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Substitute Teachers

At Milwaukee Public Schools (MPS), substitute teachers are essential in supporting students and moving their learning forward.

Substitute teachers:

  • Maintain a broad knowledge of all facets of each teaching assignment (subject, grade level, etc.)
  • Use research-proven practices to improve student achievement
  • Plan/organize material for instruction and present/reinforce lessons as appropriate
  • Address different learning modalities, including auditory, visual, and kinesthetic
  • Use appropriate classroom management strategies and relate well to the student population
  • Implement MPS policies as necessary to improve the educational environment
  • Perform other duties as assigned

View Open Positions and Apply

Incentives for Subs

Becoming an MPS substitute has great benefits! In addition to competitive daily pay, we offer a monthly substitute teacher incentive to all eligible day-to-day subs in the district. Those who accept and report for assignments on 90% of student attendance days in a month will receive an additional taxable payment of $500 per month. Learn more about our substitute teacher incentive. 

Required Qualifications

  • Every substitute must have a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university.
  • Substitutes must also hold either:
    • A valid short-term substitute license OR
    • A valid teaching license

Licensure Information

All substitute teachers who have never held a teacher license issued by the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction (DPI) must show evidence of completing a DPI-approved substitute teacher training. They can then apply for the Three-Year Short-Term Substitute Teacher Permit.

Note: Retired teachers may utilize their teaching licenses as long as they are still active. Any retired teacher with a DPI-granted license that has expired can apply for a Five-Year Long-Term Substitute Teacher License for the same subject and grade levels. 

Hiring Process

1. Application: When substitute teacher positions are posted throughout the year, candidates can apply online. The application will require:

  • A resume
  • Three letters of recommendation (all less than three years old)
  • Transcripts showing the completion of a bachelor’s degree 
  • A copy of the substitute teaching license OR training certificate 

2. Interview: Applications are screened by the Department of Talent Management. Selected candidates will be invited to participate in a virtual interview.

Once hired, new substitutes will be able to access the Frontline Absence Management System. This is how they can choose their work environments and set their schedules.