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:
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
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”.
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.
. 
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.
All jobs, or “requests”, as we call them, will be placed directly by the schools onto the Swing platform. You can see these requests on the Swing platform by:
Logging into your account at https://subs.swingeducation.com/#/
Clicking on "Open Requests"
You will see a list of open requests with a summary of the request details. Click on "View Details" to open the request and view the information the admin has included.
You can also check the Show Waitlists?” Box to see requests that are filled but have an open waitlist. By adding yourself to the waitlist, you are expressing interest in the request should it become available. If chosen, you will receive a notification that you are confirmed to fill the request.
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.
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.
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.
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?
Swing Education is closely monitoring regional COVID-19 case numbers and communicating safety expectations to schools. Our expectation is that schools provide a safe work environment by following federal, state, local and health department guidelines.
In addition, Swing expects schools to provide teacher and staff support for in-person assignments, allow 6 feet of social distancing when on campus, notify Swing of any known cases of COVID-19 and communicate the safety measures they have taken.
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?
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:
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:
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:
You will find the following information in this article:
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Our EIN number is 47-4349654. If you receive a 1099-MISC from us, this is also included on the 1099-MISC form.
How do I set up my payment information?
How will I get paid and how often?
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.
Missing a payment? Start here.
Here is an example of how to fill out your pay profile and tax documents. We have included written instructions below. Please note each persons tax situation may differ. Please select the options that fit your tax situation.
Login to your account and head to the top right hand corner of the page. Click on your name and select “Payment Setup”.
After you log in, you will be taken to a four-screen process. Once you complete the steps on each page, click the “Next” button on the bottom, right portion of the page to move on to the next section.
Page 1: Enter your contact details. If you have a different address on your bank records, use the address as it appears on your bank records.
Page 2: Click the drop-down menu to select the type of payment method you want to use.
Page 3: Complete your W-9 and sign electronically
Complete the W9 Tax Form so that Swing can send you a 1099 form at the end of the fiscal year.
Typically, Swing Subs get paid as individuals. You can set this up by checking the "individual/sole proprietor or single-member LLC" box on the W-9 form. If you've created a corporation or other legal entity under which you want to get paid, you can use those boxes. If you are not getting paid as a business, please leave the "Business Name" section blank.
More information on taxes as a Swing Sub:
Note: In order to pass TIN validation, the following 2 things should match.
Digitally sign your W-9 by typing your full name and your email address. Once you reach the following screen, you are ready to get paid by Swing!
Once you're set up and have received your first payment via Tipalti, you'll be able to see your payment history.
Contact us if you have any questions while setting up your Tipalti account. Please remember that Swing cannot provide tax advice, so we are unable to help you fill out your W-9. We encourage you to reach out to a tax professional for tax advice.
Please contact us for an income verification letter. You can expect a response within 3 business days.
What will the income verification letter entail?
When can I request an income verification letter?
Can I request an employment verification letter?
**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, you will 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:
1. Click on the blue arrow 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.
2. From Payment Details, you can also download either an Excel or PDF statement for that given pay period.
3. You can download all your payments into one file by clicking the “Export to Excel” button. Export to Excel. Clicking this button will allow you to download all of your payments in one file.
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.
IMPORTANT NOTICE (Updated 4/22/20):
States have updated their websites with eligibility guidelines and information on applying for PUA (Pandemic Assistance Insurance). To learn more, find your state under the "Federal Cares ACT" section of this article.
As a substitute teacher with Swing Education, please be reminded that you are an independent contractor, thus you are self-employed and not an employee of Swing Education. We can point you in the direction of your state’s Unemployment Insurance office, but we cannot provide instructions or advice on how to file. Please contact your state’s UI office for help on how to file.
The Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act. The $2 trillion stimulus bill passed on March 27, 2020 provides multiple financial assistance programs. Key benefits are listed below. An overview of all programs can be found here.
Do you have a valuable resource to share with other subs? Email us and we will share it here.
SwingSubs agree to watch these two training videos from the WHO before signing off on the Covid-19 Policy and Agreement
(full URL: https://youtu.be/9Tv2BVN_WTk)
(full URL: https://youtu.be/3PmVJQUCm4E)
USE THE PAPER TOWEL TO OPEN THE DOOR WHEN YOU LEAVE, TOO!
Please view the entire COVID-19 Policy and Agreement here
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.
