You’re thinking about becoming a substitute teacher in Arizona — you’ve heard the job can be rewarding and fun — but you might be wondering: what are the requirements to get started? Rest assured: the process is easier than you think!

We’ve compiled everything you need to know in this comprehensive guide about becoming a substitute teacher and applying for jobs in Arizona.

MORE GUIDES TO BECOMING A SUBSTITUTE TEACHER: New Jersey | New York | Texas | California | Washington D.C. | Illinois

Jump to:

Is substitute teaching right for you?

How to start substitute teaching in Arizona

Overview of substitute teaching requirements

How to get an IVP fingerprint clearance card

How Swing Education helps substitute teachers in Arizona

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 (the average yearly income for an Arizona substitute is just over $42,000!).

. With substitute teaching you can: 

• Make a difference: Subs are called into classrooms for reasons ranging from instances of a teacher on an unexpected 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.
• 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.
• Pick your classroom: As a sub, you won’t be limited to a certain subject or school. You can visit the classrooms that are most appealing to you and experience teaching students of different ages and skill levels.
• 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.
• Prepare for a permanent position: Subbing is a great stepping stone to becoming a permanent teacher. You’ll get an education in the character of the schools you visit and build crucial relationships with local communities.

How to start substitute teaching in Arizona

Demand for teachers is high in Arizona. In fact, nearly every district in the state reports teacher vacancies that aren’t being filled. Students are in need of qualified, passionate people in the classroom. Now is the perfect time to enter the profession, and you’ll have lots of opportunities to turn subbing into a full-time teaching career if you’re interested.

Arizona has a relatively easy path to certification for substitute teachers. In fact, no additional testing requirements are necessary, although you will need to hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university.

Overview of requirements:

• A bachelor’s degree in any subject
• An Application for Certification
• A fingerprint check

To start the certification process, download and complete the four-page application, and then mail the certificate in along with the following:

• A $60 processing fee
• A photocopy of your fingerprint clearance card
• Your official transcripts

Note: If applying to work directly through Swing, we do not accept emergency credentials of any kind. For questions regarding what kind of credential to get, please reach out to Swing support.

How to get an IVP fingerprint clearance card

Student safety is of the utmost importance in Arizona. Before becoming a substitute teacher, you’ll need to go through a criminal background check. If you don’t already hold an IVP Clearance Card, the first step is to get a fingerprint clearance card with the Arizona Department of Public Safety Identity Verified Prints (IVP). The Department of Safety uses Fieldprint Arizona to process fingerprints. To schedule an appointment:

• Select “Schedule an Appointment”
• Register using your email address and password
• Reason: “Identity Verified Prints (IVP) Paid Employee”
• Sponsors: “Public and/or Charter School Contractor, Subcontractor, or Vendor and their Employees”
• Fill out your personal info
• If subbing directly through Swing, enter this address when prompted: 700 S Claremont St, San Mateo, CA 94402, #200
• Select time/place to be fingerprinted

Be prepared to pay $74 to schedule an appointment.

If looking to sub directly with Swing, make sure your IVP clearance card is a level one clearance card. If you already hold the correct clearance, don’t forget to provide us with the IVP card number!

How Swing Education helps substitute teachers in Arizona

If you’re ready to give subbing a try, sign up with Swing Education! Swing helps substitutes earn great rates, when and where they want!

When you sub with Swing you will:

• Access more opportunities with Swing’s network of district, charter, and private schools.
• Get paid weekly.
• Enjoy Swing’s excellent resource center, which includes helpful information on classroom management, professional development, teaching strategies, and more!

Signing up takes just two minutes. Fill out this background questionnaire, and once you complete the form, our team will be in touch with next steps and answer any questions you may have.

Get started today!