Interested in being a Substitute Teacher?
In an effort to increase the Substitute Teacher pool, candidates who are interested in becoming a Substitute Teacher, but have not been nominated by a principal, can complete survey below to convey their interest in the position.
General Substitute Teacher Interest Survey
Be advised that submission of this survey does not guarantee a nomination as a Substitute Teacher. We will review this survey regularly and will contact you if your qualifications meet our needs. Interested candidates must have authorization to work in the United States, as well as a Bachelors Degree or equivalent education as approved by the New York State Education Department in order to be eligible for the Substitute Teacher position.
Responsibilities
Substitute Teachers are used by the New York City public schools, on an as-needed basis, to cover the classroom in the absence of the regular (full-time) Teachers. The primary role of a Substitute Teacher is to continue student learning along the continuum, established by the absent full-time teacher. The responsibilities of the Substitute Teacher in the classroom may include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Planning lessons
- Teaching students
- Managing the classroom
- Performing administrative tasks
- Promoting positive student behavior
- Ensuring the safety and security of the students
Eligibility Requirements
The minimum eligibility requirements to apply for a Substitute Teacher position are the following:
- Online nomination by a school Principal
- A Bachelor's Degree
- Proficiency in reading, writing, and speaking the English language
- Authorization to work in the United States
Pay Rate and Representation
Substitute Teachers are paid at the per diem contractual rate of $211.41 (as of January 18, 2024). This is for the actual days they have worked. They do not receive any benefits.
Substitute Teachers are represented by the United Federation of Teachers (UFT).
The Hiring Process
Substitute Teacher nominations are currently closed. Nominations for school year 2025-26 will be announced soon.
Applications for this position are only made available to candidates who have been nominated by a NYC School Principal, through the online application. Each school may nominate candidates for the position based upon current or projected needs of the school.
Candidates who receive a nomination will be expected to complete the following:
- Complete the NYC Public School's mandatory Employment Forms online
- Complete i-9 verification, if applicable
- Be fingerprinted and photographed by the NYC Public Schools
- Fingerprints are now being administered at any IdentoGO location, which are located throughout New York City and State.
- Instructions on completing fingerprints are only available to nominated candidates, after they have completed the Employment forms online.
- Candidates who have already been fingerprinted by the NYC Public Schools or have sent their fingerprint results to the New York State Education Department (NYSED) need not be re-fingerprinted. Some exceptions apply.
Candidates who complete items #1-#3 above will be invited to a Processing Event, based upon their current Certification Status.
Certified Candidates
Candidates who possess valid, unexpired New York State initial, permanent, or professional Teacher Certification will be required to complete the following items in order to be staffed as a Substitute Teacher:
- Attend and complete a processing event
- Complete the Substitute Teacher Online Training Course. Please note: this training is only provided to nominated candidates.
Uncertified Candidates
Candidates who do not possess New York State Teacher Certification will be required to complete the following items in order to be staffed as a Substitute Teacher:
- Attend and complete a processing event
- Successfully complete a NYSED-approved workshop on Child Abuse Identification
- Successfully complete a NYSED-approved workshop on School Violence Prevention
- Successfully complete a NYSED-approved workshop on the Dignity for All Students Act (DASA)
- Successfully complete a NYSED-approved workshop on Autism
- Create an online profile with the NYSED Office of Teaching Initiatives (TEACH Profile)
- Complete the Substitute Teacher Online Training Course. Please note: this training is only provided to nominated candidates.
After completing the necessary requirements, and subject to receiving clearance (fingerprint and appraisal of record) from the NYC Public School's Office of Personnel Investigations, nominees will be staffed as a Substitute Teacher. This means that you are approved to serve on a city-wide basis. This approval is good for the current school year and it must be renewed annually.
Continuation of Substitute Service (Renewal Requirements)
To continue your substitute status for the next school year, substitutes are required to fulfill the renewal requirements, which are updated annually. The renewal requirements include the following:
- Provide at least 20 days of service as a Substitute Teacher during the school year.
- Maintain a positive record in the schools worked and be in good standing (as determined by the Office of Personnel Investigations)
For addition information, please visit the Substitute Teacher page on the employee InfoHub.
Paid Teaching Experience Verification
Substitute Teachers, active or former, may request verification of paid substitute teaching service for the purpose of obtaining NYS initial or professional teacher certification by completing the Paid Teaching Experience Request Form.
Verification Requests will only be processed for those who have:
- Submitted an application for NYS initial or professional teacher certification
- Worked as a substitute teacher in the NYS certification area for which they are applying
- Paid the NYS application fee
To apply for Certification, please visit the NYS Education Department’s ‘Applying for a Certificate’ page for further information.
Retired Teacher Nominations for Substitute Positions
See this information on the process for retired teachers interested in becoming per diem substitute teachers.