teacher stands over student's shoulder
Substitute teachers play a vital role in education. Credit: Mid-Ohio Educational Service Center

MANSFIELD – As the end of the current school year approaches, individuals interested in substitute teaching can prepare for the upcoming school year now.

Mid-Ohio Educational Service Center is looking for substitute teachers to work in a number of area school districts.

Substitute teachers play a vital role in the education of our children. When a substitute teacher can’t be found, schools will often ask full-time teachers to give up their planning hours in order to fill in.

This has a negative effect on the teacher’s ability to plan their classes effectively, ultimately affecting students as well. Substitute teachers step in and lighten that load while ensuring that each student receives quality instruction while their formal teacher is away.

Districts continue to have the flexibility to use substitute teachers with an associate degree, Pre-Service Permit, high school diploma or GED.

Each local Board of Education has the option to set the educational level for their substitute teachers by adopting a resolution. Interested substitutes should contact the district(s) that they are interested in working to find out what they will be requiring.

To work within Mid-Ohio ESC’s client districts, candidates must submit a Mid-Ohio ESC Substitute Teachers application, and new Substitute Teachers must submit their application by scheduling an appointment. MOESC has waived the application fee for the 2025-2026 school year.

Candidates must also have a current and valid BCI/FBI background check. Fingerprinting for a background check can be completed at the Mid-Ohio ESC office for a fee.

After applying to be a substitute with 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.

This step must not be completed prior to the application process at Mid-Ohio ESC; otherwise, the license application will be declined.

Other important information, including a downloadable application, can be found at Mid Ohio ESC’s website.

Potential candidates with questions can 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 over 20,000 students in Crawford, Morrow and Richland Counties.

Client districts receive services from curriculum, gifted and special education consultants, speech pathologists, psychologists, special education teachers, occupational therapists and physical therapists.