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Using the Swing Platform

  • Using the Swing platform
    Using the Swing platform

    Watch our Sub Platform Demo Video for a quick demo of how to use the platform!

     

    Make sure you check out our other helpful articles to walk you through Subs FAQ's. Here are just a few: 

    1. Accepting Requests via the platform
    2. Accepting Requests via Text
    3. Using our App
    4. Cancellations
    5. Getting Paid 

     

     

     

  • 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”.  

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    Using Notifications

    Once you download and log into the app, you will be notified of new requests via push notification instead of 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, simply turn off the notifications in the notification center. You will then receive text notifications again. 

     

    iOS_notification.png.    Android_notification.png

     

    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. 

     

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  • 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/#/

    Screen_Shot_2019-07-22_at_3_56_27_PM.png
    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.

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  • 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. Please hold on to it until your current documentation is within 7 weeks of expiring, and then update your account. 

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

    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. 

     

  • Substitute Teaching Request Types
    Substitute Teaching Request Types

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    As more schools have adopted distance learning and other types of learning arrangements, Swing Education has enhanced the Swing platform to allow school admins to include more details on the request. This allows teachers to determine which requests are the best fit for them.

    Below are descriptions of each request type. Please note: because we are still in the midst of a global pandemic and not all schools are open for on-campus learning, request types will vary by region. Be sure to read the notes section carefully to decide if the request type is right for you and to avoid last-minute cancellations.

     

    Request Types

    On Campus: both students and the teacher are physically present on campus, in the classroom.

    Distance: the teacher is at home and instruction occurs on the teacher’s personal computer using the school’s video conferencing account. For remote distance learning requests, the address field will state "REMOTE/ONLINE."

    Important: Double check the "Required Experience" field to be sure the videoconferencing platform used by the school is one you are confident teaching with.

    Hybrid: for a hybrid request, instruction occurs with a combination of the methods above. For example, during a long-term assignment, some days may be remote and others may be on campus. Or, in other cases, the teacher may be on campus and the students could be at home.  To determine what the classroom arrangement is, look under "Type" for your location and the students' location. 

     

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    FAQs

    Why don't I see any of these requests in my Swing account?

    In order to teach on campus, all substitute teachers must sign the COVID-19 acknowledgement. Log on to your account settings and sign the acknowledgement form to get access to requests.

     

    What is a Roving Sub?

    On some requests you will see "Roving Sub."  This means the school is anticipating a certain number of absences on a particular day, so the admin will book subs in advance without knowing which classes will require substitutes. For roving requests, you may not know the grade or subject until the morning of the assignment. Or, the admin may need you to cover two different classes at the same school.

     

    How can I make sure I'm ready for these new types of requests?

    There are two things you can do right now to prepare yourself to accept any type of request. 

    1. Familiarize yourself with Zoom and Google Classroom by watching our distance learning training video or by viewing Swing's distance learning presentation. You'll also learn how to manage your class during the lesson and how to successfully wrap up your lesson.

    2. Use our distance learning checklist to make sure you have all the information you need before the assignment starts. 

     

    What are schools doing to prevent the spread of COVID-19?

    Our expectation is that schools provide a safe work environment by following federal, state, local and health department guidelines. On each request, the school admin will list out the school's safety protocol, including masks, physical distancing and check-in requirements. Just tap on the request to see these details.

     

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    I have a safety concern regarding a school where I am teaching. What should I do?

    If you are concerned about safety at a school where you are teaching, please tell us using the school feedback feature. Note: you can access this feature after you have completed the assignment. If there is an urgent situation pertaining to safety at the school, please contact us immediately. You may read more about the expectations Swing is setting for our school partners here.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

  • 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 are committed to click on the “Show Commitments” tab at the top of your account. This tab will also show you:

    1. Your current waitlists
    2. Your long-term waitlists Screen_Shot_2019-05-22_at_2_00_56_PM.png

     

Tipalti Payments

  • 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 Do Taxes Work for Independent Contractors?
    How Do Taxes Work for Independent Contractors?

    Note: Swing Education and its affiliates do not provide tax, legal or accounting advice. This material has been prepared for informational purposes only, and is not intended to provide, and should not be relied on for, tax, legal, or accounting advice. You should consult your own tax, legal, and accounting advisors before engaging in any transaction.

    Table of Contents

    You will find the following information in this article:

    • What is this document all about?
    • Where can I go for support to make sure I do this right?
    • What’s the deal with having no taxes withheld from my pay?
    • Do quarterly taxes apply to me?
    • How do I pay quarterly/yearly taxes?
    • I’d rather just pay my taxes at the end of the year, is that a problem?
    • I didn't get a 1099-MISC or a W2!
    • I need your EIN (employment identification) number
    • Helpful Links

    What is this article about?

    As a Swing Sub, you are an independent contractor, rather than a direct employee, which means there are some significant differences in how you are expected to organize, track, and report your taxable income to the IRS.  This document is intended to make you aware of some of these differences and equip you with resources that can help you estimate and manage taxes due on the money you earned working at Swing Education’s partner schools.

    Where can I go for support to make sure I do this right?

    There is a great option for many SwingSubs to get FREE support on Tax preparation!  The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program offers free tax help to people who generally make $54,000 or less and need assistance in preparing their own tax returns. IRS-certified volunteers provide free basic income tax return preparation with electronic filing to qualified individuals.

    This Flyer created by the IRS outlines the VITA program.  To locate the nearest VITA site near you, use the VITA Locator Tool or call 800-906-9887.

    If you do not qualify for the VITA program and still have concerns about doing your quarterly or annual taxes properly we recommend you contact an online or local tax professional that can give guidance more specific to your individual needs.  Here are some tips for choosing a tax return preparer.

    What’s the deal with having no taxes withheld from my pay?

    When you begin earning money as an independent contractor, you essentially become a business-of-one.  Because you are a self-employed individual this means you are paid the full amount listed on the assignments you worked and no taxes are withheld.  

    Unfortunately, this does not remove your tax burden, rather, it means you are required to report your income and resolve your tax debt directly with the IRS.  Just how a company will withhold money from an employee's paycheck to send to the IRS, you need to take out your own taxes from the money you earn. Generally, as a self-employed individual, you are required to file an annual return and pay estimated tax quarterly.  More about this below.

    Do quarterly taxes apply to me?

    Many SwingSubs earn enough to be expected to pay quarterly taxes. Here’s a general rule-of-thumb for determining if you should be paying taxes quarterly:

    If you expect to owe more than $1,000 in taxes for the year for your contracting work (which amounts to around $3,000 or more in earnings) then you may need to pay quarterly taxes by the dates listed below.

    How do I pay quarterly/yearly taxes?

    Paying quarterly taxes is done by submitting (by mail or electronically) the 1040-ES (for quarterly taxes) and Schedule C Form (for year-end taxes) to the IRS.  It is HIGHLY ENCOURAGED that you read the instructions on the 1040-ES form closely as it has detailed information on tax rates, estimating your quarterly taxes, how to pay, etc.

