Substitute Teacher Jobs in California
Substitute teacher jobs in California are among the most active in the country, with steady demand concentrated in K-12 public school districts, charter networks, and private schools from Los Angeles and San Diego to Sacramento and the Bay Area. Large unified school districts such as Los Angeles Unified, San Diego Unified, and San Francisco Unified are among the most consistent hirers, alongside placement agencies like Kelly Education that staff districts statewide. The most in-demand specialties are special education support, bilingual instruction, and secondary-level math and science. Scan the live roles below and apply to whichever ones fit.
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Showing 5 of 145+ Substitute Teacher jobs
Job Overview
We’re looking for a Preschool Teacher to join our fabulous team of educators—people who believe that learning should be joyful, creative, and full of discovery.
This position will be long term substitute for a maternity leave with potential to become a full time "regular" teacher.
If you love getting creative with true art, having interesting conversations with children, breaking into song, bringing mindfulness, dancing it out, or exploring the outdoors with curious little humans, you’ll fit right in here.
About Our School:
We’re a vibrant, play-based program with a mixed-age classroom of children ages 2–5, plus a small toddler group (18–24 months). Our days are filled with art, music, dance, yoga, creativity, and nature, all guided by an emergent, child-centered approach.
Curious to learn more? Check us out: https://www.thelittleschools.com/
Recent Wall Street Times article about The Little Schools: https://wallstreettimes.com/teachers-as-storytellers-how-the-little-schools-empower-educators-to-bring-culture-personal-passions-and-creative-strengths-into-the-classroom/
What You Bring:
- A genuine love for working with young children
- Creativity, warmth, outgoing and a collaborative spirit
- 12 ECE units (plus toddler units)
- Interest in or experience with emergent curriculum (we’ll train the right person!)
- Bonus points for experience, bilingual skills, and strong organization
Why You’ll Love It Here:
- A supportive, team-oriented environment where ideas matter
- Freedom to bring your passions (art, music, movement, etc.) into the classroom
- Meaningful work that makes a difference every single day
The Perks (for full time regular):
- Full paid health care + dental
- 4 weeks paid vacation
- 10 paid sick days
- Paid holidays
- 401k match
How to Apply:
Send us your resume and a cover letter telling us about your special talents, interests, and what makes you you. We love getting a sense of your personality!
If you’re ready to inspire young minds, get a little silly, and be part of something special—we’d love to meet you.
Apply today and bring your magic
Pay: $34.00 per hour
Expected hours: 30.0 per week
Work Location: In person
Job Overview
We’re looking for a Preschool Teacher to join our fabulous team of educators—people who believe that learning should be joyful, creative, and full of discovery.
This position will be long term substitute for a maternity leave with potential to become a full time "regular" teacher.
If you love getting creative with true art, having interesting conversations with children, breaking into song, bringing mindfulness, dancing it out, or exploring the outdoors with curious little humans, you’ll fit right in here.
About Our School:
We’re a vibrant, play-based program with a mixed-age classroom of children ages 2–5, plus a small toddler group (18–24 months). Our days are filled with art, music, dance, yoga, creativity, and nature, all guided by an emergent, child-centered approach.
Curious to learn more? Check us out: https://www.thelittleschools.com/
Recent Wall Street Times article about The Little Schools: https://wallstreettimes.com/teachers-as-storytellers-how-the-little-schools-empower-educators-to-bring-culture-personal-passions-and-creative-strengths-into-the-classroom/
What You Bring:
- A genuine love for working with young children
- Creativity, warmth, outgoing and a collaborative spirit
- 12 ECE units (plus toddler units)
- Interest in or experience with emergent curriculum (we’ll train the right person!)
- Bonus points for experience, bilingual skills, and strong organization
Why You’ll Love It Here:
- A supportive, team-oriented environment where ideas matter
- Freedom to bring your passions (art, music, movement, etc.) into the classroom
- Meaningful work that makes a difference every single day
The Perks (for full time regular):
- Full paid health care + dental
- 4 weeks paid vacation
- 10 paid sick days
- Paid holidays
- 401k match
How to Apply:
Send us your resume and a cover letter telling us about your special talents, interests, and what makes you you. We love getting a sense of your personality!
If you’re ready to inspire young minds, get a little silly, and be part of something special—we’d love to meet you.
Apply today and bring your magic
Pay: $34.00 per hour
Expected hours: 30.0 per week
Work Location: In person
See All 145+ Substitute Teacher Jobs in California
Find roles in California that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Substitute Teacher JobsSubstitute Teacher Jobs by City in California
Where California roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Substitute Teacher Job Market in California
A snapshot from current California openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
- Stratford School17
- Ensemble Performing Arts7
- Volunteers of America6
- Archdiocese of Los Angeles6
- Endeavor Schools5
What California Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in substitute teacher jobs across California.
- Hold a valid California 30-Day Substitute Teaching Permit or Clear credential issued by CTC
- Bachelor's degree or higher from an accredited college or university
- Pass a LiveScan fingerprint background check approved by the California Department of Justice
- Completion of a tuberculosis (TB) risk assessment or clearance within the last four years
- Demonstrated classroom management ability or prior experience working with K-12 students
- Strong communication skills and ability to follow existing lesson plans independently
Substitute Teacher Jobs in California: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a substitute teacher in California?
To become a substitute teacher in California, you need a 30-Day Substitute Teaching Permit issued by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing, which requires a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution. You apply directly through the CTC online portal, submit official transcripts, pass a LiveScan fingerprint background check, and clear a TB risk assessment. Once your permit is issued, individual school districts handle hiring and onboarding independently.
Which companies hire substitute teachers in California?
Companies currently hiring substitute teachers in California include Stratford School, Ensemble Performing Arts, and Volunteers of America, per current listings on Migrate Mate as of September 2026. California's size means both large unified school districts and statewide staffing agencies maintain ongoing substitute rosters year-round, with the heaviest volume in urban districts.
Which California cities have the most substitute teacher jobs?
The cities with the most substitute teacher openings in California are San Diego, Los Angeles, and San Francisco. The distribution follows population density and the size of local unified school districts, with Los Angeles leading due to the sheer scale of LAUSD, while Sacramento and San Diego anchor hiring in their respective regions through large district networks and nearby charter operators.
Are there remote substitute teacher jobs in California?
Yes, but they're rare. About 6% of substitute teacher openings tied to California are remote or hybrid as of September 2026, since the role is fundamentally classroom-based and requires in-person presence with students. The exceptions tend to be virtual charter schools or online program providers that assign credentialed substitutes to cover live video-based instruction.
How can I get hired as a substitute teacher in California with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is applying directly to a large unified school district as a day-to-day substitute, since districts like Los Angeles Unified and Sacramento City Unified regularly onboard new permit holders with no prior classroom experience. Completing a student teaching practicum, a paraprofessional or instructional aide role, or a before-and-after school program position at a California district gives you documented experience with students and makes your application stronger. Holding a valid CTC substitute permit and a bilingual endorsement, even without classroom history, meaningfully improves your chances in high-need California districts.
Where can I find and apply to substitute teacher jobs in California?
You can find and apply to substitute teacher jobs in California on Migrate Mate, which lists current openings from California districts and staffing agencies in one place. Search the roles that match your credential level, preferred region, and grade range, then apply directly to the ones that fit your situation.
See All 145+ Substitute Teacher Jobs in California
Find roles in California that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Substitute Teacher Jobs