Learn how to become a substitute teacher in California

California can be a good state to become a substitute teacher for several reasons, though it depends on what you’re looking for in your career. Here’s what California has to offer:

Teaching in California: Fast facts

The teacher-student ratio in California varies depending on the district, grade level and the specific school, but on average, California tends to have a higher student-to-teacher ratio compared to the national average. As of recent data, the average teacher-student ratio in California is around 23:1 for K-12 public schools, while nationwide, the average teacher-student ratio in public schools is approximately 16:1. This means that California, on the whole, has more students per teacher than the national average, which could indicate a heavier workload for teachers in the state.

If you’d like to explore substitute teaching opportunities in California, here are some facts to consider:

• Number of substitute teachers in California: 72,710, or just over four people per 1,000 who live in the state
• Level of employment ranking in the U.S.: #1 in the U.S. for highest employment according to the BLS
• Median substitute salary in California: $57,260
• Area for highest employment: Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim metro area
• Most common grade level taught: Elementary and secondary schools
• Degree needed to substitute teach in California: Bachelor’s degree or valid teaching credential

Steps to become a substitute teacher in CA

To become a substitute teacher in California, here are the basic steps:

Meet basic eligibility requirements

You need at least a bachelor’s degree from an accredited university, and you must be at least 18 years of age. You will also be required to pass a criminal background check through Live Scan fingerprinting.

Obtain a substitute teaching permit

You need a California Substitute Teaching Permit, which is issued by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC). You can apply for the following types of permits:

• Emergency 30-day substitute teaching permit, which is for day-to-day substitute teaching jobs
• Emergency substitute teaching permit for prospective teachers, for those who have not earned a bachelor’s degree or higher
• Emergency career substitute permit, for individuals with three of more years of substitute teaching experience
• Emergency designated subjects career technical education permit for 30-Day substitute teaching service, which covers substitute teaching in Career Technical Education [CTE] classes

Complete the application process

Apply online with the CTC. Submit your transcripts, proof of degree completion and any other required documents, along with the permit fee.

Find and apply to the school districts you’re interested in

Once your permit is approved, you can apply to work as a substitute in various school districts. Some districts may require additional steps, such as an orientation or online application system.

After that, you’re ready to start working as a substitute teacher in California.

Earning certification

In California, substitute teachers don’t necessarily need specialized certifications to teach in general classrooms or subject-oriented classes, but there are some important distinctions based on the grade level and subject. Here’s a breakdown:

General classroom, such as elementary schools

• For elementary schools, a basic Substitute Teaching Permit (usually the 21-Day Permit) is sufficient. This allows you to teach across all subjects at the elementary level.
• As long as you hold a bachelor’s degree, pass a background check and complete the application process for the permit, you don’t need additional certification to substitute in a general elementary classroom.

Subject-oriented classes (middle and high schools)

Middle and high school classes are more specialized, and here’s where things differ slightly:

• If you are substituting for a specific subject (like math, science or English), you may need to have some level of subject matter knowledge or experience in that field. However, you are not required to hold a subject-specific credential unless you plan to become a full-time teacher.
• For long-term assignments or teaching specific subjects for more than 30 days in a row, some districts might require you to have a Single Subject Teaching Credential (depending on the subject) or at least have additional coursework or experience in that subject area.

Short-term vs. long-term substitute teaching

• Short-term substitutes (working for 1-30 days in a single assignment) do not need any additional subject-specific certification beyond the Substitute Teaching Permit.
• Long-term substitutes (more than 30 days in the same assignment) typically need to either hold the appropriate credential or obtain a Long-Term Substitute Teaching Permit if they are required to teach a specific subject for an extended period.

Other things to check:

• Some districts might have additional requirements like completing an online orientation or training, especially if you’re applying for a long-term position or a specific subject.
• For teaching subjects like special education, you would need additional certifications or qualifications related to that field.

California substitute teacher reciprocity

California does have a form of reciprocity for substitute teachers from out of state, but it depends on where you’re coming from. Here’s how it works:

Reciprocity for out-of-state teachers

If you are already certified as a teacher in another state, California may offer reciprocity for your credentials in some cases, but you will still need to apply for a California Substitute Teaching Permit (or another appropriate permit, depending on your qualifications). The steps you’d need to take may include:

• Transcripts and background check: You’ll need to submit official transcripts from your previous institution and go through the Live Scan fingerprinting process.
• Verification of credentials: If you’re certified in another state, you may need to provide proof of your teaching credentials and submit them for evaluation by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC).

Substitute teaching permit reciprocity

If you hold a Substitute Teaching Permit from another state and wish to substitute in California, the process is generally similar to what you’d go through as someone coming from out of state with no teaching credentials:

• California does not directly accept substitute teaching permits from other states. You’d still need to apply for a California-specific substitute teaching permit, even if you’re certified in another state.
• You’ll need to meet California’s education and background requirements and provide proof of a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution.

National Board certification

If you have National Board certification, which is a voluntary advanced teaching credential recognized across the U.S., California may offer a streamlined process for certification, but it’s more about becoming a full-time teacher rather than a substitute.

Additional requirements

• California state exam: If you don’t have an out-of-state teaching credential, you may need to take California’s Basic Skills Requirement (usually a test like CBEST) to demonstrate your competence. Some exceptions apply, but it’s common for those applying for more than just the substitute permit.

Substitute teacher salaries in California

Substitute teacher salaries in California tend to be higher than the national average, though the specifics can vary significantly based on location (urban vs. rural), the type of school (public vs. private) and the district. Too, some substitute teachers are paid daily rates, and in California pay ranges from around $150 to $250 per day, depending on the district, with some districts offering higher pay for long-term assignments or positions that require specialized skills. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data said that California is the fouth highest paying state in the U.S. for short-term substitute teachers, with the San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward metro area paying the highest salaries in the state.

Your earning potential may depend upon some other factors as well, such as your teaching experience, educational or certification specialty and school district location. Here’s how the BLS breaks down median salaries for substitute teachers in California:

Trends and notes

Substitute teachers who work more days or secure long-term assignments (often in special education or higher education levels) may earn more compared to those working on a day-to-day basis.

Many districts are increasing pay to attract substitutes, especially as the national shortage of teachers and substitutes continues. Some districts in California have offered signing bonuses or increased pay rates to ensure they have enough substitutes to meet demand.

Job growth

The job growth rate for substitute teachers in California is expected to be steady, in line with national trends, due to ongoing teacher shortages and the growing need for substitutes in both K-12 schools and higher education. According to the BLS, substitute teacher employment across the U.S. is projected to grow at an average rate of 1.6% through 2032, which is in line with the average growth rate for all occupations.

In California, the job market for substitutes is similarly stable but may experience slightly faster growth due to the state’s larger population, more diverse educational needs and the higher cost of living driving increased demand for substitutes. For example, areas with high turnover or difficult-to-fill teacher positions, like in rural areas, or who teach specialized subject areas such as math, science and special education, may see higher-than-average growth in demand for substitutes. However, overall growth in California will closely mirror national projections.

Substitute teacher groups and associations in California

There are several resources and professional groups that substitute teachers in California can join to get support, professional development and advocacy. Joining one of these professional groups can help you stay connected, access important resources and improve your teaching skills. Being part of an organization like CSTA or CTA can also offer advocacy and legal protection. If you’re looking for more professional development, organizations like NEA and Teaching Channel also provide valuable learning resources. Here are some significant associations for substitutes in the state: