Swing Bubbles

• Bubbles by Swing FAQs for Teachers
  Bubbles by Swing FAQs for Teachers

   

   

  What is Bubbles by Swing Education?

  Bubbles by Swing is a new service matching parents with teachers to lead small group sessions of 2-8 students in a student’s home on a long-term basis. Teachers ensure students stay on track with online classes, help with homework and create additional learning curriculum as needed. 

   

  How is Bubbles different from home schooling or micro-schooling?

  Bubbles learning pods are designed for parents who keep their students enrolled in school and wish to continue following the curriculum designed by their school, but in the safety of their own homes. In contrast, home schooling and micro-schools are for parents who pull their students out school and want to design their own educational curriculum. Swing does not offer home schooling or micro-schools.

   

  Does Swing Education offer Bubbles in my area?

  Swing offers Bubbles to host families all over, with a focus on California. We will only match teachers with host families within a reasonable commute distance. We strive to match teachers to host families in the same school or school district. 

   

  Who is responsible for the educational curriculum?

  Students will be working on the distance learning curriculum created by their regular teachers. We expect that Swing teachers will be designing a portion of the curriculum in cases where district plans are incomplete or the school's curriculum does not fill the hours requested by the host family. 

   

  Can I do this job remotely?

  No. Teachers will work on site, in a student’s home. The setting may be inside or outside the home, depending on the arrangement with the host family.

   

  Can I ask the students to come to my home?

  No, the setting will be in the host family's home.

   

  How many homes will I need to visit?

  If there is more than one family in the Bubble, the students will still meet at only one family's home. Swing is asking host families to provide a consistent location for their learning pod, but there may be occasions where the host families need to meet at another family's home. Be sure to ask this question if you are selected for an interview with a host family.

   

  Where can I find details on the assignment?

  Scheduling will be posted with the request. Read the request carefully to make sure the days and hours will work with your schedule on an ongoing basis. These are long-term assignments and the host families are looking for teachers who can work until school districts decide it's safe to reopen schools.

   

  How many days per week will I work?

  Assignments can range from 2-5 days per week, depending on the host family's needs. Review the assignment's description in the request to see if it works with your schedule.

  Many families are flexible about scheduling. It's a good idea to talk about scheduling during your Zoom interview with the host family so you can determine a mutually agreeable schedule.

   

  What grades and subjects will I teach?

  The grades and subjects will be listed in the request. Most likely, you will teach more than one grade since host families are likely to have children of different ages. Be sure to ask questions during the Zoom interview so you have a complete picture of the students' needs.

   

  How long will the assignment last?

  At the moment, all Bubbles assignments are set to last until the end of the fall term. In the event that that school districts decide it is safe to re-open schools before the end of the term, Swing Education will work with the teacher and the host family to determine whether the learning pod should continue or if the students should go back to school on site.

   

  How many students will be in the Bubble?

  Bubbles can be between 2-8 students. The number of students in the Bubble will be noted in the request. 

   

  Who is responsible for providing supplies?

  The host family is responsible for providing laptops and school supplies for the learning pod. Teachers do not need to provide a laptop or other supplies, and are encouraged to engage in face-to-face interactions with students to balance out screen time.

   

  How can I be a Bubbles teacher?

  Just log onto your account and choose Bubbles the same way you would with a standard request. You can choose as many Bubbles as you wish. You'll be placed on a waiting list until it's time to schedule an interview with the host family.

   

  What is the selection process?

  Swing Education will share your profile with up to three host families.  When a host family requests to interview you, a Swing Representative will reach out to you by phone and coach you through interview best practices. We'll also provide a guide for updating your resume, if the host family has requested one.  After the interview prep call, Swing will send a Zoom invitation to you and the to host family scheduled at a mutually agreeable time.

   

  How do I get picked for an interview?
  
  Host families will request to interview you if they like what they see on your Swing profile. It's important to have a complete profile to make a good first impression. Be sure you have a good photo and describe your teaching experience and qualifications. You should also fill out your work history in the "Relevant Experience" section. A complete work history reduces the chance that a host family will ask for a resume and cover letter.  Read more about updating your Swing profile.

   

  What is the pay rate?

  Typical pay is $40-50 hourly, pre-tax, depending on the size of the Bubble. Assignments range from part-time to five days per week.

   

  How often do I get paid?

  You will be paid weekly by Swing Education as you normally would for a district assignment, via direct deposit or other payment method you have set up in your account profile.

   

  When will I start?

  The start date will align with the beginning of the district's fall term. Most schools are starting in early August. 

   

  How can I learn more about the family I could be matched with?

  When a host family requests to interview you, you'll have the opportunity to ask questions and start developing a good relationship with the parents. We encourage you to start writing a list of questions for the host family now. Asking questions is the best way to ensure that you and the host family are aligned on teaching goals, and parents tell us that teachers who ask a lot of questions during the interview make them feel more comfortable with the teacher.

   

  How will I know when I am hired?

  A Swing Representative will reach out to you when a host family decides they would like to have you teach their Bubble. You'll be asked to sign an agreement regarding the start date, the terms of the assignment and COVID-19 safety protocol. After that, you are ready to start!

   

  If I am hired, who will I report to?

  If hired as a Bubbles teacher, you will be converted to a W-2 employee and will report to Swing Education.

   

  What about liability? Who is responsible if an accident occurs?

  Swing provides liability in the event of an accident. Bubbles teachers are converted to W-2 employees of Swing Education before they start their Bubbles teaching assignments, thus are eligible for worker's compensation should an accident occur. You can read more about W-2 set up here.

   

  What about COVID-19 safety?

  Swing Education has a safety protocol for pod teachers, parents and students, involving mask requirements, sanitizing computers and work surfaces, frequent hand washing and having hand sanitizer available. If you would like to put additional safety precautions in place, we encourage you to discuss these with host families to decide if you are both comfortable with the agreement.

   

  Will teachers have health benefits?

  If hired, you will be eligible for health insurance after a 12-month lookback period. Meaning, if you work 30 or more hours per week for 12 months, you will qualify a year from now for health benefits.

   

  What other benefits will I have?

  • Unemployment benefits
  • Worker’s compensation
  • AFLAC: supplemental insurance for medical costs
  • Standard sick pay
  • COVID-19 sick pay:  up to 10 days from hire, in compliance with Families First Act
  • Other types of leave in compliance with state and federal law

   

   

• How to Talk About Your Teaching Experience
  How to Talk About Your Teaching Experience

   

  Interviewing to work for a host family in a Swing Bubble is different from interviewing to work in a school classroom with 25 or more students. In a Bubble, you will be teaching a small group in a student’s home, so prospective families will want to make sure your teaching experience and teaching style is a good fit for their own kids. To excel in an interview, you’ll need to anticipate and prepare for these common questions. 

   

  1. Anticipate the Question

  Host families are likely to ask three types of questions. First they will want specific details about your teaching history. Next, they may ask how you would approach teaching a student with a specific type of need, like trouble reading. Lastly, they will ask how you plan to create a daily schedule. In this article, we’ll discuss how to talk about your teaching experience.

   

  Sample questions:

  • Tell me about a time when you taught a group of mixed grade students.
  • Tell me about your classroom experience.
  • Describe a day you taught a group of students [the age of their kids].
  • Describe a time when you helped a student who was struggling with a concept.
  • Give an example of a time where you made learning fun.

   

  2. Prepare Your Stories

  What do these questions have in common? They each demand a story from an event in your real life. To answer these types of questions, think about a specific day when you excelled as a teacher. What was the classroom environment like that day? What were the specific challenges you faced? How did you overcome them? What behavioral or academic changes did you observe in students? These details work together to create a convincing story.

   

  Sample answer:

  “Last spring I was teaching a 4th grade English class and I had trouble with a student goofing off in the back row. Instead of criticizing him, I asked him to come up and be my helper for the lesson because I sensed that if I could make him feel valued and important he would stop goofing off. [Describe how he helped with the lesson and how that improved the behavior.]”

   

  Pro tip: the most convincing stories are specific to your own life. Avoid general descriptors such as “detail-oriented” or “team player”.

   

  3. Write Down and Practice Your Stories

  We call these types of stories “career successes”. Career successes are persuasive because they come from your real life experience. Write down 3-4 career success stories, practice them with a friend or family member before your interview and ask for feedback. 

  As you get used to answering interview questions with career success stories, you’ll find you can reuse them for many different types of questions. Developing career success stories is an investment in your interview skills.

  If you have more questions on how to interview, just email us at community@swingeducation.com. 

  Good luck on your interview!

• How to Recommend a Daily Schedule
  How to Recommend a Daily Schedule

   

  A common question Bubbles host families ask during the interview process is, “How would you create a daily schedule for my learning pod?” Parents who had a tough time homeschooling their kids when schools were closed are looking for a teacher who can create a routine, set daily goals and implement a process for evaluating progress. They are looking to you to provide guidance. To demonstrate your capability, you’ll need to consider the following: 

  • Time devoted to the student’s school distance learning curriculum
  • The specific needs of the host family’s students
  • Activities away from the screen

  In this guide, we’ll explore these topics one by one. By combining these tactics with your experience as a teacher, you’ll be able to propose a sample schedule you and the host family can both feel confident in.

   

  1. Clarify the Academic Curriculum

  Before you can propose a schedule, you’ll need to know what distance learning curriculum will be provided by the school. While the host family may not have the specifics, they are likely to be able to estimate approximately how many hours per day they want their kids to focus on online schoolwork.  

  If you haven’t already discussed the curriculum at this stage in the interview, it’s appropriate to say, “May I ask a clarifying question?” and then find out how much time parents want their kids to devote to lessons. Then you can fill in the remainder of the day with non-screen activities. 

   

  2. Know What Their Children Need

  All parents love to be asked about their kids! They may have already shared specific needs with you such as:

  • A student who has trouble reading
  • A creative student who needs a creative approach to learning
  • A very advanced student who needs an extra challenge
  • A student who has trouble focusing

  If parents haven’t specified any focus areas, ask them if their kids have specific areas where they need extra attention. You’ll need to be able to communicate how you would tailor the daily schedule to a student with a specific need. Additionally, be ready to communicate how you track progress so parents can see for themselves that students are progressing. Here are some fun ways to monitor and assess learning. We suggest you find your favorite and be ready to share an example during your interview of how you’d implement it.

