Become A Substitute!

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Discover Your Place in Education

Interested in making a difference in the lives of students? Become a substitute teacher in your local community

The Ohio Substitute Teacher Services (OSTS) serves as the substitute teacher provider for school districts in Northeast Ohio, as well as school districts in Southeast Ohio.

Substitute teachers play an important role in a student's education. If you're a retired teacher looking to step back in the classroom, a new college graduate, or someone interested in becoming a substitute teacher for the first time, we are eager to meet you! We encourage all candidates to apply, regardless of experience.

You do not need a background in education or be currently licensed. We can assist with getting you credentialed. Our associates work closely with each applicant throughout the hiring process, from screening to your first assignment.


Employment Process

Outlined below are the steps to becoming an OSTS substitute teacher:

  1. Complete the Substitute Teacher Application.
  2. You will be contacted by an OSTS representative for a phone interview.
  3. After the interview and your references are checked, you will be invited to attend an orientation.
  4. As a part of the employment process, every substitute attends a Substitute Teacher Orientation. During this orientation, substitutes will learn about employment with and expectations of Ohio Substitute Teacher Services and complete employment paperwork.

We will need the following items:

  • 2 forms of original ID (and a copy of each) – For example, a Driver’s License and Social Security Card, a Driver's License and Birth Certificate, or a Passport
  • Copy of current sub/teaching license
  • Copies of FBI and BCI background check results (within the past 365 days).
    Results must be: 
    • Coded 3319.291, and 
    • Sent to the Ohio Dept of Education via webcheck.   
If you do not have copies, or if any of the mentioned requirements did not take place, then this can be done at orientation. The cost and form of payment vary by location. This information will be included when you select a registration date.
  • A voided check or letter from the bank with account information for payroll
  • Copy of official transcripts (only needed if we need to sign off on a substitute license)

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