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.
https://learnadp.litmos.comand https://adp.calliduscloudenablement.com
#5- Pop Ups must be allowed/enabled on your web browser.
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:
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:
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
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.
How does my hourly rate work?
The hourly rate is calculated, simply put, by taking all hours in a request divided by the total number of days requested to come to the average pay rate. Please make sure you are logging all hours worked, regardless of what the request page states. The hourly rate is intended to get you to at least the school's agreed-upon rate.
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.
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/meeting time above the scheduled hours for the request each day.
Longterm Hourly Rate = School's Longterm 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. This is typically called prep time. Prep time is time you spend outside of your teaching hours grading papers, creating curriculum or speaking with parents. Your teaching hours should be your request hours as posted (ie 8-3pm), and we would expect you to punch 90 minutes outside of those hours to be added to your timesheet.
If you do not have prep/meetings time outside of your requested hours or less than 90 minutes for a long term request, simply 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, prior to working them.
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:
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.
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?
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.
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.
Please go to "Myself => Time and Attendance => Time". Make sure you are on the 'current pay period' each week.
This is how to enter your times via their website:
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.
For questions, contact ADP as soon as possible, or reach out to us here.
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.
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.
If you are a SwingSub, who has converted to a W-2 sub, you can reach out to ADP for help on:
MyLifeAdvistors are available Monday-Friday 8am to 11:30pm EST. If it is a weekend, send them an email so they can get back to you early the following week. If they ask you to speak with your 'manager', please let us know by contacting us below.
Taxes |
Swing will provide Form W-2 by January 31. Subs can view your W-2 online after this date. If you have questions about your Form W-2 please contact ADP. |
Access your ADP account |
ADP |
Pay cards |
Wisely Card by ADP®866-313-6901
|
Employment VerificationThe Work Number Client Service Center |
866-604-6572 |
Workers’ Compensation department: |
800-524-7024
|
Logging into my account: |
https://workforcenow.adp.com/ |
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
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.
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.
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.
Beginning in August 2020, Swing Education will begin transitioning teachers to W-2 employees. Below, you will find answers to the most common questions. For more details, see our article, W-2 Set Up: What's Changing, What's Not.
What does this transition mean for me?
Currently, Swing Subs are classified as independent contractors, also referred to by their tax status as “1099 contractors”. Teachers formerly classified as independent contractors will be reclassified as employees.
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 the following year, you will receive Form W-2 from Swing Education.
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.
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?
No. Schools will continue to set a day rate, consistent with the current process. However, all Swing Subs will be required to track their hours in the ADP timekeeping application.
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 status, 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. Some 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.
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. |
Please watch the below video, which outlines the following information:
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:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Mandated Reporter? Mandated Reporters are required by the state of California to report any known or suspected instances of child abuse or neglect to the county child welfare department or to local law enforcement agency (local police/sheriff's department). Anyone who encounters children through their profession, including substitute teachers and all school employees, must be a Mandated Reporter, pursuant to California Penal Code 11165.7 and California Education Code 44691.
Am I paid to take this training? No. This is a State requirement for all adults working with children. You will not be compensated for your time to complete the training.
Why must you report? The primary intent of the reporting law is to protect children from abuse and neglect. Reporting may also present an opportunity to provide help for the family. Parents who are under stress may be unable to ask for help directly, and may not know where or how to access help. A report of suspected abuse or neglect may be the catalyst for bringing about change in the home environment, which in turn, may help to lower the risk of abuse or neglect in the home.
How much proof do I need to provide that abuse or neglect has occurred? No proof of abuse or neglect is needed, only "reasonable suspicion” that child abuse or neglect may have occurred. If you are at all concerned about the possibility of abuse or neglect, you should report. Investigations will be conducted by law enforcement and/or the county child welfare department to determine if abuse or neglect has occurred. Delayed reporting while awaiting further information may hinder the investigation by the appropriate agencies.
How do I report? Mandated Reporters must report to a county child welfare department or to local law enforcement agency, such as the police or sheriff's department, immediately by phone. A written report must then be sent within 36 hours by fax, or it may be sent by electronic submission if a secure system has been made available for that purpose in your county. Written reports must be submitted on the California Suspected Child Abuse Report Form 8572.
Can I report the abuse or neglect anonymously? No. Mandated Reporters must identify themselves to the county child welfare department when making child abuse or neglect reports. However, persons who are not legally mandated may make anonymous reports.
