By 1812Blockhouse
As the current school year begins to wind down, Mid-Ohio Educational Service Center is already looking toward the next one.
The agency is seeking substitute teachers for the 2026-2027 school year, with openings available across a number of area school districts. For those who have considered stepping into a classroom, now is the time to begin the process.
Substitute teachers do more than fill a temporary vacancy. They help keep instruction on track when a regular classroom teacher is away. When a substitute cannot be found, districts often have to ask full-time teachers to give up planning periods to cover classes. That can affect a teacher’s ability to prepare lessons, grade work, meet with students, or handle the many responsibilities that happen outside direct classroom instruction. By stepping in, substitute teachers help ease that strain while helping students continue their day with structure, supervision, and meaningful learning.
Districts continue to have flexibility in setting qualifications for substitute teachers. Depending on the local Board of Education’s policy, substitute teachers may be eligible with an associate degree, Pre-Service Permit, high school diploma, or GED. Each local Board of Education may set its own educational requirements by adopting a resolution. Those interested in substitute teaching should contact the district or districts where they would like to work to confirm the specific requirements.
Candidates who want to work within Mid-Ohio ESC’s client or partner districts must submit a Mid-Ohio ESC Substitute Teachers application. New substitute teachers must submit their application by scheduling an appointment. For the 2026-2027 school year, Mid-Ohio ESC has waived the application fee. Candidates must also have a current and valid BCI/FBI background check. Fingerprinting for that background check can be completed at the Mid-Ohio ESC office for a fee.
After applying through Mid-Ohio ESC, candidates must apply for a substitute teacher license through the Ohio Department of Education & Workforce, unless they already hold a current teaching license or Pre-Service Permit.
Mid-Ohio ESC notes that this state license step should not be completed before the local application process. Doing so may cause the license application to be delayed or declined.
Additional information, including a downloadable application, is available on the Mid-Ohio ESC website. Potential candidates with questions may call Mid-Ohio ESC at 419-774-5520 or email sub@moesc.net.
Mid-Ohio Educational Service Center provides specialized academic and support services to 13 school districts and more than 20,000 students in Crawford, Morrow, and Richland Counties. Its client districts receive services from curriculum, gifted and special education consultants, speech pathologists, psychologists, special education teachers, occupational therapists, and physical therapists.
