North Dakota · Career guide

How to become a Substitute Teacher in North Dakota

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 North Dakota right now — set up an alert and we'll notify you when new postings are scraped.

Certification path in North Dakota

  1. 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.
  2. Pass the required exams. North Dakota typically requires:
    • Praxis Core Academic Skills (or qualifying ACT/SAT/GRE scores) — Basic reading, writing, and mathematics
    • Praxis Subject Assessments — Content knowledge for your licensure area

    Substitute permits are state-issued and have minimal educational requirements. Long-term substitutes (30+ days in one assignment) sometimes need additional approval.

  3. Apply for your initial license through North Dakota Education Standards and Practices Board (ESPB). The packet typically includes official transcripts, exam scores, a background check, and (depending on the state) a recommendation from the teacher-prep program. Visit North Dakota Education Standards and Practices Board (ESPB) →
  4. Job-search in North Dakota. 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 North Dakota

If you didn't follow the traditional university-route, North Dakota offers these alternate paths that may apply to your situation:

  • Alternative Authorization: For candidates with content degrees employed by a district while completing pedagogy requirements
  • Career and Technical Education endorsements for industry professionals
  • Emergency Authorization for critical shortage areas

North Dakota salary context

Average teacher salary in North Dakota: $57,826/year (rank #32 nationally). Entry-level pay with a bachelor's typically starts at $38,000/year.

Role-specific premiums vary by district — special education, STEM, and bilingual roles frequently command signing bonuses or stipends. See the full North Dakota salary guide for the breakdown.

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