FAQs- Substitute Teachers

I want to become a substitute teacher with SFUSD. What are the requirements? 

To become a substitute, you will need to meet the minimum qualifications described below:

  • Bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited undergraduate institution
  • Fulfillment of Basic Skills Requirement through:
    • Passing score on the California Basic Educational Skills Test; OR
    • Minimum ACT scores: 23 in Math, 22 in Reading; OR
    • Minimum SAT scores: 550 in Math, 500 in Reading
  • Negative TB test administered within 60 days of hire
  • Clearance of fingerprint background check
  • Be available for assignments at least once a week, particularly on Mondays and Fridays
  • Be flexible and willing to work all SFUSD schools, particularly at our High Potential Schools
  • Work at least 12 days during the first semester, at least one day per week, or a minimum of 36 days by the end of the school year

What is the application process?

The application process begins with your online application, which includes questions about your background and experience. Additionally, references are required and will be contacted. Our sub office pre-screeners review all applications carefully to determine next steps.

What salary will I earn as a substitute teacher?

Salary:

  • If you work 70 daily assignments (including 1/2 day assignments) or less, you will be paid $174.66 per day (“Step 1”)
  • If you work 71 daily assignments (including 1/2 day assignments) or more, you will be paid back a rate of $211.29 per day (“Step 2”)*

Bonuses:

  • 10 day bonus: an additional $32.51 per day is earned after working ten (10) consecutive days in the same assignment. After the 10th day the additional amount is paid retroactively.
  • High Potential School bonus: an additional $17.83 per day is earned for every assignment at a High Potential School
  • Quality Teacher and Education Act (QTEA) bonus: substitutes may be eligible for one of the following bonuses per semester, whichever is greater. Bonuses will be paid after the semester has ended.
    • $200 for teaching at least sixty (60) days per semester
    • $400 for teaching at least fifty (50) days per semester in High Potential school(s)

Will I be eligible for benefits as a substitute teacher?

During their first year of hire, Day-to-Day Substitutes are unfortunately not eligible for district-subsidized health or dental benefits. However, in compliance with the Affordable Care Act, at the end of each fiscal year (6/30), the District conducts a "Look Back", in which it calculates the hours that each employee has worked that year.

  • Employees who work a minimum average of 20-29 hours per week from the beginning of the school year will be eligible for healthcare coverage for the following school year. You can read more about substitute healthcare coverage here.
  • Please note that this only applies to employees who have worked an entire school year; if you are hired mid-school year, you unfortunately won't be eligible for the Look Back that school year.
  • Once employees receive the Step 2 pay rate and/or health benefits, they must work the same average minimum the following school year in order to keep the Step 2 rate and/or health insurance coverage for the subsequent school year.

How do I apply for my substitute permit?

Candidates who are given an offer after the interview event will be given detailed instructions for applying for a substitute permit with the California Teaching Commission. We advise holding off on submitting your own materials to them as it can delay the process.

I am a student teacher; do I need to apply or interview?

If you are only interested in subbing for your master teacher, you will be able to skip the interview after submitting your application and reference. If you plan to sub in any other classroom, you will be required to go through the regular application process.

I was a sub for SFUSD in the past; do I need to reapply?

Yes; all individuals who are not currently active substitutes need to submit an application.

I have another position with SFUSD; do I need to reapply?

Yes; all individuals who are not currently active substitutes need to submit an application.