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Substitute Teacher
Aiken County Public Schools
Applicant Information Packet
2015-16
Information for Potential Substitute
Teachers
Thank you for your interest in becoming a substitute teacher with the Aiken County School
District. Our schools are often in need of reliable and dependable adults to substitute for
teachers and aides who are sick or otherwise unable to be at school.
Applicants who do not have an associate’s degree or the equivalent (60 hours of college credit)
must achieve a Bronze or higher score on the ACT WorkKeys test or have a passing score on
the ParaPro test. Our Adult Education department will provide instructional support for those
applicants who require the WorkKeys test, and the test is available at no cost to substitute
applicants. These qualifications are similar to our requirements for applicants for teacher aide
positions, except that applicants for teacher aide positions must earn higher scores on the
WorkKeys assessment to qualify for the federal “highly qualified” status.
Non-certified applicants are required to complete a substitute training workshop. These
orientation sessions will familiarize you with school policies and practices and help you be a
successful teacher in the classroom. Certified teachers, retired teachers, or students who have
successfully completed student teaching are not required to take the workshop. College and
university students in teacher preparation programs are not required to take WorkKeys if
they have not yet earned 60 credit hours, but they must complete the training workshop.
New applicants must have a tuberculosis skin test completed within the last ninety days. Wait
until you are scheduled for the workshop to complete this requirement
We will conduct a criminal background check of all applicants through the South Carolina Law
Enforcement Division and the National Sex Offender Registry.
INITIAL APPLICATION
PROCESS
The following forms are required for your initial application file:
1. Substitute Employment Application
2. South Carolina Law Enforcement Division Criminal Records Check form
(top portion)
3. Three references using the Reference Form for Substitute Employment
(Complete the top Applicant section and send to a previous employer or
other individual who can evaluate your qualifications to work with children.)
All three forms are available on this district Website.
The application and SLED form should be mailed (not faxed) to:
Substitute Employment
Aiken County School District
1000 Brookhaven Dr.
Aiken, SC 29803
You may also drop off the packet at the front desk of the district office at 1000 Brookhaven
Drive in Aiken. Your three references should be mailed or faxed directly to us by your reference
or returned with the packet in a sealed envelope.
Approximately two weeks before the workshop, qualified applicants with a complete initial
application file, including the three references, will receive information about the date, time, and
location of the next available substitute workshop. Please do not phone to check on the status of
your application until you have given your references time to send in the forms.
Frequently Asked Questions
1.
I will need to take the WorkKeys test. What will that entail?
Answer:
a. Placement Test - Substitute Candidates who need a WorkKeys score will take the
TABE test after lunch on Day 2 of the substitute workshop. TABE stands Test for
Adult Basic Education. This will take approximately 2 hours.
b. Class - Substitute Candidates will attend classes at the Byrd Learning Center for a
minimum of 30 hours. Classes are typically Monday - Thursday, 9:00 - 12:30, but
we plan to extend the hours for the two weeks following a substitute workshop to
meet the needs of the applicants. During this time you will be with a WorkKeys
instructor and will be working on the Career Ready 101 online program. Some
candidates who score well enough on the initial TABE test will be allowed to
study for the test online from home.
c. After a minimum of 30 hours of instruction, the Substitute Candidates will take a
post-test version of TABE. Then, after a successful post-test, you will be
administered the WorkKeys tests. You will take Reading for Information,
Applied Mathematics, and Locating Information. A score of 3 or better on each
test will earn you a WorkKeys Credential.
d. After you earn at least a Bronze (minimum score of 3) score, your name will be
forwarded to the Substitute Office for processing of your paperwork to become a
substitute teacher.
3. When is the next substitute training workshop scheduled?
Answer: We schedule workshops at least every two months. You will be invited to the
next scheduled workshop after we receive a completed application packet.
2. How much are substitute teachers paid in Aiken?
Answer: Pay Rates for 2014-15 and 15-16:
No College Degree (High School Diploma)
Four Year Degree
Certified Teacher
For unfilled teacher position
Sub for aides or other classified employees
$60.00 per day
$65.00 per day
$70.00 per day
$75.00 per day
$7.25 per hour
4. How will I be contacted when I am needed to sub?
Answer: The district utilizes a system called SmartFindExpress (SFE), which is a Webbased system accessible via the Internet or phone. Basically, you will receive an
automated phone call when you are needed to sub. You can also accept jobs on line via
the SFE website. We train you to use this system during the substitute training
workshop.
