by Carol Smock

Created on: June 29, 2010   Last Updated: July 21, 2010

Maine has a four-tier system for hiring substitute teachers, depending on the applicant’s qualifications. Getting hired to substitute in Maine schools requires the following:

First, determine how your qualifications match with requirements for substitute teachers in Maine.

Certified teachers within the particular area needed may work an unlimited number of days. Teachers certified in a different area are limited to 90 days in any one assignment. Applicants with 2 or more years of college are limited to 60 days in any one assignment. Those with a high school diploma are limited to 60 days in any assignment in a career or technical education center, or 10 days in any assignment in other schools. They can teach only 60 days in any school year.

Obtain an application from the Maine Department of Education, Office of Certification.

This can be found online at www.maine.gov/education. Fill out the application and provide official transcripts and/or official copies of certification.

Send all documents together with a check in the appropriate amount for you certification(s) to the Maine Department of Education/Certification Office. The check should be made out to Treasurer, State of Maine.

Submit to fingerprinting and a background check from the Maine Bureau of Identification and Federal Bureau of Investigation. There is a one-time, $55 fee for this process.

Once you have obtained certification, contact the local school system in which you wish to teach. You will probably need to meet with someone in administration and present your certification.

Request placement on the list for substitute teachers. It may also be helpful to meet with principals of schools in which you are particularly interested to discuss your qualifications. When doing this, dress as you would for a classroom, be on time for your appointment, and be ready to answer questions about your experience and techniques.

Once you have gotten on the list as a substitute teacher, be ready to go. Substitute teachers are often called at the last minute because the regular teacher has the flu or some such thing. The substitute must be ready to go when called. A substitute teacher who turns down her first call may not get another.

Performing well as a substitute teacher will result in more calls. Teachers can request the sub they want to cover their classroom. If you follow the lessons left by the teacher, keep the students under control and engaged in learning, and leave the room tidy, you will be called back.

Substitute teaching for a year or so when holding a regular teacher’s license may help you get your own classroom when there are few openings. It is also a good way to get experience while earning your degree.

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