Who will know that I made the child abuse or neglect report? The law enforcement officer and/or county child welfare worker investigating the case will have your name in order to contact you about the report. Other professionals involved in the case, such as detectives, and attorneys will have access to your name as well. However, your identity cannot be disclosed to the family or anyone else not directly involved in the investigation of the case. If your case results in a trial and you are required to testify, your identity may be revealed in court.
Do I need to tell the parents that I filed a report? You are not legally required to notify the parents that you are making a report. However, it may be beneficial to let the parents know you are reporting for the benefit of a future relationship. Copies of the report should be kept confidential and should never be given to any parties other than social services or law enforcement.
If I tell my supervisor about my concerns of abuse or neglect, have I met the obligation for mandated reporting? No. Telling a supervisor does not meet the mandated reporting requirement. If a decision is made that the supervisor will complete and submit the report to the county child welfare department or law enforcement agency, then one report is sufficient.
What if my supervisor tells me not to report my concerns because they are not sufficient? You must still make a report to the county child welfare department or local law enforcement. If the supervisor disagrees, the individual with the original suspicion must report.
If the incident I report turns out not to be the result of abuse or neglect, can I be sued? As long as a child abuse or neglect report is made in good faith, the Mandated Reporter is legally protected from civil or criminal lawsuits. Any legally Mandated Reporter has immunity and confidentiality when making a report. No individual can be dismissed, disciplined or harassed for making a report of suspected child abuse.
What happens if I am concerned about abuse or neglect and I do not make a report? Legally, Mandated Reporters can be criminally liable for failing to report suspected abuse or neglect. The penalty for this misdemeanor is up to six months in jail and/or up to a $1,000 fine. Mandated Reporters can also be subject to a civil lawsuit, and found liable for damages, especially if the child-victim or another child is further victimized because of the failure to report.
Will I have to testify in court? The majority of cases don’t go to trial. If they do, and the professional is required to testify, it is important to remember that the testimony may be essential for the protection of the child.
What happens if the children are removed from the home? This varies somewhat from county to county. If the county child welfare department determines that children must be removed from the home, they may be temporarily placed with an approved relative or in a licensed foster care home or facility depending on the county. If a child is removed, the case must be presented to a judge within 72 hours to determine if the removal is necessary or appropriate pending the rest of the investigation.
What happens after the report is filed? After a report is filed, the county child welfare department or local law enforcement agency investigates the allegations. These agencies are also required to cross-report suspected child abuse or neglect cases to each other.
The county child welfare department or law enforcement agency investigation will result in one of three outcomes:
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
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.
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:
One of the requirements for the substitute teaching permit is an online application. Here are the detailed steps to completing it:
If you have any questions about the online application, please contact contact us here. Thanks!
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.
This article will walk you through the fives steps.
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.
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”
Check the box next to the California Basic Educational Skills Test (CBEST) and click “Next”
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
Review your registration responses and click “Add to Cart” at the bottom of the page when you are ready to register.
Review your cart and click the "Check Out" button.
Review the testing agreements by clicking the box next to “I acknowledged” and clicking the “Next” button.
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.
Review your information and click “Submit Order” button.
1) Click on the link that says “Schedule Your Test”
2) Click on the link that says “Schedule”
3) Click on “CA-RMW: CBEST Reading, Mathematics, Writing"
4) Click the light blue “Schedule This Exam” button
5) Test Center Search: Type in your city or zip code and push “Search”. Then, click on up to 3 Testing Centers and click the “Next” button. You can see more testing centers by clicking “Display more testing centers...”
6) Select Date and Time: Choose the location and date that is most convenient for you by clicking on the dates in the calendar that are open and then click the blue box that contains the available time that you desire. You can always go back by clicking “Change Test Centers”.
7) Review your order and click on "Proceed to Checkout" button.
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.
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.
Review and click the “Submit Order” button.
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.
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:
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.
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).
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:
*Swing is not affiliated with any of the websites in this article.
For more assistance on registering for the CBEST: See our CBEST Registration Guide
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.
| 1099 Swing Subs |
|
| 1099 and W-2 SwingSub in the same year |
|
| W-2 SwingSub for the entire year (will apply starting 2021 tax season) |
|
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).
