Pennsylvania · Career guide
How to become a Substitute Teacher in Pennsylvania
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.
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Certification path in Pennsylvania
- 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. Pennsylvania typically requires:
- Praxis Core Academic Skills (or qualifying SAT/GRE scores) — Basic academic skills
- Praxis Subject Assessments (PA-approved tests) — Content knowledge for your certification area
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 Pennsylvania Department of Education. The packet typically includes official transcripts, exam scores, a background check, and (depending on the state) a recommendation from the teacher-prep program. Visit Pennsylvania Department of Education →
- Job-search in Pennsylvania. 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 Pennsylvania
If you didn't follow the traditional university-route, Pennsylvania offers these alternate paths that may apply to your situation:
- Intern Certificate: Teach while completing a preparation program (3-year maximum)
- Emergency Certificate: Issued to districts in critical shortage areas
- Career and Technical Education certificates for industry professionals
Pennsylvania salary context
Average teacher salary in Pennsylvania: $72,280/year (rank #5 nationally). Entry-level pay with a bachelor's typically starts at $44,000/year.
Role-specific premiums vary by district — special education, STEM, and bilingual roles frequently command signing bonuses or stipends. See the full Pennsylvania salary guide for the breakdown.