Massachusetts · Career guide
How to become a Substitute Teacher in Massachusetts
Substitute teachers fill in for absent classroom teachers on a daily, weekly, or long-term basis. The role has the lowest barrier to entry of any teaching position in most states — many require only a high-school diploma + background check + state-issued substitute permit. Pay is typically per-diem ($110-$200/day depending on the state and district), making it a flexible path into the profession.
No substitute teaching positions are open in Massachusetts right now — set up an alert and we'll notify you when new postings are scraped.
Certification path in Massachusetts
- Earn a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution. Most candidates complete a teacher-preparation program either as part of their undergraduate studies or as a post-baccalaureate add-on.
- Pass the required exams. Massachusetts typically requires:
- Massachusetts Tests for Educator Licensure (MTEL) Communication and Literacy Skills — Reading and writing skills
- MTEL Subject Matter Knowledge — Content knowledge for your licensure area
- MTEL Foundations of Reading (PreK–6 or PreK–8) — Reading instruction competency for elementary educators
Substitute permits are state-issued and have minimal educational requirements. Long-term substitutes (30+ days in one assignment) sometimes need additional approval.
- Apply for your initial license through Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE). The packet typically includes official transcripts, exam scores, a background check, and (depending on the state) a recommendation from the teacher-prep program. Visit Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) →
- Job-search in Massachusetts. We'll track substitute teaching openings as districts post them; set up an alert to be notified immediately when new positions go live.
Alternative pathways in Massachusetts
If you didn't follow the traditional university-route, Massachusetts offers these alternate paths that may apply to your situation:
- Massachusetts Employer-Based Route: District-sponsored program for career changers
- Teach For America (active in Boston and Lawrence)
- Commonwealth Residency Teacher Preparation Programs
- Career/Vocational Technical Education (CVTE) licenses for industry professionals
Massachusetts salary context
Average teacher salary in Massachusetts: $83,622/year (rank #6 nationally). Entry-level pay with a bachelor's typically starts at $46,262/year.
Role-specific premiums vary by district — special education, STEM, and bilingual roles frequently command signing bonuses or stipends. See the full Massachusetts salary guide for the breakdown.