Swing Bubbles

• How Do Bubbles Learning Pods Work?
  How Do Bubbles Learning Pods Work?

  What are Bubbles Pods and how do they work?

  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. 

  I'm not seeing any available Pods. What's going on?

  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. 

  Who sets my schedule?

  You will set a schedule with you and the Pod during your interview. Make sure you are open and honest about your availability. 

  How do I get an interview?

  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. 

  Will I be paid for my interviews?

  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. 

  What if no one shows up to our scheduled interview?

  Please let us know right away, so we can either have it rescheduled or match you with another Pod. 

  Will I be paid for driving to their home?

  You will not be paid mileage, but we did take this into consideration and it has been accounted for in the offered hourly wage. 

  I worked more hours than my contract, am I paid for those hours?

  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. 

   

   

   

   

   

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

   

  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:

  • Star or Rising Star score
  • A.A. degree
  • Requirements on the Swing platform must be up-to-date

  Teachers new to Swing must meet these qualifications:

  • 1 year experience with children in an academic or other setting, such as a camp counselor, tutor or nanny
  • A.A. degree
  • Education and criminal record background check conducted through Checkr

   

  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.

  • Distance learning support: keeping students on track by facilitating distance learning instructions from school districts.
  • Homework help: assisting students with homework completion after distance learning is done for the day.
  • Academic enrichment: focusing on a particular subject or several different subjects throughout the week, with an emphasis on achieving daily learning goals and mastery of a chosen subject.
  • Fun activities and play: leading kids in collaborative outdoor games, hands-on activities and projects, with the goal of keeping them engaged and entertained.

  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?

  • Unemployment benefits
  • Worker’s compensation
  • AFLAC: optional supplemental insurance for dental, vision, hospital stay and other plans.
  • Standard sick pay
  • COVID-19 sick pay:  up to 10 days from hire, in compliance with Families First Act
  • Other types of leave in compliance with state and federal law

   

   

• How Do I Sign Up for Bubbles Requests?
  How Do I Sign Up for Bubbles Requests?

  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

   

  How to Sign Up for Bubbles Requests on the Swing Platform

  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.) 

   

  How to Increase Your Chances of Getting an Interview

  • Sign up for 10-20 pods.
  • Keep your interview availability up-to-date in your account settings.
  • Update your profile, including work history. Parents will review your profile and decide if they want to proceed with interviewing you. 
  • Upload your resume, since most parents ask for one.

   

  Signing up for Bubbles Requests Step-by-Step

  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. 

   

  

   

   

• How Do Bubbles Interviews Work?
  How Do Bubbles Interviews Work?

   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.

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

   

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

   

  1. Anticipate the Question

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

   

  Sample questions:

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

   

  2. Prepare Your Stories

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

   

  Sample answer:

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

   

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

   

  3. Write Down and Practice Your Stories

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

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

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

  Good luck on your interview!

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

   

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

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

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

   

  1. Clarify the Academic Curriculum

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

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

   

  2. Know What Their Children Need

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

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

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

   

  3. Plan Screen-free Activities

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

   

  4. Put it All Together

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

   

  Sample Schedule for Grades 1-3

   

  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!

New Hire 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.

  It is mandatory to convert to an employee. You will not be allowed to stay as a 1099 Independent Contractor with Swing.

  

   

  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: 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. 

  Step 6: Complete your ADP onboarding within 3 days. 

  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. 

   

• 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

   

• What Does The Banner On My Account Mean?
  What Does The Banner On My Account Mean?

  Red Banner

  If you have a red banner, then a mandatory requirement on your account is about to expire. It is critical you update it to avoid account suspension. 

  If you are missing a document, please update it immediately in order to continue seeing work. 

  If you are in the process of converting to a W-2 and have completed all steps, including ADP, please ignore the banner as ADP takes a few days to update on our platform.

  If you are missing any of the steps, please see How Do I Complete My New Hire Conversion?

  Converting to W-2 is not optional. 

   

  Blue Banner

  The banner may be blue to let you know you have expiring documentation or as an alert of something important. It's vital that you read it each time you log in to ensure it has not changed.