    Swing is required to send you a 1099-Misc form once a year by January 31st which you will use to report your taxes from the previous year and fill out your Schedule C.

    I’d rather just pay my taxes at the end of the year, is that a problem?

    If you don’t pay quarterly when you should, you could face a penalty. Typically, you’ll pay a 6-8% penalty on the amount you underpaid. So if you made $10,000, owe $2,000 in taxes, and didn’t pay quarterly taxes, you might be subject to a penalty of 6% of the $2,000 underpayment, which is $120 -- yikes!  In short, it is highly recommended that you pay your taxes quarterly if you expect to owe $1000 or more.

    I didn't get a 1099-MISC or a W2!

    As you are not an employee of Swing, but an independent contractor, you are provided a 1099-MISC and not a W2. You will get a 1099_MISC only if you made more than $600 from Jan 1st to Dec. 31st. If you made less than $600, you can use your payment history for tax purposes. 

    What is Swing's EIN (employment identification) number:

    Our EIN number is 47-4349654. If you receive a 1099-MISC from us, this is also included on the 1099-MISC form.

    Helpful Links:

    • Self Employed Individual Tax Center: The one-stop-shop on the IRS website for all the forms, advice, and online learning tools.
    • 1040-ES Estimated Tax Form: Instructions and form created by the IRS to help individuals pay estimated taxes.  Read the instructions carefully.
    • Schedule C Form: The end of year profits and loss tax form.
    • Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program homepage: The homepage for this program on the www.irs.gov website.
    • VITA Program Flyer: This is a flyer created by the IRS that outlines the basics of the VITA program, who qualifies, what you need to bring, etc.
    • VITA Locator Tool: Help you find a Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program locations in your area.
    • Tips for choosing a tax return preparer: This website helps you select a tax return preparer and gives advice on who to select and what to look for  This is particularly useful if you do not qualify for the VITA program.
    • See what other subs are doing by taking a look at our lounge discussion about taxes.

    Note: Swing Education and its affiliates do not provide tax, legal or accounting advice. This material has been prepared for informational purposes only, and is not intended to provide, and should not be relied on for, tax, legal, or accounting advice. You should consult your own tax, legal, and accounting advisors before engaging in any transaction.

     

     

  • 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 1099 SwingSubs 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.
    • All W-2 SwingSubs are paid via ADP. Please see here how to enter your hours on your timesheet. 

    How will I get paid and how often?

      • You will be paid weekly by either direct deposit or check. 
        • If you have chosen to be paid by check,  please allow up to 21 days after issuance to receive your check in the mail.
          • If you do not receive it, please reach out to us so we can investigate. 
      • You will be paid by Friday of each week, and that weekly deposit will include payments from any work completed in the prior week. 

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    Tip: The request page of any given request will also show you when you can expect to be paid. The amount shown is for the entire request, but, you will only be paid one week at a time. 

    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 Tipalti account. Your payment details, for the previous week, will be available by Wednesday each week. 

    Or in ADP: How Often and How Do I Get Paid As a W-2?

     

     

     

    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.

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    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.

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    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!

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    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. 

     

     

     

  • How do I View My Payment History/ Paystubs?
    How do I View My Payment History/ Paystubs?

    **This article explains payment history for 1099 subs using Tipalti, if you are a W2 sub using ADP, click here

    In order to view your payment history or download paystubs, you'll need to use a desktop web browser. This is not yet available on Apple or Android apps. You do have several options for how the information is presented to you.

    Please watch our short Payment Breakdown video for help on how to view your weekly payment details. 

     

     

    On your Payment History tab you can:

    • See the general amount paid to you by week.
    • View an itemized breakdown of the week's pay, including location and hours worked.
    • Download weekly paystubs
    • Download a CSV file of all payments made.
    • Download a confirmation of payment page-directions listed below. 

    To Download Weekly Paystubs: 

    1. Click Payment History from the dropdown in the top right-hand corner. This will show you week by week summaries of your payment amounts

    2. Click on the blue arrow next to a given week to go to the “itemized payment details”,  where you can see all your payments broken down. This will give you the details of the school you worked at, the date, and the times. 

    3. From Payment Details, you can also download either an Excel or PDF statement for that given pay period, this is your paystub. 

     

    To download all your payments into one file:

    1. Click Payment History from the dropdown in the top righthand corner. This will show you week by week summaries of your payment amounts.

    2. Click the blue 'Export to Excel' button near the top of the page.

     

     To request an income verification letter please contact us. Please allow up to a week processing time. We cannot provide employment verifications as Swing Subs are independent contractors, however, income verifications are typically an acceptable replacement.

     

COVID-19 Resources

  • 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.
  • COVID-19 Vaccine FAQs
    COVID-19 Vaccine FAQs

     

    Please continue to check this article for the most up to date information regarding the availability of COVID-19 vaccines for Swing Subs. 

     

    When will it be my turn to be vaccinated?

    Swing Education is tracking vaccination eligibility for K-12 education staff. As soon as state and local health authorities give guidance that it is time for educators in your area to be vaccinated, we'll let you know via email that it's your turn and what documentation you'll need for your appointment. While we can't predict when it will be your turn to be vaccinated, we'll let you know as soon as we hear from your state and local health authorities.

     

    What documentation will I need to provide to prove that I work in education?

    This will vary by county and state but will likely include bringing a recent paystub. We will be sure to let you know what to bring to your vaccination appointment once that information becomes available to us. 

     

    Am I required to get the vaccine to work with Swing or at Swing partner schools?

    At this time, there are no requirements to be vaccinated.

     

    List of States and Counties Vaccinating Educators

     

    Arizona, Maricopa County
    • Make your appointment here
    • Bring your appointment confirmation and your Swing Education pay stub.
    • The vaccine is free of charge
    • FAQ resource from Maricopa County
    New York
    • Enter your zip code here to find a provider.
    • Complete the NYS COVID-19 Vaccine Form.
    • Bring your appointment confirmation and your Swing Education pay stub.
    • For questions, visit the NYC COVID-19 Vaccine Finder web page.
  • Swing COVID-19 Symptom Checker
    Swing COVID-19 Symptom Checker
    COVID DAILY SYMPTOM SCREENING QUESTIONNAIRE
    Do you currently have (or had within the past 3 days) any of these symptoms that you cannot attribute to another condition? YES or NO
    •  Fever or chills
    • Cough or sore throat
    • Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
    • Fatigue
    • Muscle or body aches
    • Headache
    • Recent onset of loss of taste or smell
    • Congestion
    • Nausea or vomiting
    • Diarrhea
    Have you had close contact with anyone with COVID-19 or COVID-19 symptoms in the past 14 days? YES or NO
     
    Contact is defined as being within 6 feet for more than 15 minutes with a person, or having direct contact with infectious fluids from a person with confirmed COVID-19 (for example being coughed or sneezed on). 
    Have you had a positive-COVID test for active virus in the past 14 days? YES or NO
  • Swing Education COVID-19 Training
    Swing Education COVID-19 Training

    SwingSubs agree to watch these two training videos from the WHO before signing off on the Covid-19 Policy and Agreement

    1. Fabric mask training video (2:09)

       (full URL: https://youtu.be/9Tv2BVN_WTk)

    1. How to wash your hands (1:26)

       (full URL: https://youtu.be/3PmVJQUCm4E)

    USE THE PAPER TOWEL TO OPEN THE DOOR WHEN YOU LEAVE, TOO!