5. Will I be able to specify a particular school or level of students?
Answer: Within SFE you will be given the opportunity to specify at which schools you
would like to work. Most substitutes work at only a few schools. This allows you to
become familiar with the school’s procedures, faculty, and students, and makes the job
of substituting much more manageable.
6.
Where can I get the tuberculosis skin test, and how much does this procedure typically
cost?
Answer: Every school employee must have a tuberculosis skin test completed and signed
by a licensed health care provider. You may obtain the test from your personal health care
provider or several other healthcare facilities in the community. We will provide a
current listing of medical centers prior to the workshop. Do not take the TB test until
you have been invited to the workshop.
7.
Do I need to bring anything to the substitute teacher workshop?
Answer: Bring the following documents to the substitute training workshop:
• driver’s license
• social security card (make sure you have signed it)
• copy of high school or college diploma, transcript, and/or teaching certificate to
show your highest level of education for pay purposes
• completed TB test & results from health care provider
• voided check or letter from your bank to attach to the direct deposit application
(The district pays via direct deposit to your checking account.)
8. I am certified in Georgia. Will I receive the certified rate of $70?
Answer: Yes, so long as we get a copy of your out-of-state certificate.
9. I would like to apply to substitute for School Food Service. What should I do?
Answer: Phone Michelle Chavis at 803-641-2521. Substitutes for School Food Service are
handled out of that office.
10. Will I be paid for the workshop or the time spent preparing to take the WorkKeys?
Answer: No, sorry.
11. I am a certified teacher. Do I have to take the workshop?
Answer: No. Send in your application, SLED check form, and three references. We
prefer references from your internship supervising teacher or from the principal at the
school where you completed your internship. If you are certified, call this office (6412490) two weeks after submitting your application. You will need to stop by our office
and complete still more paperwork. You also must obtain an updated tuberculosis skin
test if you have a break in service. When we get you set up with Payroll, we will send
you a letter with information about how to register in SmartFindExpress.
12. I am a retired teacher. Do I have to take the workshop? Will I receive certified pay?
Answer: Retired teachers do not have to take the workshop. If you apply to be a substitute
immediately after retiring, so that there is no break in service, you will not have to take
another TB test. If you have a break in service, you must take another TB test. You will
receive $70 per day even if your certificate is lapsed.
AIKEN COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS
Substitute Employment
Return application to:
1000 Brookhaven Drive • Aiken, SC • 29803
Telephone: (803)641-2490 • Fax: (803)641-2485
website: www.aiken.k12.sc.us
./ Application must be completed by the applicant and should be typewritten or clearly printed in ink. All
questions must be answered. APPLICATIONS THAT ARE NOT COMPLETE AND LEGIBLE WILL
NOT BE CONSIDERED.
./ Do not respond “see resumé” on any part of application. Resumé may be attached to provide
additional information.
./ W hen application is completed and signed, it should be submitted to the Substitute Employment
Office. It is the responsibility of the applicant to have the three reference forms completed and
returned directly to this office. ALL THREE REFERENCES MUST BE ON FILE BEFORE YOU MAY
BE CONSIDERED FOR ANY POSITION
Date of Application:
Full Name:
Last
First
Middle
Address:
Street # or P.O. Box or Apt. #
P
E
R
S
O
N
A
L
Certified Teacher: Yes
No
City
State
Home Phone #: (
)
Alternate Phone # (
)
Zip Code
Field(s) of certification
1. Have you ever been em plo yed with Aik en County Schools?
Yes
No
2. Have you ever been dism issed or ask ed to resign from em ploym ent?
Yes
No
3. Have you ever been convicted of a misdem eanor or felony other than minor traffic violations?
Yes
No
*If answered yes to above questions, please give number and details:
Revised 04/2011
E
D
U
C
A
T
I
O
N
Nam e of School
City/State
Date
graduated
T ype of
Degree Earned
High School
Technical School/
Other Training
College/University
College/University
List all work experience. If additional space is needed, please attach it on a separate page.