All requests are issued directly on the platform, by our school partners, including summer opportunities! We encourage you to sign up for not only the open requests but the waitlists as well to maximize your opportunities. Reaching out to any schools that you truly enjoyed working at and letting them know you are available for any summer opportunities can be a great way of building relationships and securing work as well.
Make sure all of your requirements are up to date.
Login to your account to see what needs updating.
If you're in California and do not already have a permit, getting one during the summer would be a perfect way of getting yourself ready for the upcoming school year.
Complete your online profile.
Once you accept an assignment, schools will be able to view your profile. That’s why you’ll want to make sure it looks professional. And don’t forget to include a photo!
Take advantage of our free professional development resources.
These include everything from articles, to online training modules you can take at your convenience.
Get specialized.
As a substitute teacher, you’re expected to be a generalist and a specialist, ready to jump in and teach any subject to any grade. We’re sharing our best techniques for teaching the most common subjects requested by schools.
Some schools will be very understanding, but you can expect that they won't be very happy. At Swing, we understand that unexpected delays can happen. If you're late, the admin has the choice to let us know, and a flag will be placed on your sub-account.
Please note: Not contacting the school can result in the admin canceling the request assuming you are not going to arrive. They may also mark you a no show, which hurts your status with Swing. Lastly, you may be blocked from picking up requests at that school again, which means fewer chances of securing an assignment.
Please try your best to be on time and always verify your arrival time the night before.
In order to update your address in Tipalti:
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.
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.
Your sub-account shows you all available requests that are available for you to pick up. To see more requests you can:
How to Run a Virtual Classroom:
How to Run a Virtual Classroom: Google Classroom + Google Meet
On October 29, Swing Education held its first-ever Town Hall meeting. During this event, we covered
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:
How to Leave Feedback on a School
Stride Health registration page
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:
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:
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.
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:
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:
Reliability is extremely important to schools. By following these expectations you have the opportunity to earn Star Sub status.
First impressions matter, you may find yourself developing your network! Follow these expectations to make a great first impression.
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.
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:
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:
Below you will find answers to the most common questions about Bubbles. Be sure to check out our other articles as well.
How Do Bubbles Interviews Work?
How do I Sign Up for a Bubbles Request?
Bubbles Checklist for Swing Subs
Bubbles Checklist for Teachers New to Swing
What is Bubbles by Swing Education?
Bubbles by Swing is a new service matching parents with teachers to lead small group sessions of 2-8 students in a student’s home on a long-term basis. Teachers ensure students stay on track with online classes, help with homework and create additional learning curriculum as needed.
How is Bubbles different from home schooling or micro-schooling?
Bubbles learning pods are designed for parents who keep their students enrolled in school and wish to continue following the curriculum designed by their school, but in the safety of their own homes. In contrast, home schooling and micro-schools are for parents who pull their students out school and want to design their own educational curriculum. Swing does not offer home schooling or micro-schools.
How do I qualify to teach Swing Bubbles?
All teachers who apply must live within 25 miles of a learning pod. Additional qualifications are as follows.
Existing Swing Subs must meet the following qualifications:
Teachers new to Swing must meet these qualifications:
Does Swing Education offer Bubbles in my area?
Swing offers Bubbles in California, New Jersey, Washington, D.C. and New York. Texas will open up at the end of September. We match teachers to learning pods within a 10-mile radius of the teacher's home. We strive to match teachers to host families in the same school or school district.
Who is responsible for the educational curriculum?
Swing offers programming to complement the distance learning curriculum provided by school districts. We offer half-day and full-day programs, at 15 and 30 hours each. Programming will consist of one or more of the following activities.
Exact details of each assignment will vary by family, with the pay rate contingent upon the location, number of students and level of teaching qualifications required.
I want to interview for a Bubble. How do I start?
For teachers already substitute teaching with Swing Education:
Log on to your Swing Education account and sign up for Bubbles requests. You can sign up for as many Bubbles as you wish. You will receive a text message when a learning pod family requests to interview you.
Please note, unlike standard substitute teaching requests, signing up does not automatically assign you to the Bubble. Our matchmakers will review your pod requests and match you with the most relevant one. If our matchmakers find other pods that look like a good fit for you, they will match you with those pods, too.
For teachers who are new to Swing Education:
Complete this form and be sure to upload a resume if you have one. We will reach out to you if we have learning pods near you.
To learn about the hiring process, see our Checklist for New Hires.