  • Swing Education COVID-19 Policy and Agreement for SwingSubs
    Swing Education COVID-19 Policy and Agreement for SwingSubs

    Please view the entire COVID-19 Policy and Agreement here

  • What is Swing requiring of schools to keep teachers safe from COVID-19?
    What is Swing requiring of schools to keep teachers safe from COVID-19?

     

    The following policies are summaries of our official School and SwingSub Policies (the full SwingSub policies in the form you must sign in order to work through Swing) specifically as they relate to SwingSubs. They do not include all safety protocols required of SwingSubs themselves.

     

    Swing Education requires all of our school partners to provide a clean and safe work environment in accordance with state, local and health agency policies and guidance in order to protect the safety of SwingSubs as well as school staff and students. As a SwingSub, you may leave an assignment without penalty if you believe your safety is at risk or a school is otherwise not providing a safe environment. In the event this happens, you must inform Swing Education immediately (attn: School Safety Issue), with all pertinent details. This is so that we can ensure you are not penalized for leaving, and so that we can investigate the safety issue and temporarily suspend that school’s access to the Swing platform if needed. 

    Swing Education also requires all of our school partners to inform us immediately if there are any confirmed case(s) on their campus(es), including any and all safety measures taken in response thereto. We will inform you of any such confirmed COVID-19 case reports and safety measures taken as soon as possible thereafter. Swing will also suspend a school’s access to our platform if we find the safety measures they took in response to a confirmed case were inadequate, and will reinstate access only when we find them to be adequate.

    Finally, Swing may limit our school partner requests to distance learning in order to prioritize SwingSub safety. We determine whether to limit a school partner’s requests to distance learning based on a variety of factors, including COVID-19 rates in that area and any state and local requirements schools must adhere to in order to provide in-person instruction.

ADP

  • How Do I View My ADP Pay Statements?
    How Do I View My ADP Pay Statements?

     

    This article explains how to view your Pay Statements for W2 subs on ADP, if you are a 1099 sub using Tipalti click here. 

    In order to view your pay statements, you will recommend you use a desktop web browser. You currently can't view your ADP pay statements in your Swing Account but this is a feature that will be coming soon.

    Please follow the steps below on how to view your ADP pay statement: 

    Once you've logged into your ADP account:

    1. Select > Myself
    2. Under the Myself > Select Pay Statements

    Screen_Shot_2020-11-24_at_6.14.00_AM.png

     

    This section will allow you to view all of your pay statements that are in ADP. You will also have access to print your pay statements if needed.

  • How can I access the Harassment Prevention training?
    How can I access the Harassment Prevention training?

     

    Some SwingSubs have expressed difficulties accessing the trainings in ADP. If you receive a log-in page, are not able to open courses, or course progress is not being saved the steps below should resolve these issues. 

    #1 - Use Google Chrome as your web browser.

    #2 - Clear your web browser cache and cookies.

    #3 - Add these links as trusted sites on your web browser. 

    https://learnadp.litmos.com and https://adp.calliduscloudenablement.com

    #4 -Third-party cookies should be allowed/enabled on your web browser.

    • Go to settings
    • Go to Privacy and security
    • Go to Site Settings
    • Go to Cookies and site data
    • Blocked third-party cookies - turn off
    • Allow - click on Add
    • Enter the below links - one at a time

    https://learnadp.litmos.comand https://adp.calliduscloudenablement.com

    #5- Pop Ups must be allowed/enabled on your web browser.

    • Go to settings
    • Go to Privacy and security
    • Go to Site Settings
    • Go to Pop-ups and redirects
    • If it says blocked - move the button to the right until it says Allowed
    • Allow - click on Add
    • Enter the below links - one at a time
    • https://learnadp.litmos.comand https://adp.calliduscloudenablement.com
    If you continue to have issues, after implementing the steps above, please call ADP at (855) 547-8508 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 p.m ET Monday-Friday.

     

  • What Do I Do If My Paycheck Is Incorrect?
    What Do I Do If My Paycheck Is Incorrect?

    Submit an inquiry to our Payroll 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
    • Statement on why you didn't enter it on your timesheet

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

    Remember: Entering all hours, each week, on time is the only way to guarantee a correct paycheck. Not entering your hours on time can mean delayed payments.

    Please watch our tutorial on how to enter your hours if you are unsure how to enter them. How Do I Enter My Hours and Approve My Timesheet?

     

    Other FAQ's: 

    W-2 Pay FAQ's

    How Often and How Do I Get Paid As a W-2?

     

  • How Often and How Do I Get Paid As a W-2?
    How Often and How Do I Get Paid As a W-2?

     

    As a Swing Employee, you are paid every Friday for the previous week's work. Please see Where's My Payment? for more information on how direct deposit works with ADP. 

     

    You can see each week's payment pay stub on each Friday by going to: 

    Myself => Pay => Pay Statements

    Screen_Shot_2020-10-19_at_3_37_14_PM.png

    Your pay statement will break down your weekly hours, pay rate(s), and any deductions. You can make changes to your tax withholdings and Payment options are any time.

  • W-2 Pay FAQ's
    W-2 Pay FAQ's

    FAQs

    How does my hourly rate work?

    Schools pay a flat daily rate for substitutes. To translate that into an hourly rate for W2 employees, there are some calculations we have to make to ensure our teachers are being paid fairly. 

    Regardless of the listed start and end times listed on your commitment, please log all hours actually worked. The hourly rate calculation is intended to get you to, at minimum, the school’s daily rate.

     

    Regular Hourly Rate = School's Daily Rate ÷ Average Hours Requested

    Average Hours Requested = (Total Request Hours - 30 minutes daily for lunch) ÷ Total Days Requested

     

    Long Term requests work a bit differently. Our system assumes that you'll likely log 90 minutes of prep or meeting time above the scheduled hours for the request each day.

    Long term Hourly Rate = School's Long term Rate ÷ Average Hours Requested

    Average Hours Requested (with prep time) = Total Request Hours + Total Days

    Total Request Hours= (Total Daily Hours + 90 minutes prep - 30 minutes lunch) x Total Days

     

    What is prep time? Swing recognizes that educators typically work additional hours outside of their classroom time when they are teaching long term requests. ‘Prep’ is time you spend outside of your scheduled teaching hours grading papers, creating curriculum or speaking with parents. 

    Your teaching hours should be your request hours as posted on the Swing Platform (ie 8-3pm), and we assume you might punch 90 minutes outside of those hours in additional work done each day.

