Welcome back to school, New York substitute teachers! Whether you’re a seasoned pro or new to the profession, we’ve got your back. This guide will help you get ready for the upcoming school year, ensuring you have all the tools and information you need to succeed in your substitute teaching journey.

Download our back-to-school checklist here:

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For returning Swing Subs
For new subs

For returning Swing Subs

As a returning substitute teacher with Swing Education, there are a few key steps to take to ensure a smooth start to the school year:

Download the latest version of the Swing App

Ensure you have the latest version of the Swing app downloaded on your device. The app is your gateway to finding and accepting assignments, tracking your schedule, and managing your profile. Regular updates often include new features and improvements, so keeping it up to date is crucial.

Unlike many states, New York does not offer a specific substitute teacher permit, and a teaching certificate is not required to become a substitute teacher. However, depending on the demand for credentialed vs non-credentialed substitute teachers from our school partners, there will be times where we are only onboarding those who have already obtained a permit. 

There are advantages to substitute teaching with a credential (e.g. substitutes without a certificate can work only 40 days in a given school district in an academic year). If you do hold a teaching certificate in New York, you can use this website to look up your information.

Need a hand? Check out our ‘Definitive handbook for substitute teaching’ to get started.

For new subs

Starting as a substitute teacher is an exciting opportunity to make a difference in students’ lives. Follow these steps to get started:

Find out if Swing is operating near you.

Complete screening steps

To become an active substitute teacher with Swing, you’ll need to complete a few essential screening steps in order to be eligible to teach:

Bachelor’s degree verification
Although New York state does not have a minimum educational requirement for substitute teachers, many schools, districts, and substitute teacher companies do.

For this reason, Swing Education requires all of its New York substitute teachers to hold a bachelor’s degree.

New York State Education Department (NYSED) fingerprint background check
To become a substitute teacher in New York, the first step is to get fingerprinted with the New York State Education Department (NYSED). Visit the IdentoGO site and schedule your appointment from there. You can check your submission status by clicking on this link.

Submit your COVID-19 vaccination attestation
You’ll be prompted to complete a COVID-19 Vaccination Attestation form to verify your vaccination records or to submit a request for exemption due to reasonable accommodations. You can learn more about it here.

Once you’ve completed the registration and screening process, you’re ready to start accepting assignments and teaching! Use the Swing app to find available positions that match your schedule and preferences.

Don’t forget about:

Referral program

Do you know friends or colleagues who would make great substitute teachers? Refer them to Swing Education! Our referral program rewards you and your friends. When they complete their first assignment with Swing, both of you will receive $100. It’s a win-win situation – you get to work with people you know and trust, and you both earn extra cash.

Get started with referrals today

At Swing Education, we are committed to supporting our substitute teachers in every possible way. By following this guide, you’ll be well-prepared to start the school year with confidence. Whether you’re a returning sub or new to the profession, Swing Education offers the resources and programs to help you succeed. 

Here’s to a fantastic school year ahead!