Substitutes

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Thank you for your interest in serving as a substitute for Santa Fe ISD. Substitutes play a vital role in maintaining continuity of learning and supporting our students and staff. Whether you're a seasoned educator or new to the classroom, SFISD values your commitment and are here to provide the resources, guidance, and support you need to succeed. Explore the information below to get started and become an essential part of our educational community.

2026-2027 substitute application is opening July 20th.

6 STEPS TO BECOME A SUBSTITUTE

1. Complete Online Application:
Submit the substitute application online. Computers are available in the HR Office if needed. After applying, you’ll receive an email with next steps and orientation details.

2. Complete Orientation
Finish the virtual orientation and assessment, then notify Tamra Loftin to continue. Topics include the Educator Code of Ethics, AESOP, classroom management, and the substitute handbook.

3. Fingerprinting
If required, you’ll receive an email from IdentoGO to schedule an appointment. You are responsible for scheduling and payment. Bring a valid ID; accepted payments include card, check, or money order (no cash).

4. Meet Educational Requirements
Substitutes must have at least 48 college hours and submit an official transcript. If you do not meet this requirement, contact Tamra Loftin to schedule a PAC assessment.

5. Complete New Hire Paperwork
After completing Steps 1–4, you’ll receive instructions to finish required paperwork and submit necessary documents (e.g., ID and SSN).

6. Complete Mandatory Training
Within 30 days of hire, complete all required training, including SafeSchools online modules and in-person CRASE and Stop the Bleed sessions. You’ll receive an email with details and login information.

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Substitute Office Contacts

Important Dates

CRASE DATES

Returning active substitute for 2026-2027
- August 4, 2026 / 10:00am-12:00pm at Cowan Education Center Training Rooms
New substitutes for 2026-2027
- August 6, 2026 / 12:00pm-4:00pm at Cowan Education Center Training Rooms

SAFE SCHOOLS TRAININGS

Release date for the 2026-2027 school year is July 15, 2026.

All Safe Schools courses for the 2026-2027 school year will be available to complete on this date.

PAC Overview and Study Guide

The Paraprofessionals’ Assessment of Competencies is designed to provide a means by which instructional paraprofessionals can meet the requirements of the United States department of Education, as enumerated in the “No Child Left Behind” legislation signed into law by President Bush on January 8, 2002.

There are three criteria enumerated by the legislation; a paraprofessional assigned to a Title I program must meet one of these criteria. The deadline is September 1, 2002, for instructional paraprofessionals hired on or after January 8, 2002.

The deadline is January 8, 2006, for instructional paraprofessionals hired after January 8, 2002. This assessment will be recognized by eleven school districts in this area: Alvin, Clear Creek, Danbury, Dickinson, Friendswood, Galveston, Hitchcock, La Marque, La Porte, Santa Fe, and Texas City.

The assessment has three sections:

Section 1: 35 questions about what to do in the classroom and how to work with students, parents, and other campus educators
Section 2: 45 questions about academic skills in reading, Language, and math

Sections 1 and 2 (a total of 80 questions) are all multiple-choice questions, with three choices for each question.

Section 3: A writing sample

Section 3 requires a written response to one of two writing prompts. This section will be evaluated as “Clearly acceptable”, “Acceptable”, or “Unacceptable”.

Successful completion of the assessment will be a combination of the number of objective questions answered correctly and the ability to respond to the writing prompt.

An evaluation of “Clearly acceptable” on the writing section will be combined with a minimum of 60% of the objective questions right (48 questions) for demonstration of competency.
An evaluation of “Acceptable” on the writing section will be combined with a minimum of 70% of the objective questions right (56 questions) for demonstration of competency.
An evaluation of “Unacceptable” on the writing section will not result in the demonstration of competency.

Once a successful score is reached (i.e., “Acceptable” or “Clearly acceptable” on the writing sample or 60% or 70% on the objective questions), that score will always stand for that section of the assessment. If there is an unsuccessful score on either part, only that part will need to be retaken.

There will be three opportunities to gain a score demonstrating competency.

Here is a brief review of the types of questions that will appear on the assessment. At the end of the review (which contains sample questions that are very similar to those in the assessment), there is an answer key. You are encouraged to review your responses.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact the Human Resources office or the Department of Curriculum and Instruction in your district.

Substitute Pay Scale

*Substitute TEACHER* Salary**	Full Day Rate/Half Day Rate
Non-Degreed	$100.00/$50.00
Long Term	$110.00/$55.00

*Substitute AIDE* Salary**	Full Day Rate/Half Day Rate
Non-Degreed/Degree/Certified Teacher	$90.00/$45.00
Long Term	$100.00/$50.00

Pay days are on the 10th and 25th of each month. Check out the SFISD Payroll Schedule for exact pay days
Number of days included in paychecks are based on the SFISD yearly payroll calendar
Long-term pay begins on the 11th consecutive day in the same position
Degreed = Bachelors Degree
Certified + SBED Teaching Certification
Substitute positions for nurse, transportation, Yum! Nutrition, and professional positions are NOT included in this pay scale

IMPORTANT LINKS

AESOP/FRONTLINE

EMPLOYEE ACCESS

POWERSCHOOL

SAFESCHOOLS

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