Substitute Teacher Certification

Applications for a substitute teacher permit are processed through PCMI for each of the RESA's seven local, constituent districts. Michigan law requires individuals to meet the following requirements to be eligible to substitute teach:

• Must submit to fingerprinting and background check as defined under the Michigan School Safety Legislation.
• Valid identification: Michigan driver's license and Social Security card.
• A Michigan teaching certificate; current or expired, if applicable.
• An official college transcript showing at least 90 semester hours or 135 quarter hours of satisfactory credit (grade "C" or better) combined from one or more regionally accredited two- or four-year colleges or universities. 
           

Individuals who hold valid Michigan teaching certificates are not required to have a substitute permit to substitute teach outside their areas of certification in short-term assignments of 90 calendar days or fewer. For individuals without a valid Michigan teaching certificate, once PCMI has submitted your information to the State of Michigan, you will be sent an email from the Michigan Department of Education for the annual $45 substitute permit fee. This invoice must be paid before you begin your substitute teaching assignment.  
 
The validity period for substitute permits is Sept. 1 through Aug. 31 of a given school year. Permits do not automatically renew each year. It is your responsibility to maintain and renew to continue eligibility to work in any Michigan school. To renew your permit annually you must contact the individual school district prior to Aug. 31 of each year.  
 
Additional information is available by contacting the Michigan Department of Education, Office of Professional Preparation Services, (517) 373-3310. 

Fingerprinting / background checks

To work in any Michigan school, Michigan law requires that you submit to fingerprinting and a criminal record check by the Michigan State Police and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Fingerprinting is available for substitute teachers at St. Clair County RESA by appointment only Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 3:45 p.m. Walk-ins cannot be accommodated. The exception to this schedule will be made due to inclement weather or holidays.

Contact: Diane Hurttgam, Fingerprinting, (810) 455-4051.