Traveling substitute teacher in retirement?

I am a retired teacher and have spent some time substituting (COVID 19 might change that)-in my former district and a neighboring district. In Pennsylvania, a former teacher may NOT be hired directly by a school district, they have to subcontract out (this is a pension issue). This means a company hires you, and you pick up sub jobs through the subcontracting company. I filled out tons of paperwork and had to get three separate background checks. Once I did that, subbing was a breeze, but the paperwork and background checks took several weeks to do-one of my clearances involved going to a special location, getting finger printed, and waiting for a clearance. None of this was a huge issue, but this certainly means that many states might have similar procedures. On the other hand, I believe that several states do not have the stringent checks that Pennsylvania does.(PS-these checks are good for five years, and then they must be redone). I also do not think that you necessarily have to even be a teacher in most states in order to sub.

Would districts hire you once you were ready to sub-even if you were from out of state and no one knew you? You bet. Districts desperately needs subs. If you can breathe in and out, they will hire you.

BUT, subbing is way different from teaching. A suggestion-if you plan to try traveling and subbing-sub in your district and at least one other neighboring district far a year. See if you like it and learn the ins and outs of what you will be up against. I suggest this because subbing in your own district is great-people know you and are welcoming (at least in my district). Subbing in another district lets you know what it will be like when no one knows or cares who you are. Don't get me wrong- I have enjoyed our neighboring district too, it's just different.

Best wishes on your journey.