Short-Term Substitute Teaching in New York, Especially New York City

The state of New York does not require any specific certification for substitute teaching. Those individuals who are not certified can work up to forty days per year according to state law. However, individual school districts in New York have the right to enforce their own requirements as to what qualifications an individual must hold to be able to serve as a substitute within their district.

Many New York districts outside of the New York City metropolitan area do allow individuals to substitute for up to forty days with no certification, and without the person taking steps toward certification. In order to become a substitute in any one of these districts, a substitute must apply directly to the school district in wish he or she wishes to teach. Along with that application, applicants are required to submit proof of their degree by sending in Official college transcripts. Some districts may also require a background check. These are the only requirements that must be met to become a substitute in much of New York state.

However, in New York City's five boroughs, Manhattan, the Bronx, Brooklyn, Staten Island, and Queens, all substitutes are required to have a substitute teaching license. In order to acquire this license, applicants must submit an Application for Substitute Teacher to The New York City Department of Education, along with transcripts showing that an applicant holds a bachelor's degree. A Substitute Teacher Tuberculosis Test Information Form, completed by an applicant's personal physician or by qualified staff at a NYC Department of Health station, must also be sent in, showing a negative TB test result. Two references, completed on the Substitute Teacher Reference Forms, must be submitted in sealed envelopes as well.