The hiring of Substitute Teachers remains frozen at this time.
Substitute Teachers
Steps to Become a Substitute Teacher in Polk County
- All applicants must be at least 18 years old
- Possess 30 semester hours of college credit from either a regionally accredited or Florida Department of Education recognized post secondary institution.
Follow the steps below:
- Submit On-line Employment Application (all applicants)
- Request official transcript to be mailed to (Transcripts must be received and verified prior to completion of Steps 3-11):
Polk County School Board
Office of Teacher Certification/Substitute
P.O. Box 391
Bartow, Florida 33831
NOTE: Former Polk County School Board Instructional Employees who hold valid Florida Professional Educator’s Certificates, will not be required to submit a transcript, but rather a copy of the most recent Florida certificate issued.
- Pay fees On-Line after your transcripts are received by the district (you will be notified by e-mail) or obtain a Money Order/Cashier’s Check payable to the School Board of Polk County. If you are eligible for a waiver:
- Download, print and complete Employment Paperwork
- Read Substitute Teacher Handbook.
- Contact Support Services (863) 534-0414 to set up an appointment for Fingerprinting and Drug Test.
- Report for Fingerprinting and Drug Test on the date and time assigned by Support Services. Bring completed Employment paperwork with Online Payment Confirmation or Money Order, or Cashier’s Check to the scheduled appointment.
- When your transcript has been received and verified, your on-line employment application reviewed, references checked, fees paid, fingerprint and drug test clearance received, and employment paperwork is complete, applicants will receive an email with the access code to register for the on-line training program (if you do not hold a valid Florida Professional Certificate.) On an average, the on-line program takes nine hours to complete; however, you may be a registrant in the system for up to one month from your initial registration. You may incur additional costs if you are unable to complete the training during this period.
- Upon successful completion of the training program, applicants will receive an email with the date, time and location for orientation. Please bring this email with you to orientation.
- Upon completion of the orientation, the applicant’s file will be given to the Personnel Assistant II in SEMS to be set up for payroll purposes.
- You will receive an e-mail when you are eligible to begin substituting.
Contact: Delya Forbes
Employment Paperwork
Reinstating as a Substitute
Substitute employees interested in reinstating substitute status will need to contact Delya Forbes to find out if they are eligible for reinstatement. All eligible returning employees will not be required to attend Substitute orientation.
Follow the steps below:
- Submit an On-line Employment Application.
- Email Delya Forbes with you applicant ID number.
- Download, print and complete Reinstatement Paperwork.
- Contact Support Services (863) 534-0414 to set up an appointment for Fingerprinting and Drug Test.
- Report for Fingerprinting and Drug Testing on the date and time assigned by Support Services. Bring completed Substitute Reinstatement paperwork with a Money Order or Cashier’s Check payable to the School Board of Polk County for $85 non-refundable fee to your scheduled appointment.
- When your on-line employment application has been reviewed, references checked, fees paid, fingerprint and drug test clearance received, and employment paperwork is complete, applicants will receive an email with the access code to register for the on-line training program (if you do not hold a valid Florida Professional Certificate or have not already completed the online training.) On an average, the on-line program takes nine hours to complete; however, you may be a registrant in the system for up to one month from your initial registration. You may incur additional costs if you are unable to complete the training during this period.
- You will receive an e-mail when you are eligible to begin substituting.
Reinstatement Paperwork
Substitute Paraeducators & Secretaries
Becoming a Substitute Paraeducator and Substitute Secretary
Thank you for your interest in becoming a substitute paraeducator and substitute secretary for the Polk County School District. To meet minimum qualifications:
- All applicants must be at least 18 years old
- Earned a High School Diploma or GED equivalent
Follow the steps below:
- Submit an on-line application.
- Email Delya Forbes with your Applicant ID number.
- Download, print and complete Substitute Paraeducator/Secretary Employment Paperwork Applicants must obtain a copy of their High School Diploma or GED.
- Read Substitute Teacher Handbook. Sign verification and submit signed copy along with the other Employment Paperwork when you report for Fingerprint and Drug Test.
- Contact Support Services (863) 534-0414 to set up an appointment for Fingerprinting and Drug Test.
- Report for Fingerprinting and Drug Test on the date and time assigned by Support Services. Bring completed Substitute Paraeducator/Secretary paperwork with a Money Order or Cashier’s Check payable to the School Board of Polk County for $90 non-refundable fee to your scheduled appointment.
- When your on-line employment application has been reviewed, references checked, fees paid, fingerprint and drug test clearance received, and employment paperwork is complete, applicants will receive an email with the date, time and location for Substitute Paraeducator/Secretary orientation. Please bring this email with you to orientation.
- Upon completion of the orientation, the applicant’s file will be given to the Personnel Assistant II in SEMS to be set up for payroll purposes.
- You will receive an e-mail when you are eligible to begin substituting.
Substitute Paraeducator/Secretary Paperwork
Miscellaneous Forms
Thank you for your interest in the students and schools of the Polk County School District.
