There are basic requirements of those who want to work as a substitute teacher, but there are alternative pathways, too.
The process is laid out online:
www.hawaiipublicschools.org/ConnectWithUs/Employment/JobOpportunities/Pages/Substitute-teachers.aspx
At the top is the essential part: “The Department will consider anyone with a bachelor’s degree for substitute teaching positions, but first priority will be given to candidates who also complete the State-Approved Teacher Education program, a full teacher-training program that includes student teaching in a Grade K-12 setting.”
Those are courses taught at the adult community schools, and there’s an online version, too.
McKinley Community School for Adults is offering the next classroom version, starting Aug. 29 at Stevenson Middle School; it involves three Saturday sessions of four or more hours each; and four weeknight classes of similar length. Fees total $70.
In the 2015-16 school year, a total of about 4,200 substitute teachers were registered. They fall into three classes:
>> Class I teachers meet specific requirements for the job but don’t have a bachelor’s degree (daily rate of pay, $143.99).
>> Class II teachers have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university or the equivalent ($156.67 per day).
>> Class III teachers are a current or retired Hawaii teacher, or any teacher who completed the state-approved program ($169.34 per day).
Before taking the class, prospective substitutes must apply at a school and be interviewed. Upon completion of the course, they are added to the system as eligible for a call.
“We can see who are great subs, who are the ones doing well, who can handle the students,” said Assistant Superintendent Suzanne Mulcahy. “Those are the people you lean on for long-term subs.”