   

   

   

   

   

• New Hire Pay FAQ's
  New Hire Pay FAQ's

  FAQs

  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. 

  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. 

  I was offered a lunch break but I declined.

  It is mandatory for you to take a lunch break. Declining a lunch break is unacceptable under all circumstances and could lead to termination.

  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 conduct an investigation on your behalf. 

  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. 

• Where's My Payment?
  Where's My Payment?

  When you onboard on our Payroll partner, ADP, you will be given the option to sign up for direct deposit. Direct deposit will take 2-3 cycles to be completely set up. 

  Your account will need to go through a Pre-note process where ADP will deposit several small amounts into your account and then remove them. This is to ensure that the correct bank account has been set up. While you are in your pre note cycles, you will be mailed a live paper check. Please allow 7-10 business days for your check to arrive. 

  What is a prenote?

  A prenote is a test to validate the employee bank account information. Prenotes are sent from ADP to the employee's bank account and verified before direct deposit payroll can be processed.

  A prenote test transaction gets sent to the bank to make sure that the provided employee account information is valid before setting up a direct deposit transfer to pay the employee.

  If your direct deposit fails, we will contact you to correct your information. 

• How Do I Enter My Hours On My Timesheet?
  How Do I Enter My Hours On 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 your weekly timesheet prior to 8 pm on Friday evenings. If you run into an issue over the weekend, entering your times, you will not have ADP or Swing's help until Monday and your timesheet will be late. 

  • How to enter your times
  • Important Timekeeping Information
  • FAQs

  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. 

  To record sick time on your time card, select "sick time" from the drop-down menu (TBD/WIP) and enter the number of hours you want to use. You will only be able to take the number of hours you have accumulated. 

   

Permits & Certifications

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

  Swing’s Guide To Completing Mandated Reporter Training

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

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

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

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

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

  Frequently Asked Questions 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

  Sources: 

  http://mandatedreporterca.com 

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

  Reference California Mandated Reporter Training 

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

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

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

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

   

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

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

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

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

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

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

  This article will walk you through the fives steps.

  I. Log-In

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

  

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

  

  II. Registering for the Test

  1) Identity Confirmation

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

  

  2) Program Selection

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

  

  3) Test Selection

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

   

  4) Alternative Testing Arrangements

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

  

  5) Test Date and Location

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

  

  6) Score Reporting Options

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

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

  

  

  7) Background Questionaire

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

  

  

  8) Review Registration

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

  

  

  III. Review Cart / Payment

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

  

  1) Agreement

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

  

  2) Payment

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

  

  

  

  3) Review Order

  Review your information and click “Submit Order” button.

  

  IV. Next Steps / Scheduling Your Test

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

  

  2) Click on the link that says “Schedule”

  

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

  

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

  

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

  

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

  

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

  

  V. Final Check-Out

  1) Confirm Personal Information

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

  

  2) Agree to Policies

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

  

  3) Submit Order

  Review and click the “Submit Order” button.

  

  4) Summary

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

  

   

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

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

  

  I've applied for my permit, now what?

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

  How do I renew my permit?

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

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

  These following articles may also be helpful:

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

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

  1) Review the topics on the exam. 

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

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

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

  2) Take practice tests.

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

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

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

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

  3) Re-Learn concepts and study!

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

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

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

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

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

Using the Swing Platform

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

   

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

  • Accept teaching requests

  • Fill out your profile

  • Set up direct deposit 

  • Learn how to get waitlisted

   

  Ready to start teaching? Click to view open requests.

   

• How Do I Update My 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. 

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

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

   

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

   

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

  Get the iOS app in the App Store

  Get the Android app from Google Play

   

  Viewing New Requests & Commitments

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

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

   

   

  Using Notifications

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

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

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

   

  .    

   

  Viewing Multi-Day Requests

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

   

       

   

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

  How do I see requests that I am committed to?