Can I do this job remotely?
No. Teachers will work on site, in a student’s home. The setting may be inside or outside the home, depending on the arrangement with the host family.
Can I ask the students to come to my home?
No, the setting will be in the host family's home.
How many homes will I need to visit?
If there is more than one family in the Bubble, the students will still meet at only one family's home. Swing is asking host families to provide a consistent location for their learning pod, but there may be occasions where the host families need to meet at another family's home. Be sure to ask this question if you are selected for an interview with a host family.
Where can I find details on the assignment?
Scheduling will be posted with the request. Read the request carefully to make sure the days and hours will work with your schedule on an ongoing basis. These are long-term assignments and the host families are looking for teachers who can work until school districts decide it's safe to reopen schools.
How many days per week will I work?
Assignments can range from 2-5 days per week. Please be aware that 90% of our learning pods are conducted between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. Check the hours in the request and be sure you can commit to those hours before applying for the request.
Many families are flexible about scheduling. It's a good idea to talk about scheduling during your online interview with the host family so you can determine a mutually agreeable schedule.
What grades and subjects will I teach?
The grades and subjects will be listed in the request. Most likely, you will teach more than one grade since host families are likely to have children of different ages. Please be aware that 90% of our learning pod requests are for elementary school students.
Be sure to ask questions during the online interview so you have a complete picture of the students' needs.
Are there Special Ed learning pods?
On occasion, there may be a learning pod with a child who has special needs. SPED will be noted in the assignment details.
How long will the assignment last?
Bubbles assignments are month-to-month, but we expect them to last until December.
What happens if schools reopen before the end of the term?
In the event that that school districts decide it is safe to reopen schools, and parents decide they want to return their children to school, parents must give Swing 28 days notice before ending the Bubbles contract. If parents decide they do not need the teacher during the 28-day period due to school re-opening, teachers will be paid for the time they would have worked.
How many students will be in the Bubble?
Bubbles are made up of 2-8 students. The number of students in the Bubble will be noted in the request.
Who is responsible for providing supplies?
The host family is responsible for providing laptops and school supplies for the learning pod. Teachers do not need to provide a laptop or other supplies, and are encouraged to engage in face-to-face interactions with students to balance out screen time.
Will I get paid for prep time?
Yes, you will get paid for prep time. It's critical to keep your time card as up-to-date and accurate as possible so you can get paid for both prep time and actual time you spend teaching your pod.
How can I be a Bubbles teacher?
Log on to your Swing Education account and sign up for learning pods the same way you would with a standard request. You can choose as many Bubbles as you wish. Our matchmakers will review your requests and text you when a host family wishes to interview with you.
What is the selection process?
Swing Education will share your profile with up to three host families. When a host family requests to interview you, you'll receive a text message from us with details on the assignment. We'll also provide an interview guide so you can prepare. Once you confirm your interest in the learning pod, you'll receive a text and email with a confirmation and the online interview link.
How do I get picked for an interview?
Host families will request to interview you if they like what they see on your Swing profile. It's important to have a complete profile to make a good first impression. Be sure you have a good photo and describe your teaching experience and qualifications. You should also fill out your work history in the "Relevant Experience" section. A complete work history reduces the chance that a host family will ask for a resume and cover letter. Read more about updating your Swing profile.
If you have a resume, upload it here.
What is the pay rate?
Typical pay is $25-30 hourly, pre-tax. The pay range is dependent on location and size of the pod, as well as the level of qualifications required by the pod. Assignments range from part-time to five days per week.
How often do I get paid?
You will be paid weekly by Swing Education as you normally would for a district assignment, via direct deposit or other payment method you have set up in your account profile.
When will I start?
The start date will be in the request. Most schools are starting in early August.
How can I learn more about the family I could be matched with?
When a host family requests to interview you, you'll have the opportunity to ask questions and start developing a good relationship with the parents. We encourage you to start writing a list of questions for the host family now. Asking questions is the best way to ensure that you and the host family are aligned on teaching goals, and parents tell us that teachers who ask a lot of questions during the interview make them feel more comfortable with the teacher.
How will I know when I am hired?
A Swing Representative will reach out to you when a host family decides they would like to have you teach their Bubble. You must respond within 24 hours to let Swing know whether you are accepting the assignment.
If I am hired, who will I report to?
If hired as a Bubbles teacher, you will be converted to a W-2 employee and will report to Swing Education.