   

  3. Plan Screen-free Activities

  Almost all Bubbles host families are looking for a healthy mix of academics and screen-free time and it’s likely they will expect you to suggest non-screen activities during the interview. Be sure to have several ideas to share, either from your teaching history or perhaps a new activity for this small-group environment. Here are ideas for screen-free activities that you can incorporate throughout the day.

   

  4. Put it All Together

  Before the interview, take some time to write down 1 or 2 sample schedules incorporating the three categories above that you can propose in the interview. Remember, parents are looking for a teacher who can create a routine, set daily goals and implement a process for evaluating progress. A defined daily schedule will convince them that you can meet these needs.

  
  That covers it! 

  Good luck with your interviews, you’re going to be great!

• Activity Ideas for Swing Bubbles
  Activity Ideas for Swing Bubbles

   

  Academics are important, but time away from the screen is just as important to most host families. Below is a list of activities that you can incorporate into your daily schedule that will provide a healthy balance between academics and fun. 

   

  1. Add a Kickstarter to the Beginning of Session

  A kickstarter is an activity you begin with each day. It provides the consistency that parents are looking for and helps you develop a good relationship with students because they know what to expect from you every day. A kickstarter can be as short as 10 minutes or as long as 30 minutes. 

  The most important part of your kickstarter will be to communicate the learning goals for the day. Prepare a written agenda and review it each morning before learning starts. Communicating a daily agenda keeps the focus on learning and reinforces behavioral expectations. 

  You can also add a bit of fun to your kickstarter with these ideas: 

  • Play the game “I Spy”.
  • Play a card game like Uno.
  • Start with a fun writing prompt like “If you could eat one food every day what would it be and why?” or “What superhero power would you have?”

   

  2. Make Review Time Screen-Free

  Each day, hold a closed-laptop review time when students go over what they learned in class.  Incorporate movement into review time to provide a healthy balance to sitting in front of a screen. Here are ideas to get you started.

  • Make a game out of review like Trashketball or Around the World. Find more ideas here.
  • Play Family Feud: for larger groups, divide students into two teams and have them compete for points by calling out answers to today’s lessons. Learn about Family Feud and other review games here.
  • Tape problems around the learning area and have students travel around the area to work on each problem.

   

  3. Plan Healthy Play Time Before Lunch

  To incorporate more movement and less sitting into your daily schedule, use these activities to wind down from study and ease into lunch.

  • Meditation time: even 15 minutes a day is shown to improve focus and ease anxiety. Check out this guide for tips on how to get started meditating with kids of all ages.
  • Active time: try yoga, stretching or even a dance party.
  • Game time: try a scavenger hunt, which works especially well if classes are held outdoors.

   

  4. Self-Guided Reading Time

  Reading time is a good way to calm students back down after they’ve had an energetic play session.  We recommend letting students choose what they read. If they’re interested in the material, they’re more likely to stay focused for a longer period of time.

   For younger students, have them read aloud with you. Or, have them read by themselves for a short period of time each day, about 10-30 minutes for elementary school aged kids.

   

  5. Finish with a Closing Ritual

  Your closing ritual and kickstarter will bookend the day by establishing reliable routines, providing the structure that students need and the consistency parents rely on. Here are some ideas for your closing ritual. 

  • Tidy up: ask students to organize their learning and play areas at the end of every day so they can start tomorrow with a distraction-free learning environment. Plus, parents will love it!
  • Talk about highs and lows: ask students to share their favorite and least favorite parts of the day with the group. 
  • Gratitude practice: ask students to discuss what they’re grateful for that day. A daily gratitude practice is linked to better self-esteem, enhanced empathy and improved physical health.
• How to Interview over Zoom
  How to Interview over Zoom

   

  Interviewing over Zoom requires a few adjustments that you wouldn’t need to make for an in-person interview. You’ll need to make sure you know how to use the software, and you’ll also need to use the right body language and tone of voice to communicate that you’re competent, confident and engaged.  We’ll walk you through everything you need to know in this guide. 

   

  The Day Before the Interview

  1. Download the Zoom app to your computer. Choose the first option,  “Zoom Client for Meetings”.  We recommend that you do not attempt to conduct your interview over a mobile phone because the size of the screen will distort your face and you will not have your hands free to take notes.
  2. Check yourself out on camera. Open the Zoom application and turn on the camera. Set up the computer in the location where you intend to hold your interview. Check to make sure:
  • The camera angle is level with your face. Make sure you are not looking down at the camera, nor is it looking up at you.
  • The lighting looks good: Adjust the lighting and make a note of the adjustments so you can quickly go back to them when it’s time to interview.
  • The background is free of distractions. If you decide to use one of  Zoom's virtual backgrounds, be sure the one you choose is a professional setting.
  3. Learn how to accept and log into the meeting from the calendar invite. Here is a 1-minute video showing how to accept a Zoom meeting.
  4. Familiarize yourself with the controls so when it’s time to log on, you know where everything is. Watch this video.

   

  Pro tip: Set up a practice session. Before the interview, schedule a mock interview over Zoom with a friend or colleague. Ask your friend to act as an interviewer by asking you the questions you expect your interviewer to ask you. Then ask your friend for feedback after the mock interview is over and make adjustments for the next time.

   

  10 Minutes Before the Interview

  Take 10 minutes before the start of your interview to make sure everything is right. 

  1. Log onto the Zoom meeting.
  2. Turn on your camera and speaker. Once you confirm these are working as expected, you can turn them off until your interviewer logs on.
  3. Double check your camera angle, the lighting, and remove any background clutter.
  4. Smile! It will give you confidence.

   

  During the Interview

   In a virtual interview, it’s important to be aware of your tone and body language. Body language especially is amplified over video. Here are some things to watch out for. Ask your mock interviewer to give you feedback on body language during your practice interview.

   

  1. Slouching or crossing your arms, which can make you look closed off or uninterested.
  2. Hand gestures that are too fast or too frequent.
  3. Talking too fast, which can make you look nervous and cause you to run out of breath. Pause and take a breath as often as you need to.
  4. Saying “um” or “like”. When you feel like saying “um”, just pause and take a breath.
  5. No eye contact at all or a stony stare. Aim for a happy medium.
  6. Uptalk, or making a statement that sounds like a question because your voice goes up at the end of a sentence. This can make you sound unsure of yourself.

  
  You can also watch this helpful video for more tips on body language.

Permits & Certifications

• What is Mandated Reporter Training?
  What is Mandated Reporter Training?

  Swing’s Guide To Completing Mandated Reporter Training

  California requires all substitute teachers to complete the training to become certified Mandated Reporters. (Refer to the FAQs below for a complete definition of a Mandated Reporter.) In order to work as a substitute teacher with Swing Education in California, you must verify that you have completed the training and have passed the test. Here’s how:

  1. Register your account on the Mandated Reporter Training Website.                                                    
  • If this is your first time registering, you will receive an email prompting you to confirm your account.
  • Once signed in, select the “School Personnel” course.
    • If you have not completed the "General Training" course before, you will have to complete it prior to gaining access to the "School Personnel" course. 
  • Please note: in the event of technical difficulties, submit a request for help through the “Contact Us” form on the Mandated Reporter Training Website. Swing Customer Service is unable to provide technical support for this website.

  1. Watch the training module                 
  • The full Mandated Reporter Training for the "School Personnel" module is available here.
  • You may want to review the FAQ below to help achieve a passing score on the exam. 

  1. Complete Exam                                                                                                                                     
  • Click on “Take Exam” and complete the 20 questions. If you get stuck on any questions, refer to the FAQ below.                   
  • A passing score of 80% or more will qualify you for a Certificate of Completion. This is available to you under the “Courses” tab.

  1. Sign the Swing Education Forms
  • Sign in to your Swing Account
  • Verify that you have completed the training by clicking on the arrow next to your name, then navigate to Account Settings > California Mandated Reporter Training > Complete
  • Proceed to digitally sign the form.
  • There is no need to send us your certificate.

  Frequently Asked Questions 

  What is a Mandated Reporter? Mandated Reporters are required by the state of California to report any known or suspected instances of child abuse or neglect to the county child welfare department or to local law enforcement agency (local police/sheriff's department). Anyone who encounters children through their profession, including substitute teachers and all school employees, must be a Mandated Reporter, pursuant to California Penal Code 11165.7 and California Education Code 44691. 

  Am I paid to take this training? No. This is a State requirement for all adults working with children. You will not be compensated for your time to complete the training. 

  Why must you report? The primary intent of the reporting law is to protect children from abuse and neglect. Reporting may also present an opportunity to provide help for the family. Parents who are under stress may be unable to ask for help directly, and may not know where or how to access help. A report of suspected abuse or neglect may be the catalyst for bringing about change in the home environment, which in turn, may help to lower the risk of abuse or neglect in the home. 

  How much proof do I need to provide that abuse or neglect has occurred? No proof of abuse or neglect is needed, only "reasonable suspicion” that child abuse or neglect may have occurred. If you are at all concerned about the possibility of abuse or neglect, you should report. Investigations will be conducted by law enforcement and/or the county child welfare department to determine if abuse or neglect has occurred. Delayed reporting while awaiting further information may hinder the investigation by the appropriate agencies. 

  How do I report? Mandated Reporters must report to a county child welfare department or to local law enforcement agency, such as the police or sheriff's department, immediately by phone. A written report must then be sent within 36 hours by fax, or it may be sent by electronic submission if a secure system has been made available for that purpose in your county. Written reports must be submitted on the California Suspected Child Abuse Report Form 8572. 

  Can I report the abuse or neglect anonymously? No. Mandated Reporters must identify themselves to the county child welfare department when making child abuse or neglect reports. However, persons who are not legally mandated may make anonymous reports. 

