Answers On Hiring Substitutes for SPS

There are not further details/information on the Hamilton substitute incident that occurred last week as the investigation is on-going.   SPS replied to these basic questions about substitute hiring.

1) Why did the reporter say the sub wasn't employed by the district? Is that right?

We did not tell the reporter that the substitute wasn’t a district employee. We did say that because he isn’t a permanent teacher, he couldn’t be placed on leave. Instead, we would not give him any more assignments until the investigation was completed.

2) Does the district do a background check on everyone who applies to be a substitute in SPS? If not, why not?

Yes

· General Certificated Application screened by Human Resources for clearance. Includes review of application. Required: Three reference letters, resume, cover letter, transcripts, teaching certificate verification.

· Once the application has been cleared, Human Resources will move the applicant forward with the Substitute hiring process by insuring that the applicant has also been fingerprinted. Applicant fingerprints are submitted to the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction.

· The OSPI fingerprint verification results are reviewed by the Human Resources staff for clearance and final approval.

· Once cleared they are eligible to enter into the Substitute pool.

3) How does Seattle Public Schools screen substitute teachers for aberrant and inappropriate behavior?

Once substitute teachers have been hired, if there are any complaints the administrator in the building completes an evaluation form. The evaluation form is referred to Human Resources for review and possible further actions.

4) What does it take to become a substitute in Seattle Public Schools?

Certificated Substitute Hiring Process:

1. Apply through the Seattle Public Schools/Careers Page (Neo Gov application site)

2. Complete General Certificated Application

3. Complete Substitute Certificated Application

4. General Certificated Application screened by Human Resources for clearance. Includes review of application. Required: Three reference letters, resume, cover letter, transcripts, teaching certificate verification.

5. Once the application has been cleared, Human Resources will move the applicant forward with the Substitute hiring process by insuring that the applicant has also been fingerprinted. Applicant fingerprints are submitted to the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction.

6. The OSPI fingerprint verification results are reviewed by the Human Resources staff for clearance and final approval.

7. Once cleared they are eligible to enter into the Substitute pool.

8. All Substitutes are required to complete an orientation session that includes a review of various district policies, a review of the substitute handbook, and other employment related materials.

5) Why are adults permitted to use the students' restrooms? I believe Hamilton has a staff restroom. Is there no district policy that mandates adults use separate facilities instead? If not, why not?

There is no prohibition against adults using the students’ restrooms. While teachers often do use the staff restrooms, accessing a staff restroom may present a logistical challenge depending on the classroom location and the teaching assignment.