Substitute Services Office

Effective teachers inspire and nurture a love for learning while fostering an inclusive and engaging environment that empowers students to reach their full potential. Educators strive to create a supportive classroom where every individual feels valued, challenged, and motivated to excel academically, socially, and emotionally. Teachers cultivate critical thinking, creativity, and a lifelong passion for education, equipping students with the skills and knowledge necessary to thrive in an ever-changing world. A teacher prioritizes student engagement and excels in achieving high academic standards; demonstrates expertise in culturally responsive teaching, creating inclusive environments, and fostering 
equitable educational experiences. 

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree or Higher from an accredited college or University (Verifiable per unofficial Transcripts) - Documentation MUST be uploaded  

• Current Washington State Teaching Certificate - Documentation MUST be uploaded 

• Experience working with children in an instructional capacity  

• Successful substitute teaching experience and effective work with school age students preferred. 

• Ability and desire to work on a constant basis – minimum 2 times a month 

Substitute Pay

• Full Day: $201.57
• Half Day: $100.78

Other Information: Applicants who do not currently hold a Washington State Teaching Certificate but meet all other requirements may consider applying for the Emergency Substitute Teacher Position. 

What is the Difference between an Emergency Substitute Teacher and a Regular Substitute Teacher? 

• Emergency Substitute Teacher: is one who does not currently have a WA State Teaching certificate; these individuals are typically 'career-changers' looking to explore the teaching profession but have not completed a teaching program/received their teaching certificate. 

• Regular Substitute Teacher: is one who has completed a teacher preparation program and obtained their Washington State Teaching Certificate 

E-Certification

• Current Puyallup Student Teachers who have completed many Student Teaching hours and have received approval from their university may be considered to obtain an E-Cert to sub for their mentor teacher during the duration of their Student Teaching.

• If you already have a teaching certificate and want to be a Substitute Teacher, please apply for the Substitute Teacher posting instead. 

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree or Higher from an accredited college or University (Verifiable per unofficial Transcripts) - Documentation MUST be uploaded  

• Candidates completing their Student Teaching Placement with the Puyallup School District, with many Student Teaching hours completed, may be considered. 

• Experience working with children in an instructional capacity. 

• Ability and desire to work on a constant basis – minimum 2 times a month 

Required Qualifications

• Master's Degree from an accredited college or University (Verifiable per unofficial Transcripts) - Documentation MUST be uploaded  

• Preferred knowledge/experience working in areas of:  substance abuse prevention/intervention, child abuse, ADD/ADHD, suicide prevention/intervention, violence prevention education (Second Step), parent support and education, and anger management.

• Current Washington State Educational Staff Associate (ESA) Certificate, with appropriate endorsement(s) 

• Experience working with children  

• Ability to commit to and be flexible within the full long-term substitute assignment.

Substitute Pay

• Full Day: $201.57
• Half Day: $100.78

Paraeducators provide essential support for staff and students in both instructional and non-instructional activities to ensure the safety and well-being of students in a variety of settings. They assist with lessons and classroom management, provide one-on-one or small group support to students, particularly those with special needs, and help prepare educational materials and resources. Paraeducators supervise students during non-classroom activities such as recess or lunch and support the implementation of individualized education plans for students. Their role is vital in enhancing the educational experience and ensuring that all students receive the support they need to succeed.

Required Qualifications:

• 18 years of age or older 

• High School Graduate or Equivalent (GED) - Documentation MUST be uploaded 

• Ability and desire to work on a constant basis – minimum 2 times a month 

Note: Candidates who meet the Washington State Paraeducator Requirements, may also be eligible for temporary paraeducator positions and permanent paraeducator positions. Candidates who have the following will be requested to upload the documentation to their application.  

• Qualifying (ETS) paraeducator assessment scores  

• 72 quarter credits or 48 semester credits at the 100 level or higher at an accredited college or university   

• Associates degree or higher from an accredited college or University 

Substitute Pay:  $25.80/hr

Office Professionals provide a variety of clerical office support to buildings, departments and programs. Office Professionals greets parents, students, and employees; processes records for accounting, payroll and/or student 
records, coordinates instructional materials requests, and performs a variety of other office duties.

Required Qualifications

• High School Graduate or equivalent - Documentation MUST be uploaded 

• Ability and desire to work on a constant basis – minimum 2 times a month 

• Required Testing: Pre-Employment District clerical testing (eSkills Assessment) 

Substitute Pay:  $23.63

• Patrol Security Officers patrol District buildings and grounds to prevent fire, theft, vandalism, and illegal entry; as well as routine inspections of doors, windows, and gates to determine that they are secure.
   