    If you don’t have prep outside of your requested hours, let us know so we can recalculate your hourly rate. However, you will need approval from Swing to work additional hours outside of the request page hours, if we make this change. 

    Note: Prep time is only calculated for long term requests. 

     

    • Long Term Hourly Rate Example: 
    • You are working a 15 day long request, with scheduled hours being 8am-4pm. This school’s long term flat rate is $200/day.
    • Long term Hourly Rate = School's Long term Rate ÷ Average Hours Requested
      • $22.22/hour= 200/day ÷ 9 hours/day
    • To get Average Hours Requested (with prep time) = Total Request Hours ÷ Total Days
      • 9 hours/day = 135 total hours ÷ 15 days 
    • To get Total Request Hours= (Total Daily Hours + 90 minutes prep - 30 minutes lunch) x Total Days
      • 8 hours (scheduled) + 90 minutes prep time - 30 minutes lunch = 9 hours/day
      • 9 hours/day x 15 days = 135 total hours  

    I didn't receive my paycheck from ADP. What's going on?

    When you first sign up for ADP, you have to go through a 'pre-note' process before your direct deposit will be approved. During that time, your paychecks will be sent via live check to your home address that is on file in ADP. Please allow 7-10 business days for it to arrive. If it has been at least 14 calendar days, please reach out to us so we can investigate. 

    A new release from ADP now makes it possible for them to verify your account in real-time. If you want to adjust your account or enter a new direct deposit please follow: 

    Direct deposit that the employee adds themselves will automatically go through real-time validation.  
    1. Click Myself > Pay > Payment Options
    2. Enter the new direct deposit information.
    3. The banking information will immediately have a verification attempt made.
    • A successful verification will display a success message on the Direct Deposit page.
    • If real-time verification fails, standard prenote using the company default will be performed

    I converted to an employee in the middle of the week, and I'm already working at a school. How do I get paid?

    You will need to enter your hours worked, starting on the day you complete the Orientation call. For instance, if you worked Monday-Friday this week and completed your Orientation and onboarding on Wednesday, you would need to enter Wednesday-Friday in ADP, and then Monday and Tuesday would be paid via Tipalti.

    If you are working for a Pod, you will need to enter your entire week in ADP. Please let us know if you are blocked from entering times, as this means we need to change your hire date to the first day of work. 

    Why are taxes taken from my pay?

    As a Swing employee, you are subject to Payroll taxes. Please meet with a tax advisor if you have questions about the taxes being withheld from your pay. More information on taxes: How Do Taxes Work For W-2 Employees?

    I was asked to come to work directly by an admin and never accepted a request via the platform.

    That's okay. Please enter the time as normal on your timesheet and contact us with the information below. We need this information to verify your timesheet.

    • The name of the school.
    • The hours you worked, in detail, along with lunch breaks taken.
    • Name of the admin who contacted you and the contact information. 

    What is the lunch break policy?

    You need to take a lunch break by your 5th hour of work if you are working for more than 5 hours that day. 

    I asked for a lunch break but was told they couldn't give me one.

    Please contact us right away and tell us whom you spoke with at the school. We will review the lunch policy with the school so they can be sure to give SwingSubs lunch breaks in the future. 

    What happens if my timesheet is late?

    You will receive written warnings each time your timesheet is late. Please note that not approving your timesheet on time, will lead to termination. 

    How do I approve/submit my timesheet? 

    How Do I Submit My Timesheet?

    I was overpaid. Is it mine to keep?

    No. Overages must be paid back to Swing. Please contact us and let us know. Knowingly keeping the funds is unacceptable under the employee code of conduct. 

  • How Do I Enter My Hours and Approve My Timesheet?
    How Do I Enter My Hours and Approve My Timesheet?

    You can enter your time on your timesheet by either logging onto the website of ADP or using their mobile App. Please make sure you are completing  AND approving your weekly timesheet prior to 8 pm on Friday evenings. If you run into an issue over the weekend, you will not have ADP or Swing's help until Monday and your timesheet will be late. 

    • How to enter your times
    • How to enter your times via the app
    • Important Timekeeping Information

    How do I get to my timesheet?

    Please go to "Myself => Time and Attendance => Time". Make sure you are on the 'current pay period' each week. 

    Entering your times:

    This is how to enter your times via their website:

     

     

    and here is how to enter your times via the app: 

     

    Need help? Something isn't saving or giving you an error? You can Contact ADP. They're available Monday-Friday, 5:00 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. PT. 

    If you have a general Payroll question, let us know by contacting us using the button below.

     

    Important:

    • As a best practice, fill out your time card each day that you work and submit it by Friday evening each week.
    • If you were not given a 30-minute lunch break, do not enter one on your time card.
    • Enter your exact arrival and exit times as close to the minute as possible. Intentionally falsifying records will lead to termination.

    For questions, contact ADP as soon as possible, or reach out to us here.

     

    Sick Time 

    You may take sick time in one-hour increments, as it is accumulated. To use sick time, you must cancel the teaching request at least 24 hours in advance. Canceling within 24 hours will hurt your reliability performance score. Sick time starts accumulating after 90 days of employment. 

    To record sick time on your time card, select "sick time" from the 'pay code column, and enter the number of hours you want to use. You will only be able to take the number of hours you have accumulated. 

    Entering Prep Time:

    if you're working a long-term request (15 business days) or more, you are entitled to entering all working hours. Please ensure you are entering all additional hours for prep/meetings/orientations/back to school/training you may be asked to do for your request. 

     

     

W2 Set Up

  • How Do I Complete My New Hire Conversion?
    How Do I Complete My New Hire Conversion?

    Converting to a Swing Employee

    Once it is your turn to convert to a Swing Employee, your account will prompt you to begin the process. We expect to have all SwingSubs converted by the end of the year. 

    To access your conversion information, open your account settings. Once there you will be able to select 'CA - W-2 Conversion'. If you do not have this option, it is not quite your turn to convert.

    You will not be allowed to stay as a 1099 Independent Contractor with Swing after:

    California: Dec. 31st, 2020

    All other states: Summer 2021

    Screen_Shot_2020-08-25_at_4_05_50_PM.pngScreen_Shot_2020-08-25_at_4_05_57_PM.png

     

    Steps to Convert:

    You will complete Steps 1-4 on the Swing platform. Step 5 will be completed via ADP. 

    Step 1: Sign your offer letter

    Step 2: Sign up for an Orientation

    Step 3: Complete your I9.

    As soon as you sign up for an Orientation, within a few hours you will get an email from I9 everywhere. Please complete your I9 as soon as possible. You will have no further steps until you have completed your Orientation. Feel free to read over help articles to see what to expect once you are an employee. 

    Step 4: Attend your mandatory Orientation. This is not optional, and you must be on time and stay the entire duration. 

    Step 5: Complete your ADP onboarding within 3 days. What Does The Banner On My Account Mean?

    Congratulations, you're hired! What does this mean for you? W-2 Set Up: What’s Changing, What's Not? 

    Questions? Check out our help articles. Can't find what you're looking for, contact us below. 