  Who will know that I made the child abuse or neglect report? The law enforcement officer and/or county child welfare worker investigating the case will have your name in order to contact you about the report. Other professionals involved in the case, such as detectives, and attorneys will have access to your name as well. However, your identity cannot be disclosed to the family or anyone else not directly involved in the investigation of the case. If your case results in a trial and you are required to testify, your identity may be revealed in court. 

  Do I need to tell the parents that I filed a report? You are not legally required to notify the parents that you are making a report. However, it may be beneficial to let the parents know you are reporting for the benefit of a future relationship. Copies of the report should be kept confidential and should never be given to any parties other than social services or law enforcement. 

  If I tell my supervisor about my concerns of abuse or neglect, have I met the obligation for mandated reporting? No. Telling a supervisor does not meet the mandated reporting requirement. If a decision is made that the supervisor will complete and submit the report to the county child welfare department or law enforcement agency, then one report is sufficient. 

  What if my supervisor tells me not to report my concerns because they are not sufficient? You must still make a report to the county child welfare department or local law enforcement. If the supervisor disagrees, the individual with the original suspicion must report. 

  If the incident I report turns out not to be the result of abuse or neglect, can I be sued? As long as a child abuse or neglect report is made in good faith, the Mandated Reporter is legally protected from civil or criminal lawsuits. Any legally Mandated Reporter has immunity and confidentiality when making a report. No individual can be dismissed, disciplined or harassed for making a report of suspected child abuse. 

  What happens if I am concerned about abuse or neglect and I do not make a report? Legally, Mandated Reporters can be criminally liable for failing to report suspected abuse or neglect. The penalty for this misdemeanor is up to six months in jail and/or up to a $1,000 fine. Mandated Reporters can also be subject to a civil lawsuit, and found liable for damages, especially if the child-victim or another child is further victimized because of the failure to report. 

  Will I have to testify in court? The majority of cases don’t go to trial. If they do, and the professional is required to testify, it is important to remember that the testimony may be essential for the protection of the child. 

  What happens if the children are removed from the home? This varies somewhat from county to county. If the county child welfare department determines that children must be removed from the home, they may be temporarily placed with an approved relative or in a licensed foster care home or facility depending on the county. If a child is removed, the case must be presented to a judge within 72 hours to determine if the removal is necessary or appropriate pending the rest of the investigation. 

  What happens after the report is filed? After a report is filed, the county child welfare department or local law enforcement agency investigates the allegations. These agencies are also required to cross-report suspected child abuse or neglect cases to each other. 

  The county child welfare department or law enforcement agency investigation will result in one of three outcomes: 

  1. Unfounded report: the report is false or does not involve abuse, such as an accidental injury.
  2. Substantiated report: it is determined that child abuse has occurred. 
  3. Inconclusive report: there is insufficient evidence to determine whether or not abuse has occurred. Only substantiated reports of child abuse and severe neglect must be forwarded to the Department of Justice. The county child welfare department will determine if children need to be removed from the home or if services need to be offered to the parents or caregivers. Law enforcement agencies may also pursue criminal prosecution. 

  Sources: 

  http://mandatedreporterca.com 

  https://www.cde.ca.gov/ls/ss/ap/childabusereportingguide.asp  

  Reference California Mandated Reporter Training 

  The information above is provided by Swing Education in reference to the California Department of Education and the California Department of Child Support Services. For more information, please reference the complete training: https://mandatedreporterca.com/training/school-personnel

• How do I complete the California Permit Online Application?
  How do I complete the California Permit Online Application?

  One of the requirements for the substitute teaching permit is an online application. Here are the detailed steps to completing it:

  1. Click on this link to access the application - https://www.ctc.ca.gov/docs/default-source/leaflets/414.pdf?sfvrsn=16
  2. Complete Section 1 (Personal Information)
  3. For Section 2 (Credential Type), under “Options” - select the appropriate option from the drop-down menu and under “Substitute Permits (PT)” - select “30-day substitute permit”
  4. Skip Section 3 (Child Development Permit Renewal Self-Verification)
  5. Check the boxes in Section 4 (Professional Fitness Questions)
  6. Review and check the “I agree” box in Section 5 (Child Abuse and Neglect Mandated Reporting)
  7. Skip Section 6 (Employing Agency Information) (Note: you’ll be an independent contractor with Swing Education as opposed to an employee)
  8. Sign off on Section 7 (Oath and Affidavit)
  9. Print out the completed application
  10. Take it with you to apply in person at your local county office of education.

   

  If you have any questions about the online application, please contact contact us here. Thanks! 

• How To Register and Sign-Up For The CBEST
  How To Register and Sign-Up For The CBEST

  Most subs meet the Basic Skills Requirement for the California 30 Day Emergency Sub Permit by taking the California Basic Educational Skills Test (CBEST).

  It is a three-part test which consists of 50 multiple-choice Math questions, 50 multiple-choice English questions, and two essays for the Writing section. Click here to see our top tips for the CBEST!

  There are five main steps you need to complete to fully Sign-Up for the CBEST. 

  • I. Log-In
  • II. Register
  • III. Review Cart / Payment
  • IV. Next Steps / Scheduling Test
  • V. Final Check-out

  This article will walk you through the fives steps.

  I. Log-In

  1. Go to https://www.ctcexams.nesinc.com/PageView.aspx?f=GEN_Register.html and click “Register Now” button

  

  2. If you already have an account, Sign In by entering your email address and password.  If you don’t have an account click on “Create an account now” and continue on to create an account. 

  

  II. Registering for the Test

  1) Identity Confirmation

  Confirm you are the person who will be taking the test by checking the box next to the statement “I am the person who will be taking the test” and clicking “Next”

  

  2) Program Selection

  Check the box next to the California Basic Educational Skills Test (CBEST) and click “Next”

  

  3) Test Selection

  We highly recommend taking the computer-based test as there are more testing dates, times, and locations.  Be sure to select “Add” all three sections: CBEST Mathematics Section, CBEST Reading Section, and CBEST Writing Sections before clicking the “Next” button

   

  4) Alternative Testing Arrangements

  Most testers do not need alternative testing arrangements. If you know you do not need alternative testing arrangements, click “No, I do not plan to request alternative testing arrangements” and click the “Next” button. If you think you may need alternative arrangements, please click the links they provide and read their guidelines before choosing yes.

  

  5) Test Date and Location

  This page is letting you know that you have a year to schedule your test from the time you register.  You just need to click on the “Next” button.

  

  6) Score Reporting Options

  You did not need to choose an “Institution to Receive Test Results” from the drop-down menu.  You can simply click the “Next” button to continue.

  On the following page, we recommend selecting “Yes” to have your test results mailed to you.

  

  

  7) Background Questionaire

  The only question that is required for you to answer is “What is your race or ethnicity?”  You can choose to answer the other background questions or you may just continue to click “Next” without answering.  Please note there are about 10 pages of background questions.

  

  

  8) Review Registration

  Review your registration responses and click “Add to Cart” at the bottom of the page when you are ready to register.

  

  

  III. Review Cart / Payment

  Review your cart and click the "Check Out" button.

  

  1) Agreement

  Review the testing agreements by clicking the box next to “I acknowledged” and clicking the “Next” button.

  

  2) Payment

  Read the Withdrawal/Refund Policy for Computer-Based Testing and check the box next to “I acknowledge…” if you agree with the statement.  Then enter your payment information and click the “Next" button.

  

  

  

  3) Review Order

  Review your information and click “Submit Order” button.

  

  IV. Next Steps / Scheduling Your Test

  1) Click on the link that says “Schedule Your Test”

  

  2) Click on the link that says “Schedule”

  

  3) Click on “CA-RMW: CBEST Reading, Mathematics, Writing"

  

  4) Click the light blue “Schedule This Exam” button

  

  5) Test Center Search: Type in your city or zip code and push “Search”.  Then, click on up to 3 Testing Centers and click the “Next” button.  You can see more testing centers by clicking “Display more testing centers...”

  

  6) Select Date and Time: Choose the location and date that is most convenient for you by clicking on the dates in the calendar that are open and then click the blue box that contains the available time that you desire.  You can always go back by clicking “Change Test Centers”.

  

  7) Review your order and click on "Proceed to Checkout" button.

  

  V. Final Check-Out

  1) Confirm Personal Information

  Review your information. Your name must exactly match the identification that is presented at the test center or you will not be able to take your exam.  Click on "Update my information" if you need to change your name.  If your information is correct then click the “Next” button.

  

  2) Agree to Policies

  Read the policies and if you agree, check the box next to "I have read and agree to the Evaluation Systems policies listed above.” then click the “Next” button.

  

  3) Submit Order

  Review and click the “Submit Order” button.

  

  4) Summary

  Congratulations, you finished registering for the CBEST!  We recommend you print out this page for your records and to check your email for the confirmation.  Be sure to send us your email with the receipt to get reimbursed.

  

   

• Substitute permit overview (California)
  Substitute permit overview (California)

  If you're a Swing Sub in California, getting a sub permit is a great idea! You'll be able to see more requests and you'll be more desirable to schools. We will reimburse you for all the fees associated with getting your permit, so why wait?

  

  I've applied for my permit, now what?

  That's wonderful! You should have been notified by the CTC about the estimated processing time and status of your application. Once you’ve been approved please log in to your Swing account and add your document.  

  How do I renew my permit?

  It's very simple to renew your permit! All you need to do is check out this website from the CTC - it has more information on how to renew it online, which should be processed within two weeks. Once you’ve been renewed please log in to your Swing account and update your document.  

  Swing will also reimburse you for your permit renewal! Just fill out our reimbursement form here. 

  These following articles may also be helpful:

  • Free CBEST Study And Prep Resources
  • Meeting The CA Sub-Permit's Basic Skills Requirement
• Free CBEST Study and Prep Resources
  Free CBEST Study and Prep Resources

  Everyone studies differently, but following these three steps and utilizing the free study resources listed below will help you feel more confident about taking the CBEST. You can also check out our top seven tips to help you prepare for the test.

