Substitute Teacher Requirements
To substitute at Branson Schools, all applicants (excluding nurses and secretarial roles) must hold a valid State of Missouri Substitute Certificate.
Next Steps: Complete the Branson Schools Substitute Application and follow the checklist provided upon submission.
How to Apply for Your
State of Missouri Certificate
Follow these three steps to obtain your state certification:
1. Online Application
2. Supporting Documentation (Transcripts)
DESE requires original transcripts from every institution you have attended.
- Accreditation: Credits must be from a regionally accredited college or university (e.g., Higher Learning Commission).
- Submission: * By Mail: Mail physical copies to: Educator Certification, PO Box 480, Jefferson City, MO 65102-0480. * Electronic: Only accepted if sent directly from the National Student Clearinghouse.
- Note: Digital copies (PDFs), faxes, or photocopies are not accepted.
- Include your Social Security or DESE Educator ID number (if you already have one) on all pages.
3. Fingerprint & Background Check
You must obtain clearance through the MACHS portal before a certificate is issued. Use the specific code for your role when registering through DESE:
|
Role
|
Requirement
|
Registration Code
|
|
Classroom Sub
|
Current Sub Certification + Background Clearance
|
2081
|
|
Nurse Sub
|
Valid LPN/RN License + Background Clearance*
|
2082
|
|
Secretarial
|
Background Clearance
|
2082
|
Please note that if you want to be a substitute in multiple school districts in addition to Branson, we advise you to obtain those district codes and submit them along with the Branson code at the time of your background check. Follow these instructions to use more than one code:
https://dese.mo.gov/media/pdf/substitute-teacher-fingerprinting-forms-combined
Returning Substitutes
Returning Substitute Teachers: Join Us for the 2026-2027 School Year!
We are excited to welcome back our dedicated substitutes for the upcoming school year. To be eligible as a returning substitute, you must have been active during the 2025-2026 school year and received at least one payroll deposit.
How to stay active: Please notify the District Office of your intent to continue subbing to ensure you remain active in our system. You will also need to ensure your Substitute Certificate is current with the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE).
Special note: If you become inactive for more than one school year, you will have to resubmit your application and background check.
Contact Information: Reach out to Susan Pair, Administrative Assistant to the Director of Human Resources, with any questions:
View the Substitute Pay Schedule here.