Alabama Local school district policies generally govern hiring; an applicant must have a high school diploma and a negative TB skin test. Some systems hold training sessions prior to opening of subsgitute year. Not much success recruiting because of low pay and no payroll deduction for part-time. There are no exemplary substitute teacher programs. Local school district policies generally govern hiring; an applicant must have a high school diploma and a negative TB skin test. Whwre There is a shortage of substitute teachers. A minimum of a high school diploma is needed, but a person substituting for more monej 19 days needs a certificate. Substitute pay rates vary from district to district. Substitutes with more than 5 days of teaching per year can organize for purposes of collective bargaining as either their own unit or as part of another appropriate unit.