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

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

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

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

  

   

              

• How Do You Accept a Request Via Text Notification
  How Do You Accept a Request Via Text Notification

  Signing up for requests via text message is the quickest way to secure your work for the day. Requests are sent out in random order and are filled on a first-come-first-served basis. When there is an open request, you’ll receive a notification like this:

  
  
  

  You’ll be given the option to log in the Swing website on your mobile browser through the link provided or reply directly to the message with the prompted keyword. In this example, the keyword is sub 0a2f. 
  
  When you successfully sign up for an assignment, you’ll get a confirmation text that says "You're Confirmed!"
  
  Note: You cannot sign up for multi-day or long term assignments via text message. Follow the link in the text notification to view and sign up for these requests through your mobile browser or computer. 

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 we do not directly witness your work. 

  We do encourage you to reach out to an admin or Pod Parent, with whom you had a great interaction with, 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. 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

   

  FAQ's:

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

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

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

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

  I need to update my address for my 1099

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

  Why am I getting a 1099 and not a W2?

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

  I have questions about taxes, can you help?

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

   

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

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

  Click here to read more about independent contractor taxes.

   

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

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

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

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

  Best practices for payment: 

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

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

  Things to note: 

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

   

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

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

  • California subs: Get a 30-day sub permit

  • Request to be linked to more regions

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

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

   

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

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

  Some tips to increase your opportunities: 

  Make sure all of your requirements are up to date.

  Login to your account to see what needs updating. 

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

  • The Complete Guide to Becoming a Substitute Teacher in California

  Complete your online profile.

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

  Take advantage of our free professional development resources.

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

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

  Get specialized.

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

  • Teaching math
  • Teaching science
  • Teaching English

COVID-19 Resources

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

  IMPORTANT NOTICE (Updated 4/22/20):

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

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

   

  Federal CARES Act 

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

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

   

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

   

  Additional Federal Resources

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

   

  State Resources

  California 

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

  New Jersey

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

   

  Local Resources

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

   

  Private Resources

  Free WiFi

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

   

  Health Care

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

  Alternative Employment Resources

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

   

  Other Resources

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

   

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

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

   

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

   

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

   

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

   

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

   

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

   

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

   

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

   

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

   

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

   

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

   

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

   

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

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

   

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

   

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

   

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

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

     

  • Where can I get more information about COVID-19? 
  • You can find more information, as well as updates, on the CDC website.
• 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

• How to Continue Building your Career during School Closures
  How to Continue Building your Career during School Closures

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

   

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

   

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

   

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

   

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

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

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

   

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

   Teaching math

  Teaching science

  Teaching English

   

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

Classroom Best Practices & Resources

• Swing Tutors FAQ
  Swing Tutors FAQ

  What is Swing Tutors?

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

   

  How do I Become a Swing Tutor?

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

   

  How Do I Sign Up For a Session?

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

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

   

  How are Sessions Conducted?

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

   

  How Do I Get Paid?

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

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

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

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

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

   

   

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

  

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

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

  Click here to start the training!

  Why STEDI?
  

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

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

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

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

  How to Enroll

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

  START THE TRAINING!

  Swing’s Commitment to Substitute Teacher Quality

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

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

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

  About the Author

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

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

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

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

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

  Mindset Shift

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

  Always Give Explicit Directions

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

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

  Classroom Management

  Establish Expectations and a Sense of Urgency

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

  Upholding Expectations

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

  Show You Care

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

  Things To Avoid

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

  Additional Resources

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

   

   

   

   

   

   

• Substitute Teacher Code of Conduct
  Substitute Teacher Code of Conduct

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

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

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

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

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

  Expectations Regarding Safety Concerns

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

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

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

  Expectations for Accepting Assignments

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

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

  Expectations On the Day of an Assignment

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

  Checking In:

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

  Before Class Starts:

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

  During Class:

  When executing classroom duties:

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

  When interacting with students:

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

  Passing Periods / Lunch / Planning Periods / Recess:

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

  End of Classes / Assignment:

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

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

   

  Featured Articles:

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

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

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

   

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

   

  

   

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

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

   

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

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

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

   

   3. Follow the plans that are left for you

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

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

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

   

  4. Stay calm and positive

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

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

   

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

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

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

  Remember:

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