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Poplar Bluff School District

Achieving Excellence Through Learning: Every Child, Every Hour, Every Day

Substitute Teachers

Make a Difference on Your Schedule

Every day, students in Poplar Bluff walk into classrooms that need caring, capable adults at the front of the room. That could be you. Whether you're recently graduated, newly retired, or simply looking for flexible work that actually matters, substitute teaching in Poplar Bluff School District is worth a closer look.

A job that works around your life
Substitute teaching isn't a one-size-fits-all commitment. You choose which days you work, which schools you're most comfortable in, and which grade levels suit you best. Take steady work five days a week, or create a flexible schedule that fits your other commitments. Either way, you're playing a vital role in keeping Poplar Bluff classrooms running and making a positive difference in students' lives every single day.

Kelly Education — Our hiring partner
Poplar Bluff School District is proud to partner with Kelly Education to connect passionate people with substitute teaching opportunities in our schools. Kelly Education is committed to investing in their employees, recognizing their achievements, and supporting the important work of educating our youth.

Ready to apply? Visit the link below to get started — a Kelly Education recruiter will guide you through every step of the process.

Apply Now

 

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Who becomes a substitute teacher?

People from all kinds of backgrounds find substitute teaching to be a great fit:

  • College students looking for flexible part-time work that builds real-world experience
  • Retirees who want to stay active and connected to the community
  • Parents whose own schedules open up once their kids are in school
  • Career changers exploring whether education might be the right next chapter
  • Freelancers and creatives who need steady supplemental income without a rigid schedule
  • Seasoned educators who want to stay involved in the classroom on their own terms

If you're passionate about inspiring and educating students, you're already a great candidate.

What you'll need to get started

Missouri makes it straightforward to qualify. You'll need a Missouri substitute teaching certificate and cleared FBI fingerprinting. To earn the certificate, you must meet one of the following:

  • 36 or more college credits, OR
  • A high school diploma (or equivalent) plus completion of a 20-hour DESE-approved online substitute teacher training course

For paraprofessional roles, you'll need one of the following:

  • A Missouri substitute teaching certificate
  • 60 college credits, OR
  • A high school diploma (or equivalent) plus the 20-hour DESE-approved training

You do not need an education degree or prior teaching experience for most positions.

How the hiring process works

  • Express Interest

    Submit the form on this page and a Kelly Education recruiter will follow up with next steps.

  • Virtual Interview

    Learn more about available positions in Poplar Bluff and see if a job in education is the right fit for you.

  • Online Training

    This required classroom management course will prepare you to feel confident and ready in your new role.

  • Background Check

    Fingerprinting and background checks are completed to ensure a safe environment for students.

  • Attend Orientation

    Learn the policies and procedures for working in Poplar Bluff School District before your first assignment.

  • Start Working

    You'll get access to our scheduling system so you can start viewing and accepting assignments in the schools of your choice.
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Ready to get started?

Poplar Bluff students need people who care. Bring your experience, your patience, and your passion — we'll take care of the rest. Remember the teacher who made a difference in your life? Now it's your turn.

Apply to be a substitute teacher

Frequently Asked Questions

  • No set minimum is required, but we encourage subs to work at least two days per week when possible. You do need to complete at least one assignment every 150 days to stay active in the system.

  • You'll have real-time access to an online scheduling platform where open assignments post as soon as teachers report absences. You can browse and accept jobs from any device.

  • Before your first assignment, you'll complete free online classroom management training. Ongoing professional development courses are also available at no cost, and Kelly Education's support team is always available if you have questions.

  • Many substitutes find that regular work in our schools opens doors to longer-term opportunities within the district. It's a great way to build relationships with staff and get a feel for what a career in education looks like.