  1) Review the topics on the exam. 

  Take note of the topics that you think you will have to spend extra time studying.  

  The following resources are Free CBEST Study Guides, which provides you with a concise listing of all the topics covered on the exam:

  • Official Pearson free CBEST content specification guide 
  • Union Test Prep and Teacher Test Prep also offer free basic CBEST Study Guides (you may have to create an account with these sites).
  • Free Study Guide Zone Study Guide
  • CSUB Writing Test Tips

  2) Take practice tests.

  Practice tests can help you pinpoint your strengths and weaknesses, which will allow you to focus your energy on studying the topics you struggle with the most.  Additionally, it will help you get acquainted with the testing format, which can alleviate anxiety and help you determine how to best utilize your time during the exam.

  • The CBEST website offers both a free online and paper practice Official CBEST practice test.

  A quick google search will show many websites that offer online prep courses, which cost money. Luckily, most of these sites will also offer free practice exams (some sites may require you to create an account). 

  • Union Test Prep
  • Teachers Test Prep 
  • Test-Guide
  • Mometrix 

  3) Re-Learn concepts and study!

  Here are some helpful sites that can help you find study strategies and review methods that work best for how you personally learn:

  • CBEST tips by USC Rossier's MAT online
  • Evidence-based general study tips
  • California State University Monterey Bay free online CBEST prep course
  • Check out CBEST advice and tips from other subs, like you, on the Faculty Lounge
  • Khan Academy is an excellent free website for learning and reviewing math concepts. 
    • Their course on the old California high school exit exam may be a good place to start, or you can search by concept/topic.

  *Swing is not affiliated with any of the websites in this article. 

• Sub Permit Requirement: Basic Skills
  Sub Permit Requirement: Basic Skills

  For more assistance on registering for the CBEST: See our CBEST Registration Guide

Using the Swing Platform

• How to Use the Swing Education Platform
  How to Use the Swing Education Platform

   

  Getting started on the Swing platform is quick and easy. In this 1-minute video, you'll learn how to:

  • Accept teaching requests

  • Fill out your profile

  • Set up direct deposit 

  • Learn how to get waitlisted

   

  Ready to start teaching? Click to view open requests.

   

• How Do I Update My Address?
  How Do I Update My Address?

  In order to update your address please:

  • Log into the platform.
  • Click on the drop down menu in the upper, right-hand corner.
  • Click on Payment Setup.

  

  You will update the first page with your new information but are also required to fill out a new W9 on the fourth section to ensure your 1099 is mailed to the right address come tax season.  If you do not update your W9, your 1099 will not be issued to you at the correct address. 

  Please review the Payment Setup article if you have more questions on how to submit your information. 

   

• How Do I Update My Requirements?
  How Do I Update My Requirements?

  To update your Swing Education mandatory requirements:

   

  Any requirement that needs updating will have a blue "update" button. Click the update button for further instructions on updating that particular requirement. If no update is needed, there will be no actionable buttons for you to select.         

  Please note: you cannot update a requirement prior to 7 weeks from the current expiration date.

  Not sure what's due? All of your documents will be displayed in your account settings with the current expiration dates. 

  Have you submitted your receipts for reimbursement? If not, click here for more information on how!

  Note: Once you have updated your requirement you can ignore emails asking you to update. Please allow 2-3 business days for your document to be accepted. 

   

• The Quick-Start Guide to the Swing Education App
  The Quick-Start Guide to the Swing Education App

   

  We know you’re busy, so we designed the Swing Education app for teachers on-the-go. With the app, you can view and accept requests, get access to your schedule, update your profile and more. Get started with the guide below.

  Get the iOS app in the App Store

  Get the Android app from Google Play

   

  Viewing New Requests & Commitments

  Log in to the app —  you only need to do this once — and you will be taken to the home screen. To view open requests, tap “Openings” at the bottom of the screen. To view your schedule, tap “Commitments”.  

  You can also sign up for waitlisted assignments. When you accept a waitlisted assignment, you will be placed into the request if the original sub cancels. To get on a waitlist, tap the “Waitlists” tab at the top of the screen. Tap the request you want, then tap “Add to Waitlist”.  

   

   

  Using Notifications

  Once you download and log into the app, you will be notified of new requests via push notification instead of through SMS messages.  With push notifications, you will now have all your Swing activity centralized in the app.

  To accept a request from a push notification, tap the notification from your notification center. This will take you to the request page for that assignment, where you can view request details and accept the request.

   If you'd like to switch back to SMS messages, contact customer support here.

   

  .    

   

  Viewing Multi-Day Requests

  To view a multi-day request, first tap to open it.  At the top of the screen, you’ll see the date range for the request. Tap the right arrow to see the day-by-day view. 

   

       

   

• How do I see requests that I am committed to?
  How do I see requests that I am committed to?

  How do I see requests that I am committed to?

  • To see assignments you’ve signed up for or any other commitments, click on “Show Commitments”. This tab will also show you: your current waitlists, and what long term requests you are signed up on the waitlist for.  
• How do I view requests?
  How do I view requests?

  All jobs, or “requests”, as we call them, will be placed directly by the schools onto the Swing platform. You can see these requests on the Swing platform by:
  Logging into your account at https://subs.swingeducation.com/#/

  
  Clicking on "Open Requests"
  You will see a list of open requests with a summary of the request details. Click on "View Details" to open the request and view the information the admin has included.

  You can also check the Show Waitlists?” Box to see requests that are filled but have an open waitlist. By adding yourself to the waitlist, you are expressing interest in the request should it become available. If chosen, you will receive a notification that you are confirmed to fill the request.
  

  

   

              

Classroom Best Practices & Resources

• Swing Tutors FAQ
  Swing Tutors FAQ

  What is Swing Tutors?

  Swing Tutors is a new program offered to qualified subs to provide one-on-one online support for K-12 students. Students are paired with subs based on grade level and subject matter expertise to help keep the student on track. Just like our core Substitute teaching service, tutors are given the ability to make their own schedule and choose from a wide range of tutoring requests that become available on our platform. Our goal is to provide high quality ongoing support for students by pairing them with compatible tutors. 

   

  How do I Become a Swing Tutor?

  We are currently piloting Swing Tutors with a small group of certificated California Substitutes. We will let you know as soon as we expand Swing Tutors to more states and open up tutoring requests to our broader sub pool. 

   

  How Do I Sign Up For a Session?

  Swing Tutoring sessions are made available to eligible subs in the same manner as other substitute teaching requests --either on our web platform, via text, or through mobile app notifications. Once you sign up for a tutoring session, you may be contacted by a member of the Swing team to ensure you are a good fit for the request. Once accepted into a request it will show up in your commitments page. Clicking on the request will give you access to specific details as well as the link you will need to access our E-Classroom. 

  Requests may evolve into recurring weekly commitments. Furthermore, Swing Tutors empowers tutors to create their own lessons plans in order to best facilitate the needs and learning style of their students. 

   

  How are Sessions Conducted?

  All Swing Tutoring sessions are conducted as one-on-one virtual sessions using our interactive E-Classroom. Our E-Classroom allows for face-to-face video chat and also features a virtual whiteboard where tutors and students can work collaboratively. The E-Classroom also supports document uploading, text sharing and a host of other tools to create a robust learning environment. 

   

  How Do I Get Paid?

  Swing Tutors requests are paid out in the same way as normal requests on a weekly basis either via direct deposit or check. Most sessions will be 1 hour long and pay $35/hour.

• Can I Share my Social Media With Students?
  Can I Share my Social Media With Students?

  Swing Subs, under no circumstances, should share their social media accounts with any student(s). It is also not acceptable to post on a blog or web page or participate on a social networking platform, such as Twitter or similar sites, while on assignment for Swing at a Swing partner site. 

  We ask that you leave your cell phone hidden away in your belongings to avoid temptation while teaching. Your personal cellular devices should only be out in the event of an emergency with a student where the use of the cell phone is necessary. 

  Use of your phone or social media while on an assignment, may lead to termination of your account.

   

   

• Swing Education, STEDI Team to Offer Substitute Teacher Training
  Swing Education, STEDI Team to Offer Substitute Teacher Training

  

  Professional development is a big part of a teacher’s year, and for good reason. Studies show that professional development can have a direct impact on student achievement, not to mention educator satisfaction.

  At Swing Education, we think all educators — not just full-time teachers in school-sponsored PD programs — should have access to high-quality training. That’s why we’re so excited to team with STEDI to offer the best-in-class SubSkills Online Training course. Swing substitute teachers will get access to the course at no cost. 

  Click here to start the training!

  Why STEDI?
  

  STEDI was founded in 1995 as the Substitute Teaching Institute at Utah State University. The organization has since trained nearly 125,000 substitute teachers nationwide via a range of research-backed courses.

  The SubSkills Online Training course focuses on five key areas of substitute teaching:

  • Classroom management
  • Teaching strategies
  • Professionalism
  • Special education
  • Legal issues

  Swing substitute teachers enrolled in the course will have an opportunity to earn the SubDiploma after completing the SubAssessment test. (A score of 85 percent or better is required to pass.)

  How to Enroll

  Swing substitutes who are interested in enrolling in the SubSkills course should fill out this form. We’ll then be in touch with your no-cost personal access code to help you get started.

  START THE TRAINING!

  Swing’s Commitment to Substitute Teacher Quality

  Swing Education is committed to matching high-quality substitute teachers with schools that need them. That’s why we continue to invest in providing our substitute teachers with resources — like the SubSkills course — they need to succeed and grow.

  Here are some of the other ways we support our substitute teachers:

  • Swing substitutes get access to the Swing Lounge, a supportive online community to share classroom tips, best practices, and strategies.
  • We’ve partnered with Stride to support our substitute teachers with tax and healthcare resources.
  • Our team of former educators and K-12 experts contributes to our online resource center, which provides information and support related to classroom management, professional development, teaching strategies, and more.
  • We work with our school partners across all regions to create teacher shadowing opportunities and school-based substitute teacher orientations in the summer and fall.
  • We hold end-of-year substitute teacher community-building events.

