Work at BSSD

You can qualify in one of two ways:

• Option 1: College Credits — You have completed at least 36 college credit hours from an accredited college or university.

• Option 2: 20-Hour Online Training — You complete a state-approved 20-hour online training course (available through platforms like Frontline Education or Kelly Education).

Career & Technical Classes: If you want to sub for vocational courses (like welding, nursing, or carpentry), you qualify based on a combination of relevant degrees and/or direct work experience (ranging from 4,000 to 6,000 work hours).

1. Log in or create an account: Visit the Missouri DESE Website, navigate to Educators > Educator Certification > Substitute Teacher Certification, and log into the Certification Account Portal.

2. Fill out the application: Complete the Substitute Application and pay the $50 processing fee online (via debit/credit card or e-check).

3. Submit your proof:

   • If using college credits: Request official transcripts from your university or through the National Student Clearinghouse. Mail them to DESE or have them sent electronically as instructed. Always include your Social Security Number or Educator ID on your transcripts.

   • If using the 20-hour training: Submit your certificate of completion directly to DESE.

Mailing Address for Transcripts:

Educator Certification
P.O. Box 480
Jefferson City, MO 65102

Apply right away! You do not need to wait for DESE to approve your certificate before applying to BSSD.

1. Go to the BSSD website.

2. Click Careers > Work at BSSD > Open Positions.

3. Search for "Substitute Teacher" to start your application.

4. Document Upload:

   • If you already have your sub certificate, upload it.

   • If your application is still processing, upload a page that states: "Sub certification is pending with DESE."

   • Note: You do not need to send your transcripts to BSSD—DESE handles that verification.

Do NOT schedule your own fingerprint appointment.

Once DESE verifies your transcripts or training, your status will update to "Pending Background Check." BSSD will handle your fingerprinting during your in-person onboarding and orientation, and BSSD covers the cost for you.

• Transcript & Application Processing: This usually takes the longest time, depending on how quickly your college sends transcripts and DESE's workload.

• Fingerprints to Certificate: Once DESE receives your fingerprints from BSSD, certificates are usually issued within 1 week (though peak seasons may cause slight delays).

DESE will not email or call you with updates. You must check your profile manually:

1. Log into your DESE Educator Certification account.

2. Scroll to the very bottom of your profile page.

3. Check the Application Status box to see if DESE is waiting on transcripts, background checks, or other documents.

1. Log into your DESE account.

2. Look at the menu on the left side of your profile screen.

3. Click Certificate Status.

4. Click View Substitute Certificate to view and print your document.

1. Log into your DESE Educator Certification profile.

2. Click Substitute Application in the left-hand menu.

3. Complete the application and pay the $50 renewal fee.

4. A new fingerprint clearance is required if your previous fingerprint check is over 12 months old.

For questions about working with Blue Springs School District, contact:

• Kris Tarman, Substitute Staff Service Specialist | Phone: 816-874-3229