessee teaching license.
Limits and conditions
- Without a license, a sub may serve up to 20 consecutive days in the same position.
- Subs do not trigger the federal 20-day parent notification letter.
Ready for the first day
Sources
South Dakota · Texas · Every state
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