Frequently Asked Questions

Substitute Teacher License or Permit

What is a substitute teaching permit?

The 3-year Substitute Teaching Permit allows individuals with a non-teaching bachelor's degree to accept short-term (20 days or less) substitute teaching assignments.

I hold a bachelor's degree from an accredited university but it isn't in teaching. Can I substitute teach in Wisconsin?

If you hold a non-teaching bachelor's degree, you may be eligible for the 3-year substitute permit. First, you must go through the interview process at a school district. If they wish to hire you, then submit a PI 1602-SP application (the district's section requesting your licensure must be completed), a transcript of your bachelor's degree, and the $100 application fee.

I am interested in substitute teaching in a public school district. I have an education degree and held a regular 5-year teaching license at one time. However, I let my license lapse since I have been working outside of education for some years. Would I qualify to substitute teach without a license renewal? If I do need to renew my license, what is the process?

As long as you previously held a regular Wisconsin teaching license, you are eligible for a 5-year Substitute License. You need to complete the PI-1602-5R application form and submit it to DPI.

Which application form should I use to apply for a substitute teaching license? I graduated from an approved Wisconsin program more than 5 years ago, have never held a teaching position (in Wisconsin or any other state) and have not had any education-related course work in the last 5 years.

Use the PI-1602-IS form for your first Wisconsin licensure. Include a note in Section II of the application indicating that you wish to be issued a substitute license only. Send the application to the certification officer of your Wisconsin college/university for completion of Part IV, Institutional Endorsement.

I would like to renew my substitute teacher's license. Is there a renewal process or do I follow the same process as a first-time applicant?

To renew a 5-year substitute teaching license complete the PI-1602-5R license application form and request renewal of your substitute license. If you are renewing a 3-year substitute teaching permit, use the PI-1602-SP application form.

I graduated in December from UW-Whitewater and will be receiving a teaching license in learning disabilities. I am looking for a job and am considering substitute teaching. Am I able to substitute for regular education classes for a district or am I limited to substituting for special education classes only?

You have two options for substitute teaching. You may do short-term substitute teaching (no more than 20 days per assignment) in any area for grades K through 12. You may do long-term substitute teaching (21 or more days per assignment) only in your licensable field of special education.

I have a valid teaching license from Minnesota. I recently moved to Wisconsin and am interested in substitute teaching. What is the procedure for getting a Wisconsin teaching license?

For a regular license to teach in a Wisconsin public school, an individual must graduate from an approved teacher education program from a 4-year accredited teacher education college. Wisconsin is not reciprocal with other states, therefore a transcript review and institutional endorsement process is used. Instructions are included on the PI 1602-OS application form which must be completed and submitted to DPI. A substitute license can be issued based on a valid regular teaching license from another state. Enclose a copy of your license and transcripts verifying completion of a bachelor's degree along with your application.

I hold a substitute permit and work at my school district as an instructional aide. According to my district, I need to take some classes in the next two years and I'm thinking about taking Psychology courses. Would those courses fulfill the requirement to maintain my substitute teaching permit?

From a state licensing perspective, no coursework is required to renew a 3-year substitute teaching permit. However, continuing education may be required by the employing school district as a condition of employment. You must check directly with the school district as to the type and number of credits of coursework that they require.

I will graduate this spring with a non-education B.A. degree, but plan to return to school next year in a teacher education program. I am interested in substitute teaching this summer. How would I go about that?

Once you graduate with a non-teaching B.A. degree, you would be eligible for a 3-year substitute teaching permit. The first step is to interview with a school district since the district must request this licensure on your behalf. If they wish to hire you, complete the PI 1602-SP application (the district must also complete a section of the form) and submit it to the Department of Public Instruction along with your transcripts and a the $100 application fee.

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For questions about this information, contact David J. Peterson (608) 264-9549

Last updated on 7/9/2008 3:25:30 PM