How to become a sub teacher in AZ?

To become a substitute teacher in Arizona, you need a bachelor's degree, a valid IVP Fingerprint Clearance Card from the AZ Dept. of Public Safety, official transcripts, and must apply for the Substitute PreK-12 Certificate through the Arizona Department of Education (ADE), paying required fees. The process involves online applications for fingerprinting (Fieldprint Arizona) and the certificate, plus submitting transcripts and fees to ADE, allowing you to work up to 120 days in the same school annually.

What do you need to be a substitute teacher in Arizona?

Certificate Information

1. Application: A completed Application for Certification.
2. Fee: The fee for this certificate is $60. ...
3. IVP Fingerprint Clearance Card: A valid Arizona DPS IVP Fingerprint Clearance Card.
4. Official Transcripts: Official transcripts documenting a Bachelor's degree or higher.

How much do substitute teachers get paid in Arizona?

Substitute teachers with a valid Arizona teaching certificate will be paid a daily rate of $170 per day. Assignments that are 4.5 hours and less will be considered a half day, and will be paid at half the daily rate.

How long does it take to get a substitute teaching certificate in AZ?

3- Obtain a Substitute Teaching License

Processing of the fingerprint clearance card takes about six to eight weeks. The State of Arizona doesn't have specific tests for substitute teachers. Once you receive your fingerprint clearance card, you can apply for the Arizona Substitute Certificate.

What are the requirements of being a sub?

Substitute (sub) requirements vary by state and district but generally involve a high school diploma/GED (often with a bachelor's degree preferred/required), a background check, fingerprints, official transcripts, and sometimes specific substitute teaching permits or coursework, with steps including applications, fees, and district orientation.
 

How To Become A Substitute Teacher In Arizona

Is there a demand for substitute teachers?

Yes, substitute teachers are in very high demand across the U.S., with many school districts struggling to fill absences, a situation intensified by the pandemic but with roots in pre-existing teacher shortages, leading to unfilled requests and increased reliance on subs for regular teaching gaps. Demand consistently outstrips supply, making substitute teaching a reliable way to get into schools, though challenges like low pay and lack of support persist. 

Can you be a sub with no teaching experience?

Not usually, but it helps. Depending on the state where you want to teach, the education, experience, training, and credentialing requirements can vary greatly. If you have prior teaching experience or a teaching license, the district may pay more or offer you a longer term position.

Can I be a teacher in Arizona without a teaching degree?

In Arizona, alternative teacher certification allows individuals to become teachers without a traditional education degree. If you're interested in starting a teaching career and have a bachelor's degree, iteach is here to help.

What skills are needed to be a Substitute Teacher?

Examples of substitute teacher skills

• Interpersonal skills. Substitute teachers use interpersonal skills to interact with students and build trust as they get to know learners. ...
• Leadership skills. ...
• Critical thinking skills. ...
• Presentation abilities. ...
• Classroom management. ...
• Problem-solving. ...
• Time management. ...
• Organization.

How much does a substitute certification cost?

Many (not all) states require special credentialing to substitute teach. The type of credentialing varies—it can be referred to as a substitute teacher license, permit, certificate, or authorization. Credentialing typically costs between $30 and $100 per credential.

Can you make a living off of being a substitute teacher?

Yes, you can make a living as a substitute teacher, but it depends heavily on your location, willingness to work daily, qualifications (higher pay for certified/degreed subs), and ability to find long-term assignments or work consistently in a high-paying district, with some areas offering over $200/day or even substantial annual incomes in metropolitan areas, while lower-paying regions might require a second job or frugal living. 

Which school district in AZ pays the most?

Arizona average teacher salary in 2022

In the state's largest county, Sentinel Elementary School District is also the highest paid. Rounding out the top five highest-paid school districts in Maricopa County are Arlington Elementary, Glendale Unified, Wilson Elementary, and Tolleson Union.