     

  • What Does California's Prop 22 Mean For My Employment With Swing?
    What Does California's Prop 22 Mean For My Employment With Swing?

    Prop 22 was a ballot measure on the California 2020 November 3rd election ballot. The bill applies to drivers for app-based & delivery companies. Since the bill has been passed by California voters, these drivers are now classified as independent contractors but must be given certain benefits specified by the new law. 

    However, this bill does not apply to individuals who teach with Swing Education. At this time, we will still continue to transition our Swing Education workforce from  independent contractors employees. More information on that here: W-2 Set Up: What’s Changing, What's Not?

    We also encourage you to watch our first ever Town Hall from October 2020, where we discuss what being a Swing employee means and the future of Swing Education.

     

  • What will you learn during New Hire Orientation?
    What will you learn during New Hire Orientation?

    What is the New Hire Orientation?

    Webinar specifically for becoming W2 with Swing Education. We will outline new changes that will take place as you become a W2 employee with Swing Education. 

    Webinar Logistics:

    • Required orientation for becoming W2 with Swing Education 
    • Conducted through Zoom
    • Duration: 1 hour and 15 minutes
    • Required to attend the entire time or else you will need to re-take it again
    • Required to attend on a computer. We do not accept calling in through your phone, as it is a visual presentation and we need you to see all of the slides. 
    • *IMPORTANT NOTICE: You must have your I-9 fully complete before you can attend New Hire Orientation, or else you will not be able to join.

    Content Covered and Agenda:

    • How to create your ADP account
    • How to finish ADP onboarding
    • How to complete your timesheet for different scenarios (orientation, training, working at a school)
    • OSHA workplace safety
      Payment
    • Perks of being W2 with Swing
    • 15 minutes of working time to create your ADP account and finish ADP onboarding

    FAQs

    • I have already been working with Swing. Why do I have to attend a New Hire Orientation?
      • Even if you have been working with Swing already, you will need to attend, as we are converting you from 1099 status to W2 status. This is an orientation regarding becoming W2 and you need to be aware of important changes happening. 

    • How long should I set aside New Hire Orientation?
      • 1 hour and 15 minutes

    • Do I need a computer for the orientation?
      • Yes. We need you to join the webinar from your computer. There are many visuals that we need you to see. You will also have 15 minutes of working time, which you will need your computer for. 

    Resources

    • W2 FAQs
    • Onboarding Checklist
    • Tax Withholdings FAQs

  • W-2 Set Up FAQs for Teachers
    W-2 Set Up FAQs for Teachers

    In August 2020, Swing Education began converting California teachers to W-2 employees. In this article, we answer the most common questions regarding W-2 conversion. See also:  W-2 Set Up: What's Changing, What's Not. 

     

    What does this transition mean for me?

    Prior to W-2 conversion, Swing Subs were classified as independent contractors, also referred to by their tax status as “1099 contractors.”  As of January 1, 2021, all California Swing Subs must be W-2 employees to accept requests on the Swing platform. Please note: by law, Swing Education is not permitted to retain Swing Subs as 1099 contractors in the state of California.

     

    Will Swing convert teachers outside California to W-2 employees?

    Yes. Swing plans to begin converting teachers outside California to W-2 employees beginning in the summer of 2021. We will notify you by email when it's your turn to convert. In the mean time, Swing Subs outside California may continue to pick up teaching assignments as 1099 contractors.

     

    Exception for Swing Subs outside California: teachers outside California who accepted learning pod assignments have already been converted to W-2 employees because these teachers work inside students' homes. We have converted pod teachers to W-2 in the interest of protecting them from liability. 

     

    What if I don’t want to be a W-2 employee? 

    By law, Swing is no longer permitted to retain California substitute teachers as independent contractors. Thus, we have made the decision to transition all teachers to employees. If you do not wish to be a W-2 employee, contact us and we will deactivate your account.

     

    What are the advantages of being a W-2 employee?

    As a teacher employed by Swing Education, you will be eligible for benefits such as sick time accrual. Additionally, you are eligible for health care and a 401k after you consistently work 30 or more hours per week over a period of 12 months. Learn more about other perks here.

    When will I learn more details about benefits?

    During the setup process, you will be given a soft copy of the employee handbook, which lists benefits in detail.  Once fully set up, you will also be able to access the handbook on the home page of the ADP portal.       

     

    What are the tax implications of being a W-2 employee?

    As your employer, Swing will be responsible for taking payroll taxes from your paycheck. Upon set up, you will be asked to fill out IRS form W-4 and your state's tax withholding form, if applicable, so we know how much tax to deduct. At the end of January each year, you will receive Form W-2 from Swing Education.

     

    When will I receive form W-2?

    Form W-2 is the tax form reporting your earnings as an employee, typically sent out at the end of January. If you completed any teaching requests as a W-2 employee in year 2020, you will receive form W-2 in January of 2021. If you are still a 1099 independent contractor, you will receive form 1099-MISC, the same for you received from Swing in prior years.

     

    If you are a W-2 employee, you will find your form W-2 in your ADP account. Swing will also mail out a paper copy. Be sure the mailing address in your ADP account is up-to-date.

     

    Does being an employee mean that Swing determines my work schedule?

    No. Swing Subs may continue to accept only the requests they wish to take.

     

    May I continue to accept distance learning assignments?

    Yes, Swing Subs may continue to accept any requests they'd like, whether distance learning or on site.

     

    Will my pay rate change?

    As a W-2 employee, you will be paid hourly and will be required to fill out a timesheet. Please review our help article, W-2 Pay FAQs, for information on how pay rates for W-2 employees are calculated. 

     

    Does Swing take a cut of my pay? 

    No. Our partner schools set the pay rate for substitute teachers. Swing earns money by applying a surcharge to the rate paid by schools.

     

    Am I required to work a certain number of hours to maintain my status as an employee of Swing Education?

    As long as you continue working, there is no minimum hourly requirement. If you do not accept and fulfill any requests within a 6 month period, Swing will consider that a “conditional quit” and will terminate your employment.

     

    How will I get paid?

    Once you transition to an employee, the payroll provider will change from Tipalti to ADP. During set up, we will walk you through how to access the ADP system, set up your account, and complete your I-9 and tax forms. You will continue to be paid weekly.

     

    Will I receive overtime and meal breaks?

    Yes, once converted to W-2, teachers are eligible for overtime and meal breaks in accordance with your state's labor laws. Details will be spelled out in the employee handbook you’ll receive and sign during set up.

     

    Do I need to renew my requirements when I transition to W-2?

     No. Your requirements will continue to be renewed according to the same schedule. 

     

    Are there any new requirements?

    Yes. You must sign the COVID-19 Acknowledgement Form in your Swing account in order to view and accept requests. Additionally, certain states require teachers to take sexual harassment training sessions periodically. You will receive a notification from us when it is time to take training specific to your state. 

     

    Do I need to pay any fees to transition to W-2 status?

    No. The cost of transitioning will be covered by Swing.