What paperwork do I need to sign when I am hired?
1. Bubbles acknowledgement form with COVID-19 protocol: you'll receive an email with a Hellosign link once you accept the assignment. Please note: this is different from the W-2 employee offer letter discussed in step 2 below.
2. W-2 employee offer letter: look for an email titled "Time to start your W-2 set up". Log into your account and sign your offer letter, and sign up for the required online orientation.
3. Form I-9: look for an email from i9 Everywhere which will give you detailed instructions on how to fill out form I-9.
4. ADP paperwork. During orientation, you'll be given instructions for logging into ADP and completing your paperwork.
5. Timesheet: during orientation, you'll complete your timesheet so you can get paid for the time you spent in orientation.
What about liability? Who is responsible if an accident occurs?
Swing provides liability in the event of an accident. Bubbles teachers are converted to W-2 employees of Swing Education before they start their Bubbles teaching assignments, thus are eligible for worker's compensation should an accident occur. You can read more about W-2 set up here.
What about COVID-19 safety?
Swing Education has a safety protocol for pod teachers, parents and students, involving mask requirements, sanitizing computers and work surfaces, frequent hand washing and having hand sanitizer available. If you would like to put additional safety precautions in place, we encourage you to discuss these with host families to decide if you are both comfortable with the agreement.
Will teachers have health benefits?
If hired, you may be eligible for health insurance after a 12-month lookback period. Meaning, if you work 30 or more hours per week for 12 months, you will qualify a year from now for health benefits.
What other benefits will I have?
All pods are going to be hosted at the Pod parent's home. The area to teach will be indoors or outdoors, depending on your and the Pod's preferences.
You will not be homeschooling the children, but rather guiding them in their own curriculum. You may be asked to supplement some fun activities or enrichment to ensure they are staying on track.
Please make sure you have signed up to be a Pods teacher at Teach With Us, and complete your Checkr background check.
If you are also a SwingSub, you only need to have your typical mandatory requirements up to date and be a rising or Star sub.
You will set a schedule with you and the Pod during your interview. Make sure you are open and honest about your availability.
You will be requested for an interview once you are matched and chosen as a top teacher for the Pod. The parent (s) will review your Swing Profile and then request a date and time that works best for them. If it does not work for you, follow the instructions on the notification so you can be rescheduled.
Since this is similar to interviewing for a job, the interviews are not paid. Check out our help articles on how to interview successfully over video.
Please let us know right away, so we can either have it rescheduled or match you with another Pod.
You will not be paid mileage, but we did take this into consideration and it has been accounted for in the offered hourly wage.
Yes. Please make sure you are entering all worked hours in your timesheet. We want to make sure you are paid for all working hours and efforts.
Also see our other helpful articles.
Bubbles by Swing FAQ for Teachers
How Do Bubbles Interviews work?
Bubbles Checklist for Swing Subs
Bubbles Checklist for Teachers New to Swing
Signing up for Bubbles requests on the Swing platform is the best way to communicate your grade level preferences and your preferred days per week to our matchmaking team. We encourage you to sign up for at least 10 learning pods because not all of these will result in an interview. Also note that our matchmakers may match you with learning pods you didn't sign up for if they think you'd be a good fit.
To sign up, just log on to your account and click the "Open Requests" tab at the top of the page. Remember, by signing up, you are requesting an interview. The interview needs to be confirmed by both the teacher and the parents before being scheduled. Signing up for multiple pods will increase your chances of getting an interview scheduled. Learn more in our article How Do Bubbles Interviews work?
(Please note: teachers who are new to Swing Education will be eligible to sign up for pods only after their Checkr background checks have cleared. You will receive an email from Checkr when your background check clears.)
You can sign up for learning pods on the Swing app or on our website. You'll also be notified of new pod opportunities through SMS text messages.
To sign up via text notifications, click the link to open up the signup page. You must be logged in in order to sign up. Notifications for pods will be sent with all available pods once a day .
To sign up on the website, log into your account and click "View Details", which will open the assignment details.
Next, click "Apply For Interview" to be added to the pod parents pool of interested and available teachers. Do not sign up unless you are committed to interviewing.
On the Swing app, tap to open the request you're interested in and then tap the "Apply to Interview" button.
Also see our other helpful articles.
Bubbles by Swing FAQ for Teachers
How do I Sign Up for a Bubbles Request?
