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Become a Substitute Teacher in Butler and Warren Counties

Join our network of schools and make a difference in the classroom. Substitute teaching offers flexible scheduling, valuable experience, and the opportunity to support students across the region.
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Work In Any Of 22 Districts, Close To Home Or Wherever You Want
Set Your Own Schedule And Work As Much Or As Little As You Like
Get Paid Daily Rates With No Long-Term Commitment

Why Substitute Teach With Us

Substitute teaching here is not what it was when you were in school. You are not tied to one building or one principal. You hold one credential, and the whole network opens up.

Access to 22 districts with one application

Apply once and you can pick up assignments across Butler and Warren counties. You are not locked into a single school.

A Schedule You Actually Control

Work a few days a month or close to full-time. Build rapport with one district and become a regular, or move around and see new buildings. It is up to you.

Work Close To Home

You choose which districts you want to see jobs from, and you can change it anytime. If you need to stay near your kids' school or your own neighborhood, you can.

Pick The Grade Levels That Fit Your Life

Prefer elementary hours that work around young kids? Want a high school schedule instead? You decide the buildings and grade levels you take.

Get Paid While You Student Teach

If you are completing a teaching program, a temporary substitute license lets you earn a paycheck during your student teaching placement. Most programs do not pay for that time. This one can.

A Foot In The Door

For new and recent graduates, substituting puts you in front of principals across multiple buildings. It is one of the most direct ways to be first in line when a full-time position opens up.
Map of southwest Ohio counties served by SWOCOG, shown in light blue.

Who Can Apply

There is more than one path to substitute teaching, and you do not need a four-year education degree to start. You may qualify through any of the routes below.

Licensed Teachers And Substitute License Holders

If you already hold a valid Ohio teaching license or substitute teaching license, you are ready to apply. We accept current credentials as-is.

Student Teachers (Temporary Substitute License)

If you are enrolled in an educator preparation program, a temporary substitute license allows you to substitute and earn a paycheck during your placement.

Applicants Without A Bachelor's Degree

You can still substitute without a four-year degree. The path requires a district recommendation for each district you want to work in, and we will walk you through it.
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Important: apply before you pay for anything. Wait until you are offered a position before scheduling a background check or applying for a license. We review every applicant, and we do not want you spending money until you know you are in.

How To Become A Substitute, Step By Step

We vet applicants up front, which keeps the process clean and keeps you from spending money before you are accepted.

  • 01 | Apply first

    Submit your application before anything else. We review every applicant, so wait to hear from us before you pay for a background check or license.

  • 02 | Background Checks

    Once you are offered a position, you will receive an email with instructions for scheduling your BCI and FBI background checks.

  • 03 | Get your license

    Please wait until you have been offered a position before scheduling a background check or applying for a license. New hires will receive the link and instructions on how to apply for their substitute license.

  • 04 | Finish New Hire Steps

    Complete your onboarding paperwork and required Public School Works training.

  • 05 | Start subbing

    Once you're licensed, you can begin accepting assignments! You'll be able to choose from available positions that fit your schedule.

Background Checks And Fingerprinting

All substitutes complete BCI and FBI background checks through fingerprinting before they can work in Ohio schools. You can complete yours at either the Butler County ESC or the Warren County ESC.

What to know before you go

  • Fees Are Waived for our new substitutes. There is no cost to you for the background check itself.
  • By Appointment Only Schedule ahead at the office that works best for you.
  • Bring a valid photo ID A driver's license or other government-issued photo ID is required.
  • Already have recent reports? Existing BCI and FBI reports are accepted if both were completed within 365 days of your hire date and processed under the correct code. Ask us before scheduling a new appointment.

How your results are handled

Your reports are sent electronically to the state and placed on your OH|ID account, which is the only method the state accepts. You will not be hired until both reports are received. In some cases reports are mailed instead of sent electronically, which can take 30 days or more, so schedule as early as you can.

Where to schedule

Butler County ESC
Schedule Your Background Check (BCESC)
Warren County ESC
Schedule Your Background Check (WCESC)
Schedule A Background Check
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Getting your Ohio license

To be paid as a substitute in Ohio, you need a valid teaching license or substitute teaching license. You apply through the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce using your OH|ID account.

What you need to know

  • Apply or renew through OH|ID. Your license is issued, viewed, and renewed through the state's OH|ID system.
  • Superintendent signature / IRN. When the application asks for a superintendent's signature, enter the IRN for the office processing your paperwork: Butler County ESC is 046086, Warren County ESC is 050401.
  • License types are based on your degree. The state issues substitute licenses based on the degree you hold. An education degree allows unlimited substituting in any subject. Other degrees carry day limits in certain assignments. We will help you understand which applies to you.
  • International credentials. If your degree is from outside the United States, it must be evaluated by a state-approved service before you apply.
Go To Licensure Resources

Common Questions About Applying

Frequently asked questions ordered by popularity. Remember that if the visitor has not committed to the call to action, they may still have questions (doubts) that can be answered.
Do I need a teaching degree to substitute?

No. There are paths for licensed teachers, student teachers, paraprofessionals, and applicants without a bachelor's degree. Your eligibility and which districts you can work in depend on your credentials.

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When should I pay for my background check and license?

After you are accepted, not before. Apply first and wait for an offer. We do not want you spending money until you know you have a position.

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How long does it take to get started?

Once you are accepted and your requirements are met, our goal is to have you active and accepting jobs within about five business days. Background checks and licensure can take longer if reports are delayed, so start early.

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Can I choose which districts I work in?

Yes. You set your district preferences and can update them anytime. You are never required to work somewhere that does not fit your life.

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Still have questions?

Support details to capture customers that might be on the fence.
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Map of southwest Ohio counties served by SWOCOG, shown in green.

Ready To Apply?

Submit your application and open up substitute teaching across 22 districts in southwest Ohio. Once you are accepted, we will guide you through every step.
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