How to Become a Substitute Teacher in Hillsborough County, Florida

<p>Individuals pursuing a substitute teaching role in Hillsborough County, Florida, will need to apply for employment through the county's partner company, Kelly Educational Staffing. Here, applicants will be taken through a step-by-step application process, outlining all the required documentation, training programs, and interview sessions. </p> <p /> <table border="1"><tr><td> Education/Experience Required </td><td>Minimum of high school diploma<br />Completion of online and paid, on-the-job employment training</td></tr> <tr><td> Exam Requirements </td><td> Passing score on training program final exam</td></tr> <tr><td> Average Annual Salary (2018) </td><td> $23,140 (Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater area)*</td></tr> <tr><td> Estimated Job Growth (2016-2026) </td><td> 10% (teachers and instructors, all other, nationwide)*</td></tr> </table><p><i>Source: *U.S. Bureau Labor of Statistics </i></p> <h3 id="section---Step1EnrollWithKellyEducationalStaffing">Step 1: Enroll with Kelly Educational Staffing</h3> <p>Kelly Educational Staffing (KES) is a company that assists with the hiring and training of substitute teachers nationwide. Hillsborough County Public Schools works in partnership with KES to help substitutes undergo the necessary procedures for employment. New substitute teachers need to enroll with KES online, which will direct applicants to a questionnaire they need to complete. </p> <p>Once it's completed, individuals are then be prompted to schedule an interview date online or arrange one with a Kelly representative. Kelly Services also e-mails eligible applicants an online application that must be completed at least a day prior to their scheduled interview appointment. </p> <h3 id="section---Step2PrepareForTheInterview">Step 2: Prepare for the Interview</h3> <p>Prior to their interview, applicants must ensure that they gather all the necessary documents for employment. These include a recent copy of their resume and evidence of a high school diploma (the minimum educational requirement) or other advanced academic credentials. Individuals are to provide official transcripts or actual degrees at the time of their interview. </p> <p>Additionally, two reference letters must be provided from professional contacts (any from family or friends will not be accepted), dated and signed within the last 12 months. Applicants also need to give information on their living addresses of the past 10 years and submit a money order for fingerprinting, made out to Hillsborough County Public Schools. </p> <p>Should any of the above materials be missing on the day of their interview, an applicant's appointment will need to be rescheduled. </p> <h3 id="section---Step3CompleteTheInterview">Step 3: Complete the Interview</h3> <p>The interview is designed to assess applicants' character and suitability for employment. It also includes an informational session on substitute teaching. Applicants should expect to take at least four hours to complete both the interview and informational session. </p> <h3 id="section---Step4CompleteTrainingPrograms">Step 4: Complete Training Programs</h3> <p>As part of the application process with KES, applicants must also complete an online training program, designed to equip them with the necessary skills in classroom management and student instruction. This training is free of charge; students must complete the program with a passing grade on the final exam, on which they are given two attempts. The exam covers topics on professionalism, ethics, teaching strategies, legal and health issues, and classroom management. </p> <p>Once employed, substitute teachers are also given on-the-job, paid training addressing district policies and procedures to ensure complete understanding of all school standards and regulations. </p> <p>Additional training is provided by Kelly Services on bullying prevention and teaching technologies in addition to courses that can help substitute teachers achieve their educator certification.</p>