Do subs get paid weekly or biweekly?

Substitute teachers may be paid on the day they work, weekly, or monthly depending on the school. Substitute teachers rarely receive benefits such as health care, life insurance, or vacation pay.

Can you be a substitute teacher in Arizona without a degree?

To become an emergency substitute for a K–12 school in Arizona, you must: Have a high school diploma (or official transcripts documenting a bachelor's degree or higher and all applicable coursework). Obtain a valid fingerprint clearance card issued by the Arizona Department of Public Safety.

Do you need a degree to substitute teach in Arizona?

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.

What are the pros and cons of substitute teaching?

That said, I have done my best to describe the best and worst parts of subbing in general.

• Pro: Substitute teachers have an extremely flexible schedule. ...
• Con: Substitute teacher pay is not great. ...
• Pro: Substitute teachers get to encounter a new challenge almost every day. ...
• Pro: Subs get to work with kids.

Is subbing harder than teaching?

Subbing is often considered harder than full-time teaching because of the constant unpredictability, lack of established relationships, and pressure to manage classrooms with unfamiliar students and often incomplete lesson plans, requiring immense flexibility and quick adaptation, whereas a full-time teacher benefits from knowing routines, students, and curriculum, though they face the demands of planning and grading. While subbing offers flexibility (no grading/planning outside work), the day-to-day chaos, testing by students, and logistical hurdles (like finding the bathroom) make it extremely demanding. 

What is the 70 30 rule in teaching?

The 70/30 rule in teaching is a principle that shifts focus from teacher-led instruction to student-centered, active learning, suggesting students should do 70% of the talking/practice and teachers 30% of direct instruction, or that teachers plan 70% for activities and 30% for content, promoting deeper engagement and skill development over passive reception, particularly in language learning. 

What is the #1 most important trait in a substitute teacher?

The number one common trait of successful substitute teachers is adaptability or flexibility, allowing them to quickly adjust to different classrooms, age groups, and unexpected situations like missing lesson plans, while also demonstrating preparedness, often through having their own resource kit (SubPack), to maintain engaging learning and strong classroom management. 

What is the quickest program to become a teacher?

The fastest way to become a teacher, especially with a bachelor's degree in another field, is through an Alternative Certification Program (ACP) or an internship program, which can get you teaching in a classroom as a salaried employee in under a year, sometimes as quickly as 9-12 months, while completing coursework and exams. These pathways allow you to bypass traditional education degrees by leveraging your existing degree, focusing on practical experience and state requirements. 

How long does it take to get an Arizona teaching certificate?

The Standard Professional PreK-12 Teaching Certificates require that you complete an Educator Preparation Program with student teaching or you have 2 years of full-time teaching with the completion of the identified coursework.

What is a teacher's salary in AZ?

Arizona teachers earn an average salary around $43,000 to $63,000, varying by source, district, and experience, with recent data from KTAR News 92.3 FM showing an average of $62,714, while ZipRecruiter reports around $43,416 as of early 2026, with figures varying significantly based on specific locations and school types. 

What is the 10 minute rule in teaching?

The "10-minute teacher rule" generally refers to two different concepts: a homework guideline suggesting 10 minutes of homework per grade level per night, supported by the NEA/PTA, or a classroom management technique where teachers switch activities every 10 minutes to maintain student attention, reflecting brain research on focus. It can also mean a classroom policy (often called the "10/10 rule") preventing student interruptions or departures during the first and last 10 minutes of class to ensure clear instruction and wrap-up, notes Eastern Washington University.
 

Can you make a living as a sub-teacher?

The average substitute salary in California is about $152/day, but can be as high as $200+/day in other districts. You are gaining transferable skills that will help you in future substitute teaching jobs but also in professional endeavors beyond the classroom.

What is the #1 reason teachers quit?

Teachers often cite working conditions, such as the support of their principals and the opportunity to collaborate with colleagues, as the top reason for leaving.