Bubbles Checklist for Swing Subs
Bubbles Checklist for Teachers New to Swing
I want to interview for a Bubble. How do I start?
For teachers already substitute teaching with Swing Education:
Log on to your Swing Education account and sign up for learning pods. You can view the location, grades and hours in the request. You will receive a text message when a learning pod family wants to interview you.
You can sign up for as many Bubbles as you wish. However, you should only sign up for Bubbles you are serious about teaching or that you feel you are qualified to teach. For example, please do not sign up for a Spanish-speaking Bubble if you don’t speak Spanish.
Please note, unlike standard substitute teaching requests, signing up does not automatically assign you to the Bubble. Our matchmakers will review your pod requests and match you with the most relevant pods. If our matchmakers find other pods that look like a good fit for you, they will match you with those pods, too.
For teachers who are new to Swing Education:
Complete this form and be sure to upload a resume if you have one. We will reach out to you if we have learning pods near you.
Who will I interview with? The learning pod family or with Swing?
Your interview will be held with the learning pod family.
Are interviews held in person?
No. All interviews are held via videoconference on the Swing platform. Read our article, How to Interview over Video, for more information.
When are interviews held?
First, you need to record your interview availability on the Swing platform. Log on to your Swing account settings to view your interview calendar. Boxes highlighted in light blue indicate you are available for an interview. If you are unavailable during a particular time slot, click the corresponding box to remove the highlight.
How will I know if I get an interview?
You will get a confirmation text and email letting you know the date and time of your interview. You have a maximum of 12 hours to confirm whether you'll do the interview. If you do not respond within 12 hours, our matchmakers will look for another teacher.
Make sure you keep your availability up to date so these requests do not come at a time when you have a scheduling conflict.
My interview is scheduled. When will I get the link?
You will receive the link to the video conference in text and by email as soon as you confirm your interest in the interview.
How do I log on to start my interview?
Just click the link in the email we sent you. If you have technical difficulties contact us ASAP so we can help.
I was asked to do an interview. Where can I get more information about the students, the location or my schedule?
The interview request will contain location, grade and hours. For more detailed information, such as the school district’s curriculum, make a list of your questions and ask during the interview. Asking a lot of good questions signals to parents that you are engaged and interested in the assignment.
Where can I get help learning the online video conferencing platform?
Read our article on how to interview over video conference. We strongly recommend that you take time the day before your interview to test out the video conferencing system and make adjustments.
Can I interview with multiple families at once, and then choose which pod I want?
Yes, you may interview with multiple families. However, after an interview, you have 24 hours to decide if you want to take the assignment. Waiting to make a decision may mean you miss out on the opportunity.
When and how will I find out if my interview was a success?
The learning pod family has 24 hours to make a decision, so you will know within 48 hours. We will contact you by email if your interview was a success.
My interview was a success. How long do I have to decide if I want to take the assignment?
You have 24 hours to confirm your interest in taking the assignment.
My interview was not successful. Why?
We try to gather feedback, but we may not always get it. If we do, we will reach out and pass the feedback on to you so you can improve for the next interview.
I need to reschedule my interview. How can I do it?
Contact us and we’ll reschedule.
Why have I been matched with a pod that I didn’t sign up for?
Our matchmakers are working hard behind the scenes to match every learning pod with the perfect educator. If you were matched with an opportunity you didn’t sign up for, it means our team felt you would be a perfect match and wanted to give you the opportunity.
How come I didn’t get matched with a pod that I signed up for?
Our matchmakers review all requests and hand match each request. If you were not chosen for a request, it could mean another teacher was a better match for the grade level or location. It could also mean that the family decided to not form a learning pod at all. You can continue to sign up for pods until you are matched and hired.
I interviewed with a learning pod and do not want this assignment. How do I let Swing know?
Respond to the email we sent you within 24 hours, whether you wish to take the assignment or not.
Interviewing to work for a host family in a Swing Bubble is different from interviewing to work in a school classroom with 25 or more students. In a Bubble, you will be teaching a small group in a student’s home, so prospective families will want to make sure your teaching experience and teaching style is a good fit for their own kids. To excel in an interview, you’ll need to anticipate and prepare for these common questions.
Host families are likely to ask three types of questions. First they will want specific details about your teaching history. Next, they may ask how you would approach teaching a student with a specific type of need, like trouble reading. Lastly, they will ask how you plan to create a daily schedule. In this article, we’ll discuss how to talk about your teaching experience.
