Substitute Teaching

The Process

What is Aesop? Aesop is a computerized system used by schools and potential subs to schedule subbing opportunities. Schools & teachers log in to request a sub. If you're lucky the teacher also attaches their plans so you can see them before stepping into the class. Subs can search for long & short term jobs in multiple districts, accept jobs, and schedule future jobs. Wanna see it? I took a screen grab…

You need $125, security & child abuse clearances, finger printing, a physicial-signed health form, and transcripts from your college to take the training offered by the Bucks Intermediary Unit.

After about 3 weeks after the training, the Bucks IU passes all of this along with your newly issued emergency cert. to each district in the county. (You specify which ones you want).

• If you have an Intern Certificate (which you get after 2 classes in the cohort program) you are listed as "highly qualified" in the substitute finder system. When Aesop (that's the system) looks for a sub, they send out the long term sub assignments FIRST to the "highly qualified" people, THEN to the rest of the available subs. You're in the pool with the Level 1 teachers as far as Aesop's concerned.

You then call the districts and confirm the fact that they got your info. Some districts want you to interview or go to their own little orientation. Then you are entered into Aesop and you can enjoy the 5:00 AM call for a sub like I do!

Competition:
Just to get a sense of the competition, there are normally 80 people in the one & only September training. There were so many that they had to schedule TWO training sessions, and the first one had 125 people! The next one will be in November.
What you get for the $125 & the two days out of your schedule:

• Training that covers some basic teaching tools (graphic organizers, read alouds, puzzles & games) and basic teaching techniques.
• An Emergency Certificate.
• A directory of every public AND private school in Bucks County, complete with the names of administrators & contact numbers.
• Tips on games, reward strategies, favorite books for kids, etc.
  
• A nice little book with more helpful tips on being a good sub.
• A pay scale sheet listing what each district pays their subs.
• An opportunity to shake hands with a good number of HR directors in the district
• A really nice breakfast & lunch
  

Talk to the Bucks IU, the number's (800) 770-4822 or (215) 348-2940. They are really nice and very good about getting back to you. http://www3.bucksiu.org/bucksiu/site/default.asp

BTW, subbing in Jersey requires you have a pulse, clearances, and proof of having take two college classes (degree is not necessary). It is a breeze to get in over there, they're just looking for warm bodies. Jersey also uses Aesop, so all your sub opportunities are in one convenient place.

Happy subbing!