  About the Author

  As the VP of Talent at Swing Education, Janine Chen leads a dedicated team that helps our substitute teachers succeed. Janine has spent her entire career in education, including positions with schools and non-profits. She is an alumna of the Harvard Graduate School of Education.

• How Can I Improve My Classroom Management?
  How Can I Improve My Classroom Management?

  Classroom management refers to the actions teachers take to prevent, stop, and de-escalate distractions or disruptive behaviors and to encourage productive cooperative behaviors. Students need to feel safe and welcome in their classroom in order for them to focus and learn. There are many things you can do to show the students that you are a “warm demander”, or someone who upholds high expectations for students because they care about the students’ well-being, education, and future.

  This article will provide suggestions that are great for substitutes, which can help you in-the-moment.  Here are some additional great resources that can help you frame your overall understanding of classroom management.

  • Free Online Training on Basic Proactive Classroom Management
    • Basic Proactive Classroom Management Strategies
    • Giving Clear Directions for a Task
  • IRIS Training Module on Classroom Management
  • Reframing Classroom Management: A Toolkit for Educators
  • Article: The Teacher as a Warm Demander

  Mindset Shift

  Many educators make the mistake of assuming that students know what they need to be doing to be successful.  When student behavior does not meet expectations, teachers may feel disrespected or may assume that the student doesn’t want to follow rules or do well in school. That assumption often leads to frustrated students and teachers who both feel like failures.  The most productive assumption is to believe that all students want to do well in school, but they don’t know how to. Below are some tips on how to adapt this student-positive mindset into actions that will result in a decrease in undesirable behaviors.

  Always Give Explicit Directions

  Explicit is defined as “stating clearly and in detail, leaving no room for confusion or doubt.”

  • Explain exactly what you want to observe students doing for every activity and during transitions to new activities. Assume the students do not know how to be students.
    • Describe for students:
      • how you want them to move 
      • what you want to see  
      • what you want to hear 
      • and how much time they have 
    • Describe verbally, have it written visibly, and when possible physically model the behavior (or have a student model behavior)
    • Resources and Examples
      • Free Online Teaching Training on Clear Directions
      • Youtube Video Playlist of Explicit Directions
      • How to Give Your Students Unforgettable Directions
      • Stanford Inspire Program: Giving Clear Directions for a Task Coaching Guide
  • Check for Understanding (CFU): Make sure students understand the directions before moving on
    • Youtube Video Playlist of Examples
    • Check for Understanding Strategies list
  • Use positive narration frequently: verbally state the behaviors you see that are meeting expectations. It allows you to acknowledge students that are on task and it provides another opportunity for students to hear directions.  
    • School Improvement Network Article and Video
    • Youtube Video Playlist of Examples
    • The Power of Positive Narration

  Classroom Management

  Establish Expectations and a Sense of Urgency

  • Start the class on time and follow all tardy procedures
  • Have students complete a “Do Now,” which is an activity students start working on as soon as they come in the room.  Directions should be easily visible to students and should involve accessing previous knowledge or experiences so all students can participate.
    • Video example and explanation of Do Nows
    • Article about Do Nows
  • Verbally state classroom rules/expectations and consequences and also have it written someplace that is always visible
  • Develop one “Attention Getter,” or a protocol for getting students’ attention. Practice it with the students at the beginning of class.  Do not speak or give directions until no one else is speaking and you have most eyes on you.
    • Helpful Videos from the Teaching Channel
    • List of Examples
    • Youtube Playlist of Examples
  • Verbally countdown as time passes to help students manage their time.  Use a visual timer if it is available to you.
  • Circulate around the classroom and go to the student if they raise their hand. When assisting students, look up often to survey the classroom.
  • Follow the school’s student bathroom/drink procedures, and only let one student out of the class at a time so you know exactly who is and isn’t in the classroom

  Upholding Expectations

  • Utilize non verbal redirection first.  Avoid calling attention to undesired behavior
    • Proximity:  Try standing near students who have trouble focusing when giving directions
    • Develop a “Teacher Look”
  • Pick your battles:  Choose two to five non-negotiable behaviors that are needed to keep the class safe and productive and consistently focus on those.  It is ok to ignore some behaviors if they don’t ultimately affect the rest of the class
    • Here are common non-negotiables
      • One mic  - do not talk when the teacher is addressing class
      • 6-inch /inside voices - during group work time students should only be talking loud of enough for the person next to them to hear
      • Stay in seats - ask permission to get up
      • Treat each other with respect - don't allow students to bully each other 
  • Follow the school’s or teacher’s consequence chain for not meeting behavior expectations, if none is provided, develop your own.  Refer back to your classroom expectations often.
  • Think of yourself as a warm demander when addressing undesirable student behaviors
    • Go up to the student and address behavior discreetly
    • Try to position yourself so you are on the student's’ level and not hovering over them
    • Maintain a supportive, kind, but firm tone that is only loud enough for that student to hear and state the following 
      • name the undesirable behavior
      • remind them of the expectation they are not meeting (that you have already set for students)
      • give them a choice: meet expectations or receive the next consequence in your management plan
    • Walk away immediately after resetting expectations, do not engage in an argument, negotiation, or back and forth with the student.
    • Write detailed notes for the teacher that state the student, behavior, your actions, and how the student reacted
    • Look for opportunities to acknowledge struggling students for appropriate behavior
  • Be consistent about which behaviors you address and follow-through with your consequence chain.  Students are quick to call out when they think something is unfair
    • Do not engage in compromise with students
    • If one of the consequences involves a student going to the office, do not hesitate to execute.
    • It is ok to call the office for support.
      • Take notes to demonstrate that you went through the consequence chain.
  • Seek Additional Resources and Support
    • Polly Bath Videos (Behavior Specialist)
    • Responding to Behavior Toolkit
    • Teacher Learning Center Seminars

  Show You Care

  • Individually greet each student as they enter the classroom.
  • Introduce yourself and write your name someplace visible.  Share an interesting fact about yourself
  • If possible (if students have something to work on), instead of calling student’s names aloud for attendance, go around and ask each student to say their name
  • Utilize any positive behavior reward system the school uses.  
  • Constantly look for opportunities for positive narrations or to praise students, especially for students who are struggling to meet expectations.  It can be something as little as “Mary has her pencil in her hand” 
  • If possible, ask students who are behaviorally challenging to help assist you with classroom duties such as passing out papers.  It helps you build a relationship with the student and gives them something positive to focus on.

  Things To Avoid

  • Avoid addressing behaviors publicly, in front of the class.  This corners the student into a power struggle. Students care about what their peers think, so they may act defiantly because they know everyone is watching them.
  • Avoid embarrassing or humiliating students.  
  • Do not make threats or promises you cannot keep
  • Avoid showing frustration or anger
  • Avoid raising your voice when addressing the class, the lower your voice, the quieter students need to be to hear you.  
  • Avoid asking rhetorical questions or using sarcasm, some students may not understand it or misinterpret it
  • Don’t punish the entire class for the action of one or few students, instead use peer influence to encourage positive behavior by rewarding the whole class for the improvement of a few
  • Don’t try to physically move a student away from others; if the student is not responding, ask other students to move away from the distracting student

  Additional Resources

  • From Survive To Thrive: What Great Substitute Teachers Do Differently
  • New Teacher Survival Guide 
  • Edutopia Classroom Management Tips
  • ThoughtCo: Classroom Management Tips for Substitute Teachers
  • The Cornerstone for Teachers: Classroom Management Tips for Substitute Teachers
  • TeachHub: Classroom Management of Substitute Teachers
  • The Teaching Channel: Behavior Videos
  • STEDI Substitute Training Videos

   

   

   

   

   

   

• Substitute Teacher Code of Conduct
  Substitute Teacher Code of Conduct

  Swing partners with schools that serve a wide diversity of students and communities across the United States and your hard work makes that possible. Swing has a responsibility to meet the needs of schools and also understands the challenges of substitute teaching.

  We expect our subs to have the utmost professionalism when representing Swing on a school campus. 

  Professional= be on time, be respectful, be prepared!

  Although the specific protocols and rules of schools can be different, this list of standard expectations will help you be successful in most situations across all schools:

  • All communication will be professional and courteous with school staff- at all times. 
  • In the event that the school or you, as the sub, are not satisfied with your experience at any assignment for any reason, the school or the sub can request to be unlinked from each other.
  • When a school requests to unlink a sub we strive to objectively provide you with any actionable feedback so you can reflect on and improve in your practice.
  • We want our subs to succeed, so we are happy to keep working with subs if they indicate that they have a desire to continue growing as an educator and we find that they’re a good fit for other schools.
  • There are some behaviors, however, which are considered safety concerns. Those behaviors are never acceptable at any school and can be grounds for immediate removal from the platform.
  • We may also consider removing a substitute from the platform when we observe a pattern of unchanged negative behavior or if the sub’s response indicates that the sub is unable to adequately improve.

  Expectations Regarding Safety Concerns

  This section contains behaviors that are never acceptable at any school and can be grounds for removal from the Swing platform. They could also result in schools or parents pursuing legal actions.

  We caution you to avoid the following behaviors to be successful at a school:

  • Have any physical contact with a student or their belongings
  • Have any interaction with a student or staff  that can be considered lewd or sexual harassment
  • Use inappropriate language (socially offensive/lewd) or verbally abuse a student, staff member, parent, or member of the public while on school property
  • Comment on a student’s personal appearance/characteristics, identities, abilities, or known disability
  • Have sole custody of a student in a private setting
  • Leave students unattended or not actively monitoring the class (ex: sleeping, being engaged with electronic devices, ignoring safety issues)
  • Leave the school grounds during school hours without notifying school administration
  • Bring or show unauthorized movies (including but not limited to internet clips) or
    photographs to the students
  • Transport students in a vehicle without authorization from the school
  • Provide medication to a student
  • Attempt to contact or be contacted by a student outside of the assignment
  • Remove school property from school grounds or fail to return school property
  • Share confidential information about a student or school employee with
    non-relevant/third parties unless required by law (including but not limited to photographs, recordings, social media posts, or discussing a student's information - especially about a student’s disability or learning accommodations)

  Expectations for Accepting Assignments

  Reliability is extremely important to schools. By following these expectations you have the opportunity to earn Star Sub status.