     

    Will the schools I work with change?

    No, you will still be eligible to teach at the same schools. Please note that school openings will be affected by COVID-19 guidelines, so you may initially see fewer requests.

     

    I am currently on unemployment. If I transition to being an employee of Swing, what happens to my unemployment benefits?

    Swing Subs currently receiving unemployment will continue to receive unemployment until they (a) work full time for a week or (b) earn more on a part-time basis than their unemployment benefit. This applies equally to Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) benefits, and applies regardless of the Sub's prior status as an independent contractor.

     

     

  • W-2 Set Up: What’s Changing, What's Not?
    W-2 Set Up: What’s Changing, What's Not?

    Beginning in August 2020, Swing Education will begin transitioning teachers to W-2 employees. Below is an overview of the major changes. 

    For additional information, see W-2 Set Up FAQs for Teachers.

     

    Topic

    Current Process

    New Process

    Set up process

    Completed on the Swing platform

    Completed on the Swing platform and in ADP

    Form I-9, Employment Eligibility Verification 

    N/A

    To be completed during the W-2 set up process on the i9 Everywhere platform

    Paycheck setup

    Payroll is set up and processed through Tipalti

    Payroll will be set up and processed through ADP.

    Pay rate

    Day rate

    Teachers will be paid on an hourly basis for all hours worked based on the school's agreed pay rate.

    Paycheck disbursement options

    Direct deposit

    No change

    Timesheet

    N/A

    Subs will be required by law to record the hours they work. Hours will be recorded in the ADP timekeeping application. Learn more about entering hours and submitting timesheets.

    Tax status

    All Swing Subs are classified as 1099 contractors (self-employed).

    Teachers will be reclassified as W-2 employees of Swing Education.

    Tax withholding and forms

    All Swing Subs fill out IRS form W-9. No taxes are withheld.

    Teachers will fill out IRS form W-4 and their state's tax withholding form, where applicable. Federal and state income taxes will be withheld by Swing Education.

    Tax returns

    IRS form 1099-MISC is sent out yearly by January 31. (Only applies to subs who made $600 or more the prior year.)

    IRS form W-2 will be sent out by Swing Education on or before January 31 of each year.

    Perks

    Access to the healthcare exchanges through Stride

    Access to the healthcare exchanges through Stride.  Accrued sick time, workers' compensation and family leave. Unemployment insurance through EDD. Health benefits and a 401K are available after teachers consistently work 30 hours per week over a 12-month period.

    Set up webinars

    An optional webinar covering the Swing platform, live scan and TB test

    In addition to the optional webinar, teachers will be required to attend an online New Hire Orientation covering the ADP platform.

    Getting help

    Contact Swing Education Customer Service

    Contact ADP for benefits, taxes, direct deposit, pay cards, ADP site issues, MyLife Advisors and enrollment verification.

    Contact Swing Education for all other issues.

    Accepting requests

     

    No change

    Rest and meal breaks

    N/A

    Swing Subs are expected to accurately enter meal breaks into the ADP timekeeping application. If you worked a full day assignment and did not receive a meal break, please contact us.

    Overtime pay

    N/A

    Overtime to be paid out in accordance with each state's labor laws.

    Pay for class prep time

    N/A

    No change for short term assignments. For long term assignments, teachers must track time between classes spent on lesson preparation. This time will be paid.

    Access to schools

     

    No change in access to schools. Note: COVID-19 may affect school openings in certain areas.

    Teaching requirements

     

    No change to existing teaching requirements

    Training

    California only: Mandated Reporter training, to be renewed every year.

    Mandated Reporter training will continue to be required in California. Additionally, sexual harassment training is required in certain states. You'll be notified when it's time to take the training sessions.

    Leaving Swing

    Contact support to deactivate your account.

    If a Swing Sub doesn’t work within a 6-month time span, the sub’s account will be deactivated. (Exceptions will be made for approved leaves of absence. Please contact us and select "Leave of Absence")

    Swing Subs may also contact support if they wish to deactivate their accounts.

  • ADP Onboarding Steps Tutorial Video
    ADP Onboarding Steps Tutorial Video

    Please watch the below video, which outlines the following information:

    • How to Register your ADP Account
      • We will show you how to create your ADP account Using the unique registration code you were given
    • How to complete your Set-up Steps with ADP
      • Adding your personal and emergency contact information
      • Completing your Federal and State Tax Withholdings forms
      • Setting up payment
      • Reading and signing our company policies
      • Browsing through our documents

     

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? Yes. This is a State requirement for all adults working with children. You will be compensated for your time to complete the training, as well as renewals of this 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 to Get Your Sub Permit in California
    How to Get Your Sub Permit in 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. 

    Untitled.png

    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.  

    These following articles may also be helpful:

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

    nextsteps.schedtest.png

    2) Click on the link that says “Schedule”

    schedulecbest.png

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

    pre-approved_exams.png

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

    schedulethisexam.png

    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...”

    selecttestcenter.png

    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”.

    datetime.png

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

    myorder.png

    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.

    checkout-personal.png

    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.

    checkout-agree.png

    3) Submit Order

    Review and click the “Submit Order” button.

    Screen_Shot_2018-01-19_at_11.png

    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. 

    cbest_final.png

     

  • 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

     

    Effective October 2020, we are no longer reimbursing for out of pocket expenses related to setting up your account with Swing or obtaining/renewing your permit or credential. 

General Q&A

  • Can I Use Swing As a Reference?
    Can I Use Swing As a Reference?

    One of the benefits of working for Swing is that you do not have to report to a supervisor. With that being said, that also means, you do not have a supervisor/manager to be a reference for your work, since there is no one in the Corporate office that directly witnesses your work. 

    We do encourage you to reach out to an admin or Pod Parent, with whom you had a great interaction, to ask them to be your Swing reference. 

    If you need a reference for a loan/apartment please contact us for an income verification letter. 

    If you are a W2 employee, need employment verification, please call 866-604-6572 with our employer code: 3228042. This is only applicable to W2 employees, and not those who have not transitioned from 1099 status. 

  • What if a School Wants to Change my Request!
    What if a School Wants to Change my Request!

    Sometimes the needs of a school can change. They might need you to stay late or sub for an extra day. In these situations, we ask that you remain flexible and follow the following guidelines:

     

    Scenario

    1099 Swing Sub

    W-2 Swing Employee 

    The change needs to officially be on the Swing platform.

    This is very important. If you accept a request that isn't in our system, we might have trouble paying you!

     

    This is very important. If you accept a request that isn't in our system and report the hours on your timesheet we may end up underpaying you since we wouldn't know what pay rate to pay you at! 

    Pay Rates

    Requests less than 4 hours are paid at the half-day rate, while requests over 4 hours are paid at the full-day rate.

     

    You are paid hourly so you will only be paid the hours on your request page. If you are sent home early, alert us so we can revise your hours which will adjust your pay rate so you don't lose out. 

    The school made some big changes to the request!

     

    Our schools can make any changes to the request anytime up until 24 hours of the start time without penalty. 

