Whether you have recently earned your degree, are entering the workforce after time off, or want to continue teaching in retirement, substitute teaching may be a natural next step for you!
In this guide to becoming a substitute teacher in Washington D.C., you’ll find information on subbing requirements and how you can start applying for substitute teacher jobs today!
MORE GUIDES TO BECOMING A SUBSTITUTE TEACHER: New Jersey | Texas | California | New York | Arizona | Illinois
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Is substitute teaching right for you?
Is substitute teaching right for you?
Subbing can be a rewarding career choice whether you’re brand new to the workforce, looking to hone your skills, or if you need something flexible to help pay the bills!
With substitute teaching you can:
- Make a difference: subs are called into classrooms for reasons ranging from instances of a teacher on leave, to schools searching for new permanent staff, to school districts facing teacher shortages. You can provide support to the students who need it most.
- Earn competitive pay: DC Public Schools offers some of the most competitive substitute teacher compensation in the region, reflecting the district’s commitment to attracting quality subs in a high cost-of-living market. Pay varies by role and assignment length — check with DCPS or your local charter network for current rates.
- Choose your schedule: as a sub with an organization like Swing Education, you can work when you want and where you want. Subbing can fit easily around your schedule, whether you’ve got an additional job, family, or lifestyle commitments that you want to maintain.
- Cultivate your skills: with all of this variety, you can improve your skills as an educator and get the experience you need to meet any teaching challenge. And even if teaching isn’t your main goal, subbing can help you gain in-demand transferable skills, like problem-solving, written and oral communication, and adaptability.
Requirements to Substitute Teach in DC
To work as a substitute teacher through Swing Education in DC, you’ll need to meet our minimum requirements. Some assignments, schools, or districts may require additional qualifications based on the role and student population served.
Minimum Requirements
✔ Bachelor’s degree or higher from an accredited college or university
✔ FBI fingerprint based background check
✔ Completion of employment history verification (Pass the Trash)
✔ Completion of Swing’s set up process and requirements including routine court records check
Additional Requirements for Specialized or Certified Roles
Gain access to more assignment opportunities by meeting the qualifications required for certain specialized teaching roles. Requirements may include:
+ Special education experience or qualifications
+ Subject-matter expertise or relevant teaching experience
+ CPR and First Aid certification
+ Early childhood education (ECE) hours, credits, certifications, or qualifications
+ District-required training, orientation, or compliance documentation
Important Note
Requirements may vary by school, district, and assignment type. Additional qualifications may be needed for long-term, credentialed, special education, or other specialized teaching roles.
Credentials and permits
Unlike many municipalities, Washington D.C. does not offer a specific substitute teacher permit, and a teaching certificate is not required to become a substitute teacher.
As a result, each school is free to set its own requirements for substitute teachers. For example, DCPS requires substitute teachers to receive a “Principal Recommendation” from a current DCPS principal sent via email to substitute.dcps@k12.dc.gov.
Right now, Swing does not work with DCPS and does not currently require any additional credentials or principal recommendations to work through the Swing platform in DC.
Background check
A finger-print based background check is required everywhere in DC, and DCPS now requires pre-employment drug testing.
If subbing directly through Swing, you’ll need to successfully complete a work history review (see below) in addition to the fingerprint-based background check. You can do this by creating an appointment with our partner Applicant Services. Get complete, step-by-step instructions for completing your background check with Swing Education by visiting this page.
Work history review
Washington D.C. passed the School Safety Omnibus Amendment, which requires all substitute teachers to complete a work history review.
The work history review includes:
- Completing a form listing all employers for the past 20 years where the scope of employment involved direct interaction with children
- Affirmation that you have not been accused of sexual misconduct or similar claims. (Swing follows up with employers to confirm applicants’ responses)
- Character reference check
- Child abuse registries check
- Credential revoke check
This review can take up to three weeks to be completed.
Once you’ve passed your education check, background check, and work history review, you’ll be able to start subbing in many Washington D.C. schools!
Take the first step to becoming a sub with Swing Education by filling out this form.
Happy subbing!