  • Complete all accepted assignments 
  • Use the Swing platform to cancel an assignment, if you are no longer able to meet the assignment requirements
  • Avoid canceling any assignments less than 24 hours before the assignment start time

  Expectations On the Day of an Assignment

  First impressions matter, you may find yourself developing your network! Follow these expectations to make a great first impression.

  Checking In:

  • Arrive on time or earlier than the expected start time 
  • Contact the school immediately via phone if there is an emergency cancel or tardy
    • Contact Swing Support (support@swingeducation.com) to explain the nature of the cancel or tardy. This also helps us confirm any appropriate changes to the assignment.
  • Follow the school’s’ dress code
  • Follow the school’s check-in procedures
  • Be approachable, flexible, and ready to assist the school with their needs
  • Communicate professionally with all school staff
    • Do not use curse words or derogatory language
    • Avoid discussing controversial or polarizing topics such as politics, religion, drugs, sexuality, etc

  Before Class Starts:

  • Read over lesson plans and prepare materials needed to execute the plans
  • Familiarize yourself with the school’s behavior management policies and style
  • Familiarize yourself with all school safety equipment, such as fire extinguishers or eye washes and protocols including but not limited to lockdown procedures, codewords, fire/earthquake/tornado procedures, and medical emergencies
  • Make sure you know how to communicate with your point of contact while in the classroom

  During Class:

  When executing classroom duties:

  • Never leave students unattended
  • Make sure all students are accounted for by following procedures for attendance, hallway passes, and transitions
  • Actively monitor students - do not use personal electronics, read, or sleep
  • Follow the lesson plan and/or instructions provided by the school
  • Commit to remain objective with students and the learning material, without bias or prejudice
  • Communicate with staff if there is a safety concern in the classroom
  • If you are working as substitute teacher’s aide or paraprofessional, follow the directions of the lead teacher

  When interacting with students:

  • State and uphold behavioral expectations so the class maintains a safe learning environment
  • Treat all students with courtesy, kindness, and respect at all times
  • Engage with students by answering their questions.  Walk around the room and go to students
  • Understand and respect the values and traditions of the diverse cultures represented in the community and in the classroom
  • Avoid discussing controversial and polarizing topics including but not limited to: religion, race, politics, sex, drugs etc.

  Passing Periods / Lunch / Planning Periods / Recess:

  • Follow all hallway, transition, and dismissal procedures
  • Only dismiss students at the bell or designated dismissal time
  • Follow any break, lunch, planning period, or recess procedures and complete any student monitoring duties or administrative duties during these time periods
  • Do not leave students unattended; wait until a qualified adult is present
  • Ask permission, and inform staff if you need to leave campus
  • Arrive at least 3 minutes early to assigned area after a break
  • Take breaks / eat lunch in designated areas on campus
  • Do not smoke cigarettes, use electronic cigarettes, or vaping on school grounds or near campus

  End of Classes / Assignment:

  Following these expectations will help you leave a good impression with the school.  This can lead to you becoming one of their preferred subs in the future.

  • Leave detailed notes for the teacher, avoiding judgemental or subjective language
  • Collect all school work from students and make sure it is organized
  • Follow all procedures for student dismissal
  • Do not let students leave until the designated time for dismissal
  • Leave the classroom as tidy as possible or in the same condition as it was upon arrival
  • Make sure any technology or equipment is accounted for and properly stored/locked
  • Ensure classroom is locked/secured
  • Return all school property, including keys
  • Follow all school check-out procedures
  • Ensure school admin is aware that you are leaving campus

   

  Featured Articles:

  Check out the Swing Faculty Lounge for useful resources on how to make your first day successful, how to build classroom culture and how to become a StarSub.

• 5 tips for making your first day of subbing a success
  5 tips for making your first day of subbing a success

  This document is intended as guidance to help SwingSubs who are new to teaching start out strong.  We have seen that new subs who follow the steps below are more likely to have a positive experience on their first day.  

   

  1. Make sure you know where the assignment is and when you are expected to arrive

   

  

   

  First impressions are important, especially when you are just starting out as a sub and are building up your confidence in the classroom. Make sure the first impression you give to a school is that you are a responsible professional.  Dressing professionally, taking the time to plan your morning commute, and ensuring you know when you are expected are the first steps. Make sure you take into account rush hour traffic and time for parking when planning your arrival so you don’t start your day off flustered.  See this article on how to use Google Maps to always arrive on time.

  Remember, being in charge of a class you don’t know is challenging enough.  Do your best to avoid adding stress to your morning by knowing where you need to be and when.  

   

  2. Plan to arrive to your first assignments earlier than requested

  Whether it is your first time ever being a sub or just your first time at a particular school it is worthwhile to plan to arrive 15-30 minutes earlier than requested.  This will allow you to familiarize yourself with the school’s office manager/secretary, the campus, the bell schedule, where the adult restrooms/staff lounge is, and ask any questions you have before the morning rush kicks into high gear.  This also lets you get settled into your classroom for the day well before students start filing in.

  Remember, you can also get a head start on this before you get to the school by clicking on and reading the “Instructions for this School” on the My Commitments tab of the online platform. This link will give you a lot of the most pertinent information for the school and will help you be ready to go when you arrive at the school.

   

   3. Follow the plans that are left for you

  While the extent and quality of lesson plans teachers leave for subs can vary significantly you will always be best served to stick as close to the lesson they leave you as possible.  If you cannot find the lesson plan or are having trouble understanding it, ask the other grade level teachers or one of the school’s administrators for help.  Whatever you do, don’t disregard their plan and just do your own thing.  There are two main reasons to avoid this:

  1) Teachers have specific goals and outcomes for the lesson they leave you; these plans are often tied to broader goals for the academic growth of the students.  Disregarding the lesson can make the sub-day feel like a “lost day” for the teacher even if you gave the students the best lesson ever.  

  2) Especially when you are a new sub, you will have your hands full of classroom and behavior management. You do not need to add an additional layer of complexity to your day.  Just make sure to ask for the lesson plan when you get to the school and do your best to execute it.  In short, keep it simple. 

   

  4. Stay calm and positive

  Classrooms can be hectic places, but only if you let them be.  Students will take their cue from you and if you remain calm and stay positive you will be amazed how students respond.  In particular, it is important to remember that behavior is largely a product of its immediate environment and that behavior ultimately responds better to positive rather than negative consequences.  While it is hard to do in a single day, creating a safe and positive classroom by staying calm and reinforcing good behavior (rather than punishing bad behavior) will make it much easier to execute the day’s lesson.  

  It is important to be engaged with the class.  Actively monitoring the classroom and walking around to ensure all students are on task is a great way to manage student behavior without having to resort to negative reinforcement.  For great videos on managing a classroom in a positive way you can check out the Teaching Channel, in particular, this video focuses on creating a safe and positive classroom.  

   

  5. Complete as much as you can and leave a full report.

  Teachers love to know what did and did not happen in their class when they were out.  Make sure you leave a full report on what you were able to cover and what you did not get to as far as the lesson plan is concerned.  Also mention any student behavior, especially positive things (“Alex M was soooo helpful all day and set a great example for the rest of the class”).  If any major negative episodes occur, write down what happened and make sure you tell one of the other grade level teachers or an administrator.  Finally, make sure you leave the classroom in the condition it was when you arrived and sign out when you leave the building.

  While there is nothing that will replace experience, following the steps above will make your first days as a sub much smoother and will allow you to start building up your confidence and classroom management skills.   

  Remember:

  • Be professional
  • Be on time (or early)
  • Follow the plan
  • Stay calm
  • Let the teacher know what happened while they were out.  

I need help now!

• COVID-19 Financial Assistance Resources
  COVID-19 Financial Assistance Resources

  IMPORTANT NOTICE (Updated 4/22/20):

  States have updated their websites with eligibility guidelines and information on applying for PUA (Pandemic Assistance Insurance). To learn more, find your state under the "Federal Cares ACT" section of this article.

  As a substitute teacher with Swing Education, please be reminded that you are an independent contractor, thus you are self-employed and not an employee of Swing Education. We can point you in the direction of your state’s Unemployment Insurance office, but we cannot provide instructions or advice on how to file. Please contact your state’s UI office for help on how to file.

   

  Federal CARES Act 

  The Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act. The $2 trillion stimulus bill passed on March 27, 2020 provides multiple financial assistance programs. Key benefits are listed below. An overview of all programs can be found here.  

  • Pandemic Unemployment Assistance. Under the CARES Act, states are able to extend unemployment benefits to independent contractors and gig workers.  Look up your state’s unemployment insurance website for specific information about how to file. Additional state-level information on PUA can be found below.
    • California residents: PUA is effective April 28, 2020. See details.
    • New Jersey residents click here and here.
    • Illinois residents click here.
    • Washington, D.C. residents: PUA is effective retroactive to January 27, 2020. See details.
    • Texas residents click here.
    • Arizona residents: PUA is effective May 12, 2020. See details.
    • New York residents click here.

   

  • Direct payments to individuals and families, based on income.
  • Eviction moratoriums for qualifying renters.
  • Mortgage forbearance for certain types of loans. (Contact your lender directly.)
  • Energy assistance for low-income families. Learn more.
  • Student loan relief options for borrowers. Learn more.

   

  Additional Federal Resources

  • FEMA disaster unemployment assistance. Contact the Department of Labor to find out if your situation qualifies for assistance. Find information here.
  • Unemployment insurance. The federal government is allowing new options for states to amend their laws to provide unemployment insurance benefits related to COVID-19. Find information here.
  • Your local Member of Congress. Find out what type of assistance is available in your area by visiting your Congressional Representative’s web page. Use this zip code lookup tool, then click the link under the photo.
  • Tax Day extension. The IRS has extended the deadline for filing and tax payments to July 15, 2020.