    Our schools can make any changes to the request anytime up until 24 hours of the start time without penalty. 

    You are not obligated to accept any changes.

    You have the option to respectfully decline the changes requested by the school and find a new request.

    If the changes are within 24 hours, you can politely decline and wait for the admin to cancel, or they will have you work the original agreed upon request. 

     

    You have the option to respectfully decline the changes requested by the school and find a new request.

    If the changes are within 24 hours, you can politely decline and wait for the admin to cancel, or they will have you work the original agreed upon request. Please do not enter the canceled day on your request. You will be paid for any payable penalties during Payroll processing. 

    It's good to be flexible with schools! 

     

     

     

    Schools sometimes really need the extra hand. If your request was half a day, and they want you to stay a full day, reach out to Support so we can adjust your request. Even if you were already working a full day, and you are not getting paid more, the school will really appreciate your help. 

    Schools sometimes really need the extra hand. Please contact our payroll team if you added any more than 60 minutes extra to your timesheet. 
  • How Do I Update My Address?
    How Do I Update My Address?

    In order to update your address in Tipalti: 

    • Log into the platform.
    • Click on the drop-down menu in the upper, right-hand corner.
    • Click on Payment Setup. (this is for 1099 subs ONLY. Please see below for W-2 subs)

    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. 

    As a W-2 SwingSub employee follow these directions to update your information in ADP.

  • Why Don’t I See Any Openings?
    Why Don’t I See Any Openings?

    With COVID-19, schools are still figuring out their plans. As they start to re-open or teach remotely, they will post their requests on the platform. Be sure to check the platform daily for newly posted requests. 

    Please consider if there are any upcoming holidays/breaks. Most schools will be closed around holidays/breaks, so we always see a decrease in requests being issued. 

    There’s a couple of other reasons you might not see openings:

    • All our current openings are filled. Don’t worry! New requests will come in throughout the day. We are also adding new school partners in all Swing regions, so you should see an increase over time!
    • One of the advantages of working with Swing is that you will get requests from many more schools than if you were just working with one district. You can also ask us to link you to more regions for more schools. You can see your current regions by going to your sub-profile!
    • In the meantime, check the “Show Waitlists?” box and you can add yourself to waitlists for assignments that are currently filled. If a sub cancels, you’ll have the opportunity to fill that opening.
    • You may be already committed on the day's requests are being issued. Click on the "show days I'm working" to see all requests on the platform currently. 
    • Log in on a web browser the assignments go there first.
    • (For California subs) You do not have a permit and all of our current requests are looking for subs with a permit or credential.

    How Can I See More Openings?

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

    • Request to be linked to more regions
    • After a great teaching day, thank the admins at the school and ask for positive feedback and to be one of their preferred subs.
    • Don't have reliability issues, such as no shows or canceling last minute. These reduce your reliability with us. Keep in mind, we give our most reliable subs the first choice for requests. 
  • Why am I not getting notifications for jobs that are posted on the site?
    Why am I not getting notifications for jobs that are posted on the site?

    Often, as soon as a request is sent out, it is picked up very quickly by the first substitute who receives the text. The order in which text messages are sent out is changed each time so that all subs have a chance to get notifications first.

    We recommend:

    1. Adding yourself to the waitlist in these situations because things can always change.
    2. Logging in on the computer or mobile site as the assignments go there first for the first few minutes. 
    3. Our Star subs get notifications first, you will want to be a Star sub by ensuring you do not:
      1. No show
      2. Cancel last minute
      3. Are late
      4. Receive negative feedback
  • How Can I Get A Copy Of My Tax Form?
    How Can I Get A Copy Of My Tax Form?

     

     

    1099 Swing Subs
    • All 1099 SwingSubs that earned $600 or more for the previous year will be issued a 1099-NECC. This form will be mailed to the address we have on file for you by January 31st each year. 
    1099 and W-2 SwingSub in the same year
    • All 1099 SwingSubs that earned $600 or more for the previous year will be issued a 1099-NECC. This form will be mailed to the address we have on file for you by January 31st each year. If you made anything as a W-2, you will get a W-2 tax form by January 31st of the following year.
    W-2 SwingSub for the entire year (will apply starting 2021 tax season)
    • If you are a SwingSub employee for a whole year, you will only get a W-2 (i.e. all SwingSubs that converted in 2020, will only get a W-2 on January 31st, 2022. and so on)

     

    FAQ's:

    I need a copy of my W-2 for 2020. Where can I get a copy?

    • If you need a copy of your W-2 for 2020, you will receive it on January 31st, 2021. 

    I need a copy of my 1099, where do I go?

    • If you made more than $600 and need a copy of your 1099:

      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).

    I can't access the 1099 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 W-2?

    • You are an independent contractor with Swing, not an employee, so you are issued a 1099.
    • If you converted to a W-2; all 1099 SwingSubs that converted in the same year to W-2 SwingSub Employee will receive a 1099 (if over $600) and a W-2 form by January 31st, 2021. 

    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. 

     

Classroom Best Practices & Resources

  • How to prepare for an assignment
    How to prepare for an assignment

     

    We know that going to a new school can cause anxiety, especially when you don't have all the details. We have tried to provide some useful information by providing the school an "about us" section in their accounts. You can view that information in the View Details of the request.

    "View Details" can be found on the assignment in the platform, or if they haven't filled it out, we encourage you to email the school so you can ask questions such as: 

      • What is their school dress code?
      • Where to park
      • Where you check-in
      • Lunch expectations
        • Determine if you need to bring your lunch

    More Swing tips:

    • Add your assignment to your calendar by automatically syncing your requests to your google calendar.  Click here to find out how
    • Look-up the school’s address and parking directions. Estimate the time needed for travel the day before your assignment, including parking, and by consulting Google Maps.
    • Prepare a “substitute bag” that has supplies and extra worksheets
    • If lesson plans are available in advance, read over them and make notes of any questions you may have or specific actions you need to take during the day
      • if possible, email the teacher directly with your questions
    • Take note of the grade level/ subject matter, and conduct research on the following:
      • Common Core Math
      • Common Core English & Language Arts
      • Next Generation Science Standards
    • Classroom Management Practices
        • Free Online Training
        • Classroom Management Tips and Resources

     

  • How should I Dress for my Assignment?
    How should I Dress for my Assignment?

    First impressions matter.  Schools use dress codes as a way to show students what professionalism looks like, and expect their educators to demonstrate that as well. 

    Many schools provide their specific dress code in the "View details” section, which can be found on the request page of each assignment. 

    Swing Subs are expected to dress in business casual attire. Based on an analysis of dress codes at Swing’s partner schools, the following is generally considered acceptable:

    • Comfortable dress shoes/flats (avoid sneakers, sandals, or open-toed shoes).
    • Solid colored slacks (no jeans, avoid capris).
    • Neatly ironed buttoned-up collared shirt.
    • Blouse and/or knitted sweater/cardigan.

    If your request is for a physical education class you may wear athletic attire. 

