Things You'll Need:
- Copy of College Diploma (if you have graduated; official transcripts if you haven't)
- Patience
- Desire to work with children
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Step 1
Pick up the paper application packet from school headquarters at 200 E. North Avenue, Room 106. Do not lose any items from the packet.
It includes a list of all of the public schools in Baltimore City and all of the forms that need to be completed for your application. Review all of the materials before you leave in case you have any questions. -
Step 2
Arrange to have an official copy of your transcripts sent to you so that you can hand deliver it with your completed package. You don't want this to get lost. If you have a bachelor's degree or higher and any certifications related to teaching, you may be able to just provide copies of these documents. Double check with the HR office before you leave.
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Step 3
Be sure to keep all of your employment documents together with the packet. Again, you want to be able to turn in everything at once.
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Step 4
There will be recommendation forms in the packet. It is best if you know a teacher you are not related to and they can fill this out for you. You can also get a former supervisor or boss to fill out one of the recommendation forms. That's what I did the first time I became a substitute teacher.
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Step 5
Next you will have to have an interview with a school administrator. This is to determine your suitability to work with children and how you approach the job of teaching. It is also an assessment of you communicate. This is not meant to nervous. Just do your best. You'll want this interview to be with the principal of a school you have a relationship with (you went there, your children go/went there, etc.) so that both you and the principal are more comfortable.
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Step 6
Fill out the application packet while you assemble all other needed materials.
Even though you have to put schools on the application where you would like to work, you can work at any school in the system you choose (like if you only wanted to work at elementary schools in your neighborhood). Also remember that you need to be available at least 3 days per week. -
Step 7
Turn in all required documents at once back at school headquarters. Do not send in your materials. You want to make sure they have been received and that you get a receipt.
You will then receive confirmation via U.S. mail that your application is complete or it will let you know what items are missing. -
Step 8
Once you have received confirmation of a complete application, wait about four weeks to give the office a chance to catch up with paperwork.
If you have not heard from the office after that time, call the Substitute Teacher office and ask about the status of your application. They will want to know who you are and when you submitted your package. -
Step 9
If all is well you will be set up for a physical exam on a given date and sent information on what else you need to do.
You will also need to be prepared to pay $75 for your fingerprinting and background check. -
Step 10
Report for your physical and employment processing (both will require you to be patient for a few hours so make sure you can occupy yourself) on the assigned days. Any missing information can cause a delay in your employment and keeps you away from the job longer.
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Step 11
After you have been processed and receive your ID badge, personally visit all of the schools you would like to substitute for and show them your ID badge and give them your phone contact information.
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Step 12
Have fun making a difference in kid's lives!