   

  State Resources

  California 

  • Health care expansion. Effective immediately, anyone uninsured and eligible to enroll in health care coverage through Covered California can sign up through the end of June, 2020. In addition, consumers who sign up through CoveredCA.com may find out that they are eligible for no-cost or low-cost coverage through Medi-Cal.
  • New tenant protections. Governor Gavin Newsome declared a moratorium on all evictions through May 31, 2020.
  • Paid Family Leave and other programs. Find out what else is available to Californians.

  New Jersey

  • Housing protections: Governor Murphy enacted a moratorium on foreclosures and evictions.
  • Utility bill relief: The New Jersey Board of Public Utilities (NJBPU) today announced that the state’s public electric and gas utilities have universally agreed to suspend service shutoffs.
  • Alternative employment options. Visit the State of New Jersey’s job portal to find out which companies are hiring now.

   

  Local Resources

  • Your local county and city government websites may offer resources for dealing with COVID-19 related closures. Find your local government web site using this lookup tool.
  • Evictions: many local governments have declared moratoriums on evictions. Use the lookup tool above to find more information on what’s happening in your local area.
  • Foreclosures: several banks have agreed to defer mortgage payments. Contact your lender to find out what programs they are offering.
  • Utility payments: if you are having trouble paying your utility bills, contact your local provider to see what programs they are offering.

   

  Private Resources

  Free WiFi

  • Xfinity from Comcast is offering free hotspots to low-income families.
  • Spectrum is offering free internet for 60 days to students and to educator households that don’t currently have internet or WiFi service.
  • Sonic.net is offering 90 days of free internet access to students and seniors.  They're also offering deferred billing for up to 60 days for customers experiencing financial hardship. Contact them at billing@sonic.net.

   

  Health Care

  • Stride, our health care partner, created a comprehensive resource guide for independent contractors. The guide includes financial resources by state, plus health and tax information. The guide is open to all. You do not need to be a Stride member.

  Alternative Employment Resources

  • The U.S. Postal Service is hiring workers to help with the surge in online delivery demands. 
  • The IRS (Internal Revenue Service) is hiring seasonal workers for multiple positions.

   

  Other Resources

  • Silicon Valley Strong (Santa Clara County, CA residents) is an $11M fund providing assistance to low-income families at risk of homelessness related to COVID-19. View eligibility requirements here. 
  • Kiva, the crowdsourced small business lender, is offering interest-free small business loans up to $15,000 with up to 6 months deferred payment.
  • Expensify.org will reimburse families using SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) up to $50.
  • Molson Coors Beverage Co. is pledging $1M to the USBG National Charity Foundation, assisting out-of-work bar industry professionals affected by the COVID-19 crisis.

   

  Do you have a valuable resource to share with other subs? Email us and we will share it here.

• COVID-19 (Coronavirus) FAQs for Substitute Teachers
  COVID-19 (Coronavirus) FAQs for Substitute Teachers

   

  • Does Swing Education offer remote teaching opportunities? 
  • Schools now have the option to select remote learning when requesting a sub.  Most of these assignments will require you to have a working computer or tablet and a reliable internet connection.
  • If a school in your region requests a remote sub, the request will state "REMOTE/ONLINE" in the address field. The school will provide online tool information, such as login credentials for Zoom or Google Classroom, in the notes field.  
  • If you accept a remote request and do not get the information you need to teach the class remotely, contact the school as soon as the assignment is confirmed.

   

  • Can I get paid while schools are closed? 
  • You will continue to be paid as usual for days you have already worked. However, schools pay only for filled requests, so we are unable to pay subs for days that are not worked during these closures.
  • You may be able to find financial assistance through federal, state or local programs. Learn more.

   

  • I’ve recently been traveling. Do I need to do anything differently? 
  • If you have traveled to a Level 3 Travel Health Notice country, please stay home for a period of 2 weeks from the time you returned home. 
  • If any symptoms arise within that 14-day period, including fever, cough or shortness of breath, call your medical provider immediately. Do not take any teaching assignments until a prognosis is determined.
  • If you have traveled to areas domestically or internationally without a known COVID-19 outbreak and you do not have any symptoms of illness, you may continue working as usual.

   

  • What should I do if I feel sick?
  • If you have worked in schools in the past 2 weeks and have tested positive for COVID-19, contact us with details as soon as possible.
  • If you are experiencing fever, vomiting, diarrhea or other symptoms of a communicable illness, whether or not you believe it’s related to COVID-19, cancel any upcoming requests on the Swing platform immediately.
  • If the request is same-day, please contact the school directly as well as our support team.

   

  • Will I be penalized for canceling a request due to sickness?
  • We are waiving all cancellation penalties from March 15, 2020 through April 30, 2020, regardless of the reason.  Please do not go to the school sick because you are worried about a cancellation penalty. Starting May 1st, 2020 we will be waiving the penalty on a case by case basis. Please be as specific as possible when canceling.

   

  • I’m in a high-risk group and don’t feel comfortable teaching at this time due to the increased health risks from COVID-19. What should I do?
  • It is your choice which requests you accept or not. If you have upcoming requests that you don’t feel comfortable completing, go ahead and cancel. 
  • However, if you are scheduled for a request that begins within 24 hours or have already started a long-term request, please contact us as soon as possible

   

  • Will I still be paid for the day if I have to leave early from a request due to sickness?
  • You will only be paid for the time you worked based on our half-day/full-day policy. 

   

  • What if the school I am at sends me home early due to COVID-19 concerns on their campus?
  • If a school closes early, you will be paid for the hours you worked, either a half or full day. There are no additional actions you need to take.

   

  • What can I expect if a school I have subbed at recently has a known case of COVID-19?
  • If you have an upcoming assignment at a school that will be closed due to COVID-19, you will receive a cancellation via text message or push notification. You will not be paid for assignments that are canceled in advance of the start date.

   

  • Do you have a list of all school closures in my area? 
  • If you have any upcoming assignments at schools that are closing, you will be notified of the canceled requests via text message or push notification. However, if you are curious about other schools, Education Week has put together this map of school closures. 

   

  • How will I know when schools in my area reopen?
  • You will automatically begin receiving substitute teaching requests again as schools reopen and they become available. 

   

  • I am on a long-term assignment, will it be canceled?

  • You will be paid for days you have worked, and, in most cases, future days will be canceled. When the school reopens, the school may request that you  continue the assignment if you are still available. 
  • Some schools may offer the opportunity to continue your long-term assignment in a remote teaching capacity. In this case, the school will reach out to you directly to discuss the terms of the change, and of course it’s your choice whether to continue the assignment. If you choose not to continue, we will waive any cancellation penalties.

   

  • Are there things I can do to advance my career with Swing Education while schools are closed? 
  • Yes! Click here to learn more about advancing your career with Swing Education.

   

  • Why was my Swing Hero request canceled? I thought those assignments are guaranteed.  
    • Under normal circumstances, it would be very unusual for a Swing Hero request to be canceled. We depend on all of you Heroes to help fill last minute openings at schools! However, these are not normal circumstances. Given that schools are currently closed, we have canceled all upcoming Swing Hero requests except those starting within 24 hours. Swing Hero requests will become available again when most schools are back in session. You can learn more about Swing Heroes here.

   

  • Can I still sign up to sub with Swing Education?
    • In light of restrictions due to the COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic, we are placing a temporary pause on adding new subs to our network. Some of the steps to onboard as a sub require face-to-face interaction, and for the health and safety of you and your community we can’t support taking any in-person steps at this time.

  • • If you’re already in the process of becoming a sub, your onboarding will be on hold until we receive guidance from the Centers for Disease Control that it’s safe for you to proceed with face-to-face onboarding requirements. We thank you for your patience and look forward to welcoming you into the Swing community soon!

     

  • Where can I get more information about COVID-19? 
  • You can find more information, as well as updates, on the CDC website.
• How to Continue Building your Career during School Closures
  How to Continue Building your Career during School Closures

  Make sure all of your requirements are up to date. Log into your profile to see if any requirements need renewing. California subs: if it’s been a while since you’ve done your mandated reporter training, now is a good time to renew it. 

   

  Get (or renew) your teaching permit. If you are in California or New Jersey, and don’t yet have your teaching certificate, you can start the process now with our TEACH program, available only through Swing Education. TEACH provides monetary, professional and personal support to substitute teachers, so nothing stands in the way of you getting your permit. Getting your permit opens up more teaching opportunities and can lead to higher pay.

   

  Complete your online profile. Once you accept an assignment, schools will be able to view your profile. That’s why you’ll want to make sure it looks professional. And don’t forget to include a photo! 

   

  Take advantage of our free professional development resources. These include everything from articles to online training modules you can take at your convenience. 

   

  - STEDI is an organization dedicated to providing research-based training materials for substitute teachers. We offer STEDI’s SubSkills online training course to the subs we work with at no cost.

  - Weareteachers, a “virtual lounge” of practical classroom ideas, advice and more. Check out their Career Advice page for PD resources.

  - Sanford Inspire, an online learning portal that provides free, on-demand training for teachers. 

   

  Get specialized. As a substitute teacher, you’re expected to be a generalist and a specialist, ready to jump in and teach any subject to any grade. We’re sharing our best techniques for teaching the most common subjects requested by schools. 

   Teaching math

  Teaching science

  Teaching English

   

  Explore health insurance options. If you’re in the market for a new plan, check out Stride. Swing Education has partnered with Stride to help you find a plan that fits your budget.

• How can I see more openings?
  How can I see more openings?

  Your sub account shows you all available requests you are available to pick up. To see more requests you can: 

  • California subs: Get a 30-day sub permit

  • Request to be linked to more regions

  • Thank the admin before you leave your assignments, and request for them to make you a preferred sub!

  • Check out this help article for more info on seeing requests.

   

• Summer Break- From opportunities to resources available to you!
  Summer Break- From opportunities to resources available to you!

  All requests are issued directly on the platform, by our school partners, including summer opportunities! We encourage you to sign up for not only the open requests but the waitlists as well to maximize your opportunities. Reaching out to any schools that you truly enjoyed working at and letting them know you are available for any summer opportunities can be a great way of building relationships and securing work as well. 

