Welcome back to school, California 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.

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For returning Swing Subs
For new subs

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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.

Make sure your certification is up to date

Verify that your teaching certification is current. If your certification is nearing expiration, take the necessary steps to renew it to avoid any disruptions in your ability to accept assignments. For a full list of permits that Swing accepts in California, check out our Support Center.

Review your teaching materials and familiarize yourself with any new educational tools or resources that may benefit your students. Prepare to bring your best self to the classroom, ready to make a positive impact on students’ learning experiences.

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:

Register in a serviced location

Becoming a substitute teacher in Texas can fit in people’s lives in a myriad of ways. It’s a natural next step for budding educators who have completed their student-teaching assignments; it’s a great transition into the workforce for those who have recently graduated or have taken time off; it’s the perfect option for anyone looking to broaden professional skills or pivot to an encore career.

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:

Complete an application
In California, you are considered a W-2 employee with Swing Education. For that, you’ll answer a few quick screening questions. Log in to your Swing account to complete them.

Live scan background check

Complete a Live Scan fingerprint background check at one of our recommended UPS locations or other livescan locations listed on this map (if you know of a spot that isn’t on the map, feel free to go there instead!). 

Please download and fill out this Swing LiveScan form to bring with you. You can also go to Wellnessmart to complete your LiveScan. We always recommend that you call ahead of time to ensure that the vendor is accepting customers at your preferred time. 

Proof of TB risk clearance
In your Swing profile, you’ll be prompted to complete a free, 3-minute TB Risk Assessment, which may satisfy your requirement for TB Clearance. If you have a recently completed TB Test, we ask that you still go through the Risk Assessment, as it is the quickest way of having this requirement processed by our onboarding team.

If you do not pass the risk assessment, you will have to complete a TB Skin Test. You can upload a TB Test from within the past 4 years if you have one, or you can obtain a new one through your primary care physician’s office, or at any provider. You will need to upload these results once received.

Proof of full vaccination for COVID-19
You’ll be prompted to complete a COVID-19 Vaccination attestation, or to submit a request for a reasonable accommodation for an exemption. You can learn more about it here. 

Complete your I-9 paperwork

After you schedule your Virtual New Hire ADP Setup, you will receive an email from i9 Everywhere, our I-9 paperwork verification partner. Again, this must be completed before you are able to attend the New Hire ADP Setup. 

Attend a virtual new hire ADP setup webinar 

This is a required, paid, 1 hour and 35 minute webinar which outlines the New Hire setup steps. The webinar will cover the following topics:

• Filling out tax withholdings forms (W-4)
• Setting up your payment
• How to fill out your timesheet
• Sexual Harassment Training and Mandated Reporter Training
• Services available to employees via the My Life Advisors hotline
• FAQ 

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:

The Swing Cert program
When it comes to certification, let Swing do the heavy lifting! The SwingCert program is a unique offering to Swing that simplifies, subsidizes, and helps expedite your path to an Emergency 30-Day Substitute Teaching Permit.

With the SwingCert program you get:

1. More work and better pay: On average, credentialed subs have access 2x more requests on the Swing platform and 20% higher pay rates.
2. Less hassle: SwingCert simplifies and helps expedite the application process. Some subs get their permit in as little as 2 weeks after submission!
3. $150 stipend to cover costs: Onboarded subs will get a $150 stipend after they receive their permit and submit receipts.

More detailed instructions and FAQ can be found here.

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!