Please list in order with most recent experience first.
Employer Name
Name & Title of Supervisor
Dates of Employment (start date-end date)
Street Address
City/State
Phone Number
(must be MMDDYY format)
Position(s) Held/Duties
W
O
R
K
E
X
P
E
R
I
E
N
C
E
Reason(s) for leaving
Employer Name
Name & Title of Supervisor
Dates of Employment (start date-end date)
Street Address
City/State
Phone Number
(must be MMDDYY format)
Position(s) Held/Duties
Reason(s) for leaving
Employer Name
Name & Title of Supervisor
Dates of Employment (start date-end date)
Street Address
City/State
Phone Number
(must be MMDDYY format)
Position(s) Held/Duties
Reason(s) for leaving
Employer Name
Name & Title of Supervisor
Dates of Employment (start date-end date)
Street Address
City/State
Phone Number
(must be MMDDYY format)
Position(s) Held/Duties
Reason(s) for leaving
List three references with complete names and
references must include your most recent and
experience, references must be from responsible
experience.
**REFERENCES FROM FRIENDS OR
mailing addresses.
If you have previous work experience,
immediate supervisors.
If you do not have previous work
persons who are familiar with your com petency, character, and
FAMILY MEMBERS ARE NOT RECOMMENDED**
Give the three enclosed reference forms to the three people that you list below.
A
L
L
A
P
P
L
I
C
A
N
T
S
Name
Position or J ob Title
Street Address
City/State/Zip Code
Name
Position or J ob Title
Street Address
City/State/Zip Code
Name
Position or J ob Title
Street Address
City/State/Zip Code
Telephone Number
Telephone Number
Telephone Number
Completion of this information is optional. Failure to answer these questions will not prohibit employment consideration.
Date of Birth:
Sex:
Race:
COMPLIANCE W ITH TITLE IX OF THE EDUCATION AMENDMENTS OF 1972, THE AMERICAN W ITH DISABILITIES ACT OF
1990, SECTION 504 OF THE REHABILITATION ACT OF 1973, AND NON-DISCRIMINATION, GENERALLY.
The Aiken County School District will provide equal employment opportunities to otherwise qualified individuals without regard to race,
color, creed (religion), sex, age, disability, national origin, marital status, or veteran status, except where sex or age is a bona fide
occupational qualification. The School District will employ only United States citizens and aliens lawfully authorized to work in the
United States. Inquiries and complaints should be directed to the Associate Superintendent for Administration, 1000 Brookhaven Drive,
Aiken, SC 29803.
I hereby authorize Aiken County Schools to make such investigations of information listed herein as may
be necessary in arriving at an emplo yment decision and I hereb y release individuals and institutions listed
from all liability in responding to inquiries in connection with said application.
I certif y that answers
given herein are true and complete to the best of my knowledge.
Signature:
Date:
SOUTH CAROLINA LAW ENFORCEMENT DIVISION
REGINALD I. LLOYD
Director
NIKKI R. HALEY
Governor
CRIMINAL RECORDS CHECK
Please complete Section I and return form with your application for employment. (Print Clearly)
SECTION I:
Full Name (with middle name):
Maiden Name (or any other names used):
Date of Birth:
Race/Sex:
Social Security Number:
I understand that Aiken County Public Schools will conduct a background investigation through the South
Carolina Law Enforcement Division. Any criminal activity on a S LED check will be handled by administration
and offers of employment or employment started prior to the completed criminal records check will be
contingent upon administrative approval.
Signature
Date
SECTION II: To be completed by School or Area Office
Please circle the reason you are requesting a Sled check on this person.
Substitute Teacher
Volunteer
Non-employee Coach
Classified Emplo yee
Teacher
REFERENCE FORM FOR SUBSTITUTE EMPLOYMENT
Aiken County Public Schools
Substitute Employment
1000 Brookhaven Drive, Aiken, SC 29803
Phone: (803)641-2490 or Fax: (803)641-2485
APPLICANT: Fill in your name, address, and phone number below. Send this form to each of
the three individuals listed on your application as a reference. Ask the reference to return this
form directly via mail or fax to the address above.