    Schools also recommend avoiding any offensive or strong odors, such as cigarettes or perfumes/colognes, and to practice general hygiene before an assignment.

  • 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. Swing has a responsibility to meet the needs of schools and also understand the challenges of substitute teaching. We expect our subs to have the utmost professionalism when representing Swing on a school campus. 

     

    All SwingSubs need to be on time, respectful, and prepared!

    Our 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 a SwingSub are not satisfied with their experience, at any assignment and for any reason, the school or sub can request to be unlinked from each other.
    • We want our subs to succeed, so we will 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 unacceptable, including, safety incidents.
      • These 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 the 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 us to explain the nature of the cancellation 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 eyewashes 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:

    • 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 a 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 topics including but not limited to religion, race, politics, sex, drugs. 

    Passing Periods / Lunch / Prep Periods / Recess:

    • Follow all hallway, transition, and dismissal procedures including 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
    • 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 on 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
  • Maintaining positive classroom engagement
    Maintaining positive classroom engagement

    We want to make sure all our subs have as many opportunities to work as possible, and we have noticed that some awesome substitutes are being unlinked from schools for being disengaged, and these situations could have been easily avoided. 

    Please refrain from:

    • Leaving students unattended to use the bathroom or make a phone call
    • Sitting in the same spot the entire class and not assisting students
    • Not monitoring the classroom by:
      • Reading a book or newspaper
      • Using electronics (cell phones, computers, or headphones)
      • Remaining seated during the entire class

    Schools are liable for student safety during school hours, so schools expect that substitutes actively monitor and supervise students at all times. 

    We know you all are working hard, and we want to make sure that you keep on getting invited back to school. Here are some tips to help schools recognize that you are engaged in the classroom:

    • If you need to leave the classroom for any reason, call your point of contact at the school, and do not leave until another qualified adult is in the classroom to relieve you.
    • If you are assisting a student or engaging in other classroom duties, be sure to look up and survey the entire class often
    • If students are working quietly, resist the temptation to text, surf the web, or read. Here are some alternative activities that schools often love to see:
      • Circulate throughout the room (without hovering)
      • Assist students who ask for help
      • Ask students who are off-task if they need help
    • Do not respond to text messages (even those from Swing), emails, etc. during passing or planning periods, lunch, or times when you are not responsible for actively monitoring students. We know you don’t want to miss other sub opportunities. 
  • Tips: When Assignment or Sub Role is Unclear
    Tips: When Assignment or Sub Role is Unclear

    As a substitute, you have the opportunity to work with a wide variety of schools. You may have noticed that the degree of organization and the amount of support a school can offer may differ greatly depending on the school’s leadership style and its access to financial and human resources. Working with students can also be unpredictable, and sometimes emergencies arise that require the attention and focus of administrators, which can leave you with little support or direction.

    Below are some real situations that have happened to subs that could leave you scratching your head on what to do:

    • You arrive at a school no one is in the office or answering the phone
    • You arrive at a school, and two subs show up for the same job. Your point of contact dismisses you from your assignment. It is too late for you to find another assignment.
    • An administrator asks you to wait for instructions and then they disappear because of an emergency, and no one in the office knows what you are supposed to do.
    • The teacher’s planning period is the last period of the day. You no longer have students, so you go to the office to see if you are dismissed, and no one is there or answering the phone.
    • A teacher comes into your class, and they tell you that they got the class and that you don’t need to be there anymore.

    If you ever find yourself in a situation where you are unsure of what you are supposed to be doing please do the following to ensure that you are fulfilling your duties.

    • Do not leave campus until you are dismissed by your point of contact or an administrator. It is possible that the school may want to reassign your role or change your responsibilities during the day.
    • Always fully follow each school’s check-out procedure.
    • If you are attempting to follow the school’s check-in/check-out procedure but your point of contact or administrators are not available contact us, here.
    • Never leave students unattended, unless students are officially dismissed from class, or you are relieved by a qualified adult. If you do not know if the adult is qualified, do not leave.
    • If you have already arrived at a school and the school cancels the assignment, you will still get paid for the day. Note: As long as you faithfully tried to fulfill the duties of the assignment and do not leave until you are officially dismissed.

     

  • 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

     

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    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.  

Webinars and Events

  • Winter 2021 Town Hall
    Winter 2021 Town Hall

     

    Town_Hall_-_Help_Center.png

     

    You're invited!

    Join us for our quarterly Town Hall meeting on January 27, 2021 at 4:00 p.m. PT.   Register here.

    During this event, we'll cover:

    • Updates on school reopening plans by Swing CEO Mike Teng
    • Swing Platform updates
    • COVID-19 vaccinations and what you need to bring to show you work in education
    • Year-end tax forms 
    • Upcoming training opportunities
    • Live Q&A. You can ask questions ahead of time here.

    The video will be posted here after the event.

     

    Resource links

    COVID-19 Vaccination FAQs

    COVID-19 Acknowledgement Form (Revised 1-5-2021)

    Download Your Tax Forms

    W-2 New Hire Conversion

    Distance Learning Training Videos

     

     

  • December 2020 W-2 Q&A Webinar
    December 2020 W-2 Q&A Webinar

    On December 9, 2020, Swing hosted a live Q&A session focused on W-2 conversion. You'll find answers to most of your W-2 questions in the articles and videos below.

     

    Reading material:

    • Why is Swing transitioning teachers to W-2 employees?
    • What does the W-2 conversion process look like?
    • What is going to change for me?
    • What happens during orientation?
    • Will my schedule or pay rate change?
    • How do I complete the onboarding steps in ADP?
    • What perks am I eligible for as a W-2 employee?
    • I don't see the prompt to convert to W-2 in my account. Why not?

     

    Links to the recording: You can skip around and watch any topic by clicking on the links below. Or, watch the event from start to finish by tapping on the video thumbnail.

    • Advice from a current Swing Sub
    • How will I know when it's my time to become W-2?
    • I-9 Forms
    • New Hire Orientation
    • W-2 Conversion 
    • Timesheet
    • Payroll
    • Taxes
    • Unemployment
    • Benefits/Perks
    • Q&A session 

     

     

  • Distance Learning Training Videos
    Distance Learning Training Videos

     

    How to Run a Virtual Classroom:

     

    How to Run a Virtual Classroom: Google Classroom + Google Meet

  • Fall 2020 Swing Town Hall
    Fall 2020 Swing Town Hall

    On October 29, Swing Education held its first-ever Town Hall meeting.  During this event, we covered

    • Updates on school reopening plans by Swing CEO Mike Teng
    • New request types
    • W-2 conversion 
    • Training opportunities and other perks

    You can catch up on the discussion in this video, and don't miss the resource links at the bottom of this page.

     

     

    Resource links:

    Link to the 3 request types

    Download the Swing app

    COVID-19 acknowledgement form

    How to Leave Feedback on a School

    COVID-19 resources

    W-2 Setup

    Distance learning training

    Stride Health registration page

     

     

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