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Substitute Line: 602-952-1230

 Wendy Ferguson 
Substitute Coordinator
480-484-6174  |  Fax: 480-484-6287


2009-2010 Substitute Handbook

Please complete an online certified application to substitute teach in our district.

In most instances, calls are made early enough so that you can be at the school 30 minutes before the opening of the class. It is to your advantage to arrive before the students report to classes. You will then have an opportunity to make last minute preparations for the day.

Responsibilities of a Substitute Teacher

Arrival at school:
	Arrive 30 minutes before start time and check in at the school office.
	Obtain teacher's folder for class schedule from secretary.
	Ask about any special instructions regarding duties.
	Obtain any necessary keys.
	Ask for guidance in reporting absences and tardies.
	If possible, introduce yourself to teachers on either side of your room in case you need assistance.
In the Classroom Before School:
	Read through the lesson plans left by permanent teacher.
	Put your name on the board and locate materials for the day.
	Welcome the students as they enter; smile and show confidence.
Throughout the Day:
	Start class with attendance and follow lesson plans. Substitute teachers must keep the teacher's attendance register current. The attendance register is a legal record and must be accurate.
	If you are substituting on a long-term assignment, you should be prepared to make lesson plans and attend departmental meetings unless the Principal excuses you. Attending meetings is one of the ways in which you can keep informed about recent developments in school procedures.
	Seek guidance from the appropriate teachers or the office for any unusual situation or discipline problem.
	Never leave the classroom unattended.
	Unless directed otherwise in the lesson plans, do not collect miscellaneous student work. Instruct students to wait until the teacher returns, or place in appropriate folders or baskets.
At the end of the Day:
	Please leave room in the same condition that you found it. Have students straighten their area and clean around their desks. If chairs were on desks or stacked when you came in, please make sure they are on the desks when you leave.
	Leave a note for the teacher at the end of the day. This is important so that the teacher knows where to begin the next day. This is a great opportunity for you to leave your request number, so the next time that teacher is absent, he/she may request you for their next absence.
	When all duties are completed, please return to the office and turn in your teacher folder and any keys that were given to you.
	All substitute teachers are automatically released at the end of the school day. You will be notified again by the automated system if your services will be needed the following day.

General Information

Professional Ethics:
Substitute teachers are expected to maintain the same ethical standards as regular teachers; i.e., stories or gossip should not be carried from building to building or to the pupils.

Confidentiality:
All school records and reports should be handled with care. Many records are of a confidential nature, and are maintained in order to provide information on student development for the professional staff. It is essential that, as a teacher, you are careful not to give out any information which you have received from contact with students or other people in the profession.

Dress Code:
Please dress neatly and appropriately for the working day. Professional dress helps establish respect from students.

Lunch Charges:
Each substitute teacher is cordially invited to eat in the school cafeteria. Ala Carte lunches are also available.

The charge for an adult lunch in the elementary school is $2.50.

Workmen's Compensation:
As an employee of the Scottsdale Unified School District, you are insured under the Workmen's Compensation Law as properly administered by the Industrial Commission of Arizona. Any injury, which occurs to you as an employee on school property while in the normal course of your duties, should be reported immediately to the school nurse on site to establish a record of said injury. If it becomes necessary for you to make application for compensation, the school nurse will aide you in the completion of the necessary forms.

Evaluation:
A substitute teacher may be evaluated either by the teacher for whom the substitute has taught or the principal of the school. Repeated negative evaluations will result in deletion from the substitute list.

Frequently Asked Questions

You must have a bachelor's degree in any subject, fingerprint clearance with DPS and Arizona substitute or teaching certification.

How do I get a certificate?
All applicants should be aware that they must possess Arizona Teaching Certification and an Arizona fingerprint clearance card prior to being hired for any substitute or regular teaching position. This process is lengthy and can take as much as six months to complete. You can apply online prior to having a certificate and fingerprint card, your application will not be made ACTIVE until all requirements are met.

For information regarding Arizona teaching certification, call 602/542-4367 Department of Education/Certification Web site.

How long does it take to complete the process?
The process can take up to 12 weeks to complete; the fingerprints take the longest.
Once you receive the fingerprint clearance card, take the card, transcripts and your checkbook to the Department of Education. You can receive your certificate the same day.

Does the Scottsdale School District offer emergency certificates for substitutes?

No. You must complete the entire process.

How do I apply to substitute teach in Scottsdale?
You can access an online certified application here on our website.
Fax all supporting documents to 480-484-6287
When we are in need of additional substitutes, you will receive a call to set up an interview.

What are the required supporting documents for a complete online profile?

Arizona teacher or subsitute certificate
Arizona fingerprint clearance card
3 letters of recommendation
Copies of original transcripts
Resume

How many days a week can I work?

The possibility of working 5 days per week is there, depending on how much you limit yourself. If you only sign up for one or two schools, you may not be called as much. The more schools you sign up for, the more you will be called.

When are we paid?
Paydays are every other Friday. Our payroll is two weeks in arrears, so it takes a while to receive your first paycheck. Look in the substitute teacher handbook to find the payroll schedule. This way you can keep track of all pay periods.
Your paycheck will be mailed to your home. Direct Deposit is available; if you choose this option, you will be paid a day early on Thursday.

How does the automated system work?
The system calls out randomly. When a teacher calls in an absence, they may request a particular substitute. If that happens, the system will call that sub and only that sub for that job. If the sub declines the job, it will go into the general pool. If the sub does not respond to job by 8:00 p.m. the night before the job, the system will call someone else.

If there is not a request, the system goes by preferred lists first, then by classification; if the system still cannot find a sub, it goes to a general pool. All subs are in the general pool; the system does not call out based on criteria such as how much the sub is paid or by PIN number.

What is a an Access ID # and a PIN # number?
You will receive two numbers to use on the automated system. The Access ID # is the # that a teacher will need to request you as their substitute. The teacher can use that number to request a substitute.

What is a half-day?
A half-day is 3 hours and 30 minutes or less. A half-day is half the pay.