Name:
Mailing Address:
Phone:
or
To Applicant: All applications and accompanying records become the property of the district and are not available to
candidates Many people will not complete a reference unless confidentiality can be assured I agree for this
reference to be confidential, and by signing and dating the waiver of access below, I, the undersigned, waive
any right of access to this reference.
Signature of Applicant:
Date
Reference: Please complete this form giving your candid opinion of the applicant’s
qualifications to work as a substitute teacher. As required by district policy, all
information provided will be handled confidentially.
Please record a number from the following scale to describe this person:
1 Outstanding
2 Above Average
Character
Dresses appropriately for the job
3 Average
4 Below Average
Ability to get along with other adults
Ability to relate to children
Dependability
Professionalism
Punctuality
Work ethic
Efficiency and accuracy
Communication skills
Interest in the community
Overall rating for substitute teaching
5 Unknown
1. For how long and in what capacity have you known the applicant?
2. If (s)he were applying to you for a similar position, would you accept him/her?
3. General remarks:
Name
Signature
(Please Print)
REFERENCE FORM FOR SUBSTITUTE EMPLOYMENT
Aiken County Public Schools
Substitute Employment
1000 Brookhaven Drive, Aiken, SC 29803
Phone: (803)641-2490 or Fax: (803)641-2485
APPLICANT: Fill in your name, address, and phone number below. Send this form to each of
the three individuals listed on your application as a reference. Ask the reference to return this
form directly via mail or fax to the address above.
Name:
Mailing Address:
Phone:
or
To Applicant: All applications and accompanying records become the property of the district and are not available to
candidates Many people will not complete a reference unless confidentiality can be assured I agree for this
reference to be confidential, and by signing and dating the waiver of access below, I, the undersigned, waive
any right of access to this reference.
Signature of Applicant:
Date
Reference: Please complete this form giving your candid opinion of the applicant’s
qualifications to work as a substitute teacher. As required by district policy, all
information provided will be handled confidentially.
Please record a number from the following scale to describe this person:
1 Outstanding
2 Above Average
Character
Dresses appropriately for the job
3 Average
4 Below Average
Ability to get along with other adults
Ability to relate to children
Dependability
Professionalism
Punctuality
Work ethic
Efficiency and accuracy
Communication skills
Interest in the community
Overall rating for substitute teaching
5 Unknown
1. For how long and in what capacity have you known the applicant?
2. If (s)he were applying to you for a similar position, would you accept him/her?
3. General remarks:
Name
Signature
(Please Print)
REFERENCE FORM FOR SUBSTITUTE EMPLOYMENT
Aiken County Public Schools
Substitute Employment
1000 Brookhaven Drive, Aiken, SC 29803
Phone: (803)641-2490 or Fax: (803)641-2485
APPLICANT: Fill in your name, address, and phone number below. Send this form to each of
the three individuals listed on your application as a reference. Ask the reference to return this
form directly via mail or fax to the address above.
Name:
Mailing Address:
Phone:
or
To Applicant: All applications and accompanying records become the property of the district and are not
available to candidates Many people will not complete a reference unless confidentiality can be assured I agree
for this reference to be confidential, and by signing and dating the waiver of access below, I, the
undersigned, waive any right of access to this reference.
Signature of Applicant:
Date
Reference: Please complete this form giving your candid opinion of the
applicant’s qualifications to work as a substitute teacher. As required by district
policy, all information provided will be handled confidentially.
Please record a number from the following scale to describe this person:
1 Outstanding
2 Above Average
Character
Dresses appropriately for the job
3 Average
4 Below Average
Ability to get along with other adults
Ability to relate to children
Dependability
Professionalism
Punctuality
Work ethic
Efficiency and accuracy
Communication skills
Interest in the community
Overall rating for substitute teaching
5 Unknown
1. For how long and in what capacity have you known the applicant?
2. If (s)he were applying to you for a similar position, would you accept him/her?
3. General remarks:
Name
Signature
(Please Print)