Sample questions:
What do these questions have in common? They each demand a story from an event in your real life. To answer these types of questions, think about a specific day when you excelled as a teacher. What was the classroom environment like that day? What were the specific challenges you faced? How did you overcome them? What behavioral or academic changes did you observe in students? These details work together to create a convincing story.
Sample answer:
“Last spring I was teaching a 4th grade English class and I had trouble with a student goofing off in the back row. Instead of criticizing him, I asked him to come up and be my helper for the lesson because I sensed that if I could make him feel valued and important he would stop goofing off. [Describe how he helped with the lesson and how that improved the behavior.]”
| Pro tip: the most convincing stories are specific to your own life. Avoid general descriptors such as “detail-oriented” or “team player”. |
We call these types of stories “career successes”. Career successes are persuasive because they come from your real life experience. Write down 3-4 career success stories, practice them with a friend or family member before your interview and ask for feedback.
As you get used to answering interview questions with career success stories, you’ll find you can reuse them for many different types of questions. Developing career success stories is an investment in your interview skills.
If you have more questions on how to interview, just email us at community@swingeducation.com.
Good luck on your interview!
A common question Bubbles host families ask during the interview process is, “How would you create a daily schedule for my learning pod?” Parents who had a tough time homeschooling their kids when schools were closed are looking for a teacher who can create a routine, set daily goals and implement a process for evaluating progress. They are looking to you to provide guidance. To demonstrate your capability, you’ll need to consider the following:
In this guide, we’ll explore these topics one by one. By combining these tactics with your experience as a teacher, you’ll be able to propose a sample schedule you and the host family can both feel confident in.
Before you can propose a schedule, you’ll need to know what distance learning curriculum will be provided by the school. While the host family may not have the specifics, they are likely to be able to estimate approximately how many hours per day they want their kids to focus on online schoolwork.
If you haven’t already discussed the curriculum at this stage in the interview, it’s appropriate to say, “May I ask a clarifying question?” and then find out how much time parents want their kids to devote to lessons. Then you can fill in the remainder of the day with non-screen activities.
All parents love to be asked about their kids! They may have already shared specific needs with you such as:
If parents haven’t specified any focus areas, ask them if their kids have specific areas where they need extra attention. You’ll need to be able to communicate how you would tailor the daily schedule to a student with a specific need. Additionally, be ready to communicate how you track progress so parents can see for themselves that students are progressing. Here are some fun ways to monitor and assess learning. We suggest you find your favorite and be ready to share an example during your interview of how you’d implement it.
Almost all Bubbles host families are looking for a healthy mix of academics and screen-free time and it’s likely they will expect you to suggest non-screen activities during the interview. Be sure to have several ideas to share, either from your teaching history or perhaps a new activity for this small-group environment. Here are ideas for screen-free activities that you can incorporate throughout the day.
Before the interview, take some time to write down 1 or 2 sample schedules incorporating the three categories above that you can propose in the interview. Remember, parents are looking for a teacher who can create a routine, set daily goals and implement a process for evaluating progress. A defined daily schedule will convince them that you can meet these needs.
|
Time & Date |
Activity |
Goal |
✔ |
|
8:00-8:30am |
-Today’s goals -Game: if you could eat one thing every day, what would it be? |
Set expectations for the day |
|
|
8:30-9:15 |
Distance learning curriculum |
Fractions practice |
|
|
9:15-9:30 |
Morning break |
||
|
9:30-10:00 |
Review: round robin style |
What did we learn? |
|
|
10:00-10:45 |
Distance learning curriculum |
[insert subject here] |
|
|
10:45-11:15 |
Review: ball pass |
||
|
11:45-12:00 |
Yoga and stretching |
||
|
12:00-12:45pm |
Lunch |
||
|
12:45-1:30 |
Reading: guided |
8 pages |
|
|
1:30-2:00 |
Story sharing: what did you read today? |
Understand and recall the story by sharing with someone else |
|
|
2:00-2:15 |
Afternoon break |
||
|
2:15-3:00 |
Distance learning curriculum |
[insert subject here] |
|
|
3:00-3:15 |
Tidy up |
||
|
3:15-? |
Play time |
That covers it!
Good luck with your interviews, you’re going to be great!