FAQs for Guest Teachers and Substitute … - substitute paraprofessional nominations

---

• (1) how to become a paraprofessional
• (2) paraprofessional substitute job description
• (3) nyc substitute paraprofessional application
• (4) doe paraprofessional nomination

FAQs for Guest Teachers and Substitute Paraprofessional
Q. What are the requirements for becoming a guest teacher for DPS?
A. There are a couple of requirements for becoming a guest teacher. You must first hold a minimum
of a bachelor's degree which would qualify you to apply for the proper licensure with the Colorado
Department of Education (3 yr sub authorization, Initial or Professional License or a 5 year sub
authorization). The CDE link is: http://www.cde.state.co.us The next requirement is you must be able
to work a minimum of 5 days a month. For more information, go to the guest teacher website at:
http://careers.dpsk12.org/substitute-teaching/
Q. What is the process for becoming a guest teacher for Denver Public Schools?
A. There are a few steps in order to become a guest teacher for DPS. First you must have the proper
licensure (or your pending receipt showing your license is in process) from the Colorado Department
of Education. Acceptable licenses are: 3 year sub authorization, Initial or Professional License or a 5
year sub authorization. Next step you would need to apply to the guest teacher posting at:
http://tinyurl.com/lejfdk8 After your application has been received an interview invite will be sent and
upon a successful interview the hiring on-boarding process would begin. For more information, got to
the guest teacher website at: http://careers.dpsk12.org/substitute-teaching/
Q. What are the requirements for becoming a substitute paraprofessional?
A. There are two types of substitute paraprofessionals, one for Special Education and one for Early
Childhood Education (ECE). Both positions require an Associate's degree (48 credit hours) or a
passing score on the TABE D test.
Q. What is the process for becoming a substitute Special Education or Early Childhood Education
(ECE) paraprofessional?
A. Complete the on-line application and apply to the posting. We will then contact you for an in
person interview. If selected, notification will be e-mailed to you and the on-boarding process for hire
will begin. Once selected for hire the submission of references and completing a background check
will be needed.
Q. Can I be both a guest teacher and a substitute paraprofessional?
A. Yes. You would need to apply to each position and be hired for each position.
Page | 1
Q. What is the pay for guest teaching?
A. Effective 9/1, for the remainder of the 2021-22 School Year, all Guest Teachers/Daily
Substitutes will receive incentive pay based on the hours they work - the more you work, the
more you earn.
Increase of $4.13 hourly/$33 per day incentive for our daily substitute teachers with
substitute authorizations, $8.48 hourly/$67.84 per day incentive for our licensed retired
teacher, and $1.91 hour/$15.28 per day incentive for our Long Term Subs.
This equates to an $20 per hour/$160 per full day for daily subs with sub authorizations
and $25 per hour/$200 per day for licensed daily teachers for the 2021-22 School Year.
Q. What is the pay for a substitute paraprofessionals?
A. The pay for being a Special Education Substitute Para range is $14.39 - 15.14 per hour. ECE
Substitute paraprofessionals range from $13.00 - 13.82 per hour. Pay is based on related
experience.
Q. Will I have choices about where or when I work?
A. Yes. DPS is divided up into five geographical regions. After you are hired, the automated system,
SmartFind Express the district uses will allow you to select any or all of the regions. More information
is provided during orientation and is also available in our training guides located on the guest
teacher website.
Q. Am I guaranteed a certain number of hours? Do I have to work a certain number of hours?
A. We ask that a guest teacher work a minimum of 5 days a month. However, if you have another job
or are doing this part time, we understand and as long as you work at least one day a month we will
allow you to stay active in our system. There is no guaranteed number of hours. Denver Public
Schools has over 180 schools and there are enough requests for a guest teacher to work every
student contact day. We encourage guest teachers to work as many days as possible. If you are
open to multiple regions and grade levels, we have enough work that you could work every school
day in the week.
Q. When/How often will I get paid?
A. All employees are paid two days a month. These dates typically land on the 7th and 22nd.
USING THE SMARTFIND EXPRESS SYSTEM
Page | 2
Q. What is SmartFind Express?
A. SmartFind Express (SFE) is DPS's system that searches for and makes guest teacher
assignments when DPS teachers, Special Education paraprofessionals, and Early Childhood
paraprofessionals report a planned or emergency absence. All DPS guest teachers and substitute
paraprofessionals must be registered in the SFE system in order to search for and accept guest
teaching assignments.
Q. How do I access the SFE system?
A. After you are hired by DPS as either a guest teacher or substitute paraprofessional, you will
receive an e-mail as soon as you are able to register in the SFE system. You must register over the
telephone. The telephone number is 720-501-6291. Your access code will be your DPS employee ID
and your initial PIN will also be your DPS employee ID. You can then change your PIN. Once you
have registered over the phone, you can also access the system on-line at
https://denverps.eschoolsolutions.com.
Q. Where are directions about how to use the SFE system?
A. Directions and user manuals for using the SFE system are accessible on the guest teacher
website at: http://careers.dpsk12.org/substitute-teaching/
B. You can also watch the following video: How to Set Up My SFE Profile
Q. What should I do when I register for the first time in SFE?
A. It will take 2 - 3 business days after completing new hire paperwork (if you are a new hire) before
you are able to register. Please follow the directions for changing your PIN, recording your name, and
verifying your callback number. Once you have completed those actions over the telephone, please
log into the system and complete the following steps:
Update your availability schedule - the system will assume you are available every weekday,
all day, to fill jobs. If you can only work specific days or partial days, you must update your
schedule so you won't be contacted for jobs you cannot fill.
Select your classifications - you must indicate in the system which subject areas or grades
you prefer to teach. You may select as many as you wish. If you are teacher, please make
sure you select only those classifications that start with the word TEACH. If you are a
paraprofessional, please make sure you select only those positions which begin with PARA.
Page | 3


How do I become a PE diem substitute teache in NYC public schools? orde r to be considered for work as a Pe Diem Substitute Teache in he NYC Public Schools, you need o be nominated for he position. Ther e ar tw sources from which a nomination may sought: 1. From a school principal interested in your services: Candidates seeking this option, if successful,

• Application for Substitute Teacher & Substitute …
• Paraprofessional to Teacher Program Your Pathway to …
• Substitute/Temporary Paraprofessionals Addendum No. 1
• FAQs for Guest Teachers and Substitute …
• P=Digest 12-14 Closing of Substitute Paraprofessional