  Some tips to increase your opportunities: 

  Make sure all of your requirements are up to date.

  Login to your account to see what needs updating. 

  If you're in California and do not already have a permit, getting one during the summer would be a perfect way of getting yourself ready for the upcoming school year. 

  • The Complete Guide to Becoming a Substitute Teacher in California

  Complete your online profile.

  Once you accept an assignment, schools will be able to view your profile. That’s why you’ll want to make sure it looks professional. And don’t forget to include a photo! 

  Take advantage of our free professional development resources.

  These include everything from articles, to online training modules you can take at your convenience. 

  • STEDI is an organization dedicated to providing research-based training materials for substitute teachers. We offer STEDI’s SubSkills online training course to the subs we work with at no cost.
  • Weareteachers, a “virtual lounge” of practical classroom ideas, advice and more. Check out their Career Advice page for PD resources.
  • Sanford Inspire, an online learning portal that provides free, on-demand training for teachers. 

  Get specialized.

  As a substitute teacher, you’re expected to be a generalist and a specialist, ready to jump in and teach any subject to any grade. We’re sharing our best techniques for teaching the most common subjects requested by schools.

  • Teaching math
  • Teaching science
  • Teaching English
• What Do I Do If I'm running late?
  What Do I Do If I'm running late?

  No matter your reason for being late, your first step is to call the school!

  • The phone number of the school administrator will be on the request page.
  • Try to call them as soon as you know you'll be late.
  • Be HONEST about how long it will take for you to arrive. 
  • Keep in mind most schools would rather have you arrive late than not at all! Before canceling, try and reach the admin to see what they would prefer. 

  If you cannot reach the admin by phone: Send an email!

  • Admins are very busy and can't always answer the phone so a follow-up email is always best.
  • If the email is not listed on the request page, submit a request and ask us to forward your email to the admin.
  • Be HONEST about how long it will take for you to arrive. 

  Some schools will be very understanding, but you can expect that they won't be very happy. At Swing, we understand that unexpected delays can happen. If you're late once or twice, we'll trust that you're trying your best. If you're consistently late or if a school complains about your tardiness, a flag will be placed on your sub account.

  Please note: Not contacting the school can result in the admin canceling the request assuming you are not going to arrive. They may also mark you a no show, which hurts your status with Swing. Lastly, you may be blocked from picking up requests at that school again, which means fewer chances of securing an assignment. 

  Please try your best to be on time and always verify your arrival time the night before.  

  You can also text us at (650) 413-9268 if you need additional assistance.

All About Pay!

• How Can I Get A Copy Of My 1099?
  How Can I Get A Copy Of My 1099?

  All Swing Subs that earned $600 or more for the previous year will be issued a 1099-MISC. This form will be mailed to the address we have on file for you by January 31st each year. 

  If you made more than $600 and need a copy:

  You should have received an email from noreply@taxformsdownload.com that includes the information on how to download your 1099 form. Check your spam folder, as the email may have gotten lost in there!

  The email should contain log in and password instructions to access your 1099 form at Taxformsdownload.com.

  1. To access your form, you will need a password and your email address. The password consists of the first four letters of your first name or your company name in lowercase letters plus the last four digits of your SSN or EIN. Here are some examples:1. If your name appears on the form as Mary May with an SSN of 711223456, then the password would be mary3456 (first 4 characters of your Full Name / Business Name + last 4 digits of your SSN/ITIN number).

  2. If your name appears on the form as AL D with ITIN as 517223355, then the password would be al3355 (first 2 characters of your Full Name / Business Name since the Full Name / Business Name is shorter than 4 characters + last 4 digits of your SSN/ITIN number).

  3. If your business name appears on the form as Mary May PLLC with ITIN as 012847934, then the password would be mary7934 (first 4 characters of your organization name + last 4 digits of your ITIN/EIN number).

   

  FAQ's:

  I can't access the tax website, can you send me a copy?

  • Yes, we can send you a copy via email. Please contact us and state that you would like a copy and authorize it to be sent via email.

  I earned less than $600, can I get a 1099?

  • No, 1099's are only issued to subs who made more than $600. You can find your payments in your payment history. 

  I need to update my address for my 1099

  • Please update your address in your Tipalti account on pages 1 and 4. 

  Why am I getting a 1099 and not a W2?

  • You are an independent contractor with Swing, not an employee, so you are issued a 1099. 

  I have questions about taxes, can you help?

  • No. We are unable to provide tax advice to any Swing Sub. Please check out our Taxes for Independent Contractors Guide for information we can provide. 

   

• Why Aren't Taxes Taken Out Of My Pay?
  Why Aren't Taxes Taken Out Of My Pay?

  Since you are a self-employed individual you are paid the full amount listed on the assignments you work and no taxes are withheld.  

  Click here to read more about independent contractor taxes.

   

• What Do I Do if I'm Missing Pay?
  What Do I Do if I'm Missing Pay?

  Please check the itemized breakdown of your pay to confirm what request is missing. Then, submit an inquiry to our Support team so that we can take a look at your issue. To expedite your inquiry, please be sure to include the following:

  • School Name
  • Admin Name
  • Date of missing/incorrect payment
  • Hours worked

  Once we get your inquiry, we will contact the admin for confirmation and contact you with any additional questions, and/or a resolution. 

  Best practices for payment: 

  1. Check your account every Friday to confirm all days worked that week are reported under your commitments tab. If you don't see a day you worked, and it was within the last 7 days, contact us. Note: If your request is longer than 7 days, any days worked will still remain under the "upcoming" tab,  but will still be paid weekly. 

  2. Don't accept requests directly from the schools via email/phone/text. All work should be accepted through the Swing text, Swing App, or the web platform to avoid delays in payment. 

  Things to note: 

  1. It is your responsibility to ensure your payment is correct each week. We will not know you are due for payment unless the request has been issued on the platform with the correct days. 
  2. Canceled requests will not appear on your account. However, as long as you accepted the request through the Swing platform, you will be paid for any days worked prior to the cancellation. If applicable, cancellation penalties will apply. 
  3. Multi-day requests that are still ongoing will be in your upcoming commitments section until the request ends, and will still be paid weekly. 

   

• How will I get paid and how often?
  How will I get paid and how often?

  How do I set up my payment information?

  • All Swing Subs are paid through our third-party payment processor "Tipalti". Please check out Setting Up Your Tipalti Account for a step by step guide on setting up your account.

  How will I get paid and how often?

  • You will be paid weekly by either direct deposit or check depending on which you chose at setup.
    • If you have chosen to be paid by check, please allow up to 21 days after issuance to receive your check in the mail.
  • You will be paid by Friday of each week, and that weekly deposit will include payments from any work completed in the prior week. 

  

  Tip: The request page of any given request will also show you when you can expect to be paid.

  

  How can I check the status of my payment?

  You will be able to see your Payment History by clicking ‘Payment History’ from the dropdown menu on your account Your payment details, for the previous week, will be available by Wednesday each week. 

  Missing a payment? Start here. 

   

   

• How Do I Setup My Tipalti Pay Account?
  How Do I Setup My Tipalti Pay Account?

  Here is an example of how to fill out your pay profile and tax documents. We have included written instructions below. Please note each persons tax situation may differ. Please select the options that fit your tax situation. 

   

  Login to your account and head to the top right hand corner of the page. Click on your name and select “Payment Setup”. 

  After you log in, you will be taken to a four-screen process.  Once you complete the steps on each page, click the “Next” button on the bottom, right portion of the page to move on to the next section. 

  Page 1: Enter your contact details. If you have a different address on your bank records, use the address as it appears on your bank records.

  

  Page 2: Click the drop-down menu to select the type of payment method you want to use.

  • Recommended: Direct Deposit/ACH. Enter your bank information and triple-check that it's correct.
  • Checks - Verify your name, address, and currency.
  • If you need a paper check, note the following:
    • The cost is $2.10 per check.
    • A 2.5% foreign currency conversion fee may apply.
    • Please allow 15 business days for the check to arrive.
    • Checks are for deposit only and cannot be transferred.
    • Note: P.O. Boxes cannot be used for your payment address. 

  Page 3: Complete your W-9 and sign electronically

  Complete the W9 Tax Form so that Swing can send you a 1099 form at the end of the fiscal year.

  

  Typically, Swing Subs get paid as individuals. You can set this up by checking the "individual/sole proprietor or single-member LLC" box on the W-9 form. If you've created a corporation or other legal entity under which you want to get paid, you can use those boxes.  If you are not getting paid as a business, please leave the "Business Name" section blank.

  More information on taxes as a Swing Sub:

  Note:  In order to pass TIN validation, the following 2 things should match.

  • Page 1: Address: first, middle and last name
  • Page 3: Tax Forms:  digital signature and the name you entered. (The same as the name you used for your bank account.) The name used should be the same name that you use to file your taxes and is associated with the SSN [individual] or EIN  [company] you entered on this tax form. 

  Digitally sign your W-9 by typing your full name and your email address. Once you reach the following screen, you are ready to get paid by Swing!

    

  Once you're set up and have received your first payment via Tipalti, you'll be able to see your payment history. 

  Contact us if you have any questions while setting up your Tipalti account. Please remember that Swing cannot provide tax advice, so we are unable to help you fill out your W-9. We encourage you to reach out to a tax professional for tax advice.

• Income verification
  Income verification

  Please contact us for an income verification letter. You can expect a response within 3 business days. 

  What will the income verification letter entail?

  • The income verification letter will state when you have worked, what you were paid, and if you are a current or former contractor.

  When can I request an income verification letter?

  • You can request an income verification letter at any time after being set up as a sub. We suggest utilizing your best judgment when deciding when you'd like to request one for the letter to be of value to you.

  Can I request an employment verification letter?

  • We cannot provide you with an employment verification letter since you're working as an Independent Contractor. You can always reference the contractor agreement you completed when you were set up for further clarification on your relationship with Swing as an Independent Contractor.