• Campus Security Officers purpose is to provide for the safety and welfare of students during non-classroom activities; minimizing the frequency or severity of harmful incidents; and communicating observations and/or incidents that may impact a general wellbeing of students and school personnel

Required Qualifications:  

• High School Graduate or equivalent - Documentation MUST be uploaded 

• Ability and desire to work on a constant basis – minimum 2 times a month 

• Two years of recent, successful working experience in security or successful completion of six months' schooling in law enforcement preferred. 

Substitute Pay:  $32.51/hr

All substitutes also have a district e-mail.  You are expected to check your e-mail on a regular basis as this is how we stay in contact with all of our substitute staff.

Outlook Web Access

All Puyallup School District substitutes are required to complete annual mandatory Vector online training.

• Once your training is complete, please email the Substitute Services Office to confirm completion and ensure you are compensated.

• Failure to complete the required training may result in removal from the active substitute roster.

Payroll deductions include the standard federal government income and social security taxes and state industrial insurance.  Substitute paychecks will be issued by direct deposit into your designated account.  Direct deposit is mandatory in our district.  With direct deposit, your paycheck is deposited into your account at the opening of banking on payday.  This requires a consent form (provided to you at the time of your orientation) with a voided check or bank letter attached.   

All substitutes are paid the month following the month of work.  (i.e. time worked in October is reported to Payroll and the pay is issued on the last business day of November). 

Our payroll process is paperless, meaning that you can view a summary of your paystub online: Employee Online using your email username and password.

The purpose of these trainings is to allow an opportunity to understand their role as the Substitute educator and to dive into the daily basics as they walk into a new substitute assignment at all school levels. This training has been developed to target our Substitute Teachers and Substitute Paraeducators. 

Training Details - All trainings are 4:30 – 6:30 p.m. Location details will be shared with registered participants.

• Fall Training Dates
  • Part 1 - Tuesday, October 7
  • Part 2 - Wednesday, October 8
     
• Winter Training Dates
  • Part 1 - Tuesday, January 6
  • Part 2 - Wednesday, January 7
     
• Spring Training Dates
  • Part 1 – Tuesday, March 17
  • Part 2 – Wednesday, March 18

The purpose of these trainings is to allow an opportunity for substitutes to gain an understanding student behavior, adopt classroom management skills, learn 
different teaching strategies, and manage classroom culture & routines ... This training has been developed to target our Substitute Teachers and Substitute Paraeducators. 

Training Details - All trainings are 4:30 – 6:30 p.m. Location details will be shared with registered participants.

• Fall Training Dates
  • Part 1 - Tuesday, October 14
  • Part 2 - Wednesday, October 15
     
• Winter Training Dates
  • Part 1 - Tuesday, January 13
  • Part 2 - Wednesday, January 14
     
• Spring Training Dates
  • Part 1 – Tuesday, March 24
  • Part 2 – Wednesday, March 25

We encourage student teachers in the Puyallup School District (PSD) to apply for the Emergency Substitute Teacher posting to gain valuable classroom experience and support their mentor teachers. Please note that PSD does not request the Intern Substitute Certificate. Instead, we request the Emergency Substitute Certificate, and student teachers are only permitted to substitute for their assigned mentor teacher during their student teaching placement. 

Requirements to Substitute for Your Mentor Teacher

To be eligible to substitute for your mentor teacher, you must:

• University Approval: Your university must approve you to substitute for your mentor teacher.
• PSD Application Approval: Have an approved Emergency Substitute Teacher application on file with PSD.
• Emergency Substitute Certificate: You must hold a valid Emergency Substitute Certificate issued by OSPI (Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction).
• HR/Substitute Services Approval: You must complete the full onboarding process and receive final approval from PSD Human Resources and Substitute Services.

Steps to Becoming an Emergency Substitute

As a student teacher, you’ve already completed some new hire requirements (e.g., fingerprinting and Vector Training/SafeSchools), which helps expedite the process.

Please see the steps below for further instructions.

• Step 1: Program Approval
  • This includes:
    • Your University Program Supervisor must contact the PSD HR Analyst directly to confirm that the University agrees that you are ready to sub for your Mentor Teacher. The University must agree with the district moving forward in placing a request for the Emergency Substitute Certificate.
       
• Step 2: Submit an Application
  • Apply to the Emergency Substitute Teacher posting on our employment portal.
  • Ensure your application is complete and includes:
    • A copy of your Unofficial Bachelor’s Transcripts
    • The Approval of Candidate for Intern Substitute Certificate (completed by your university)
    • Three confidential reference surveys from current or former supervisors
    • Be sure to list your University Program Supervisor AND your Mentor Teacher as a reference.
       
• Step 3: Notify Human Resources/Substitute Services
  • Contact HR/Substitute Services to inform them that your application is complete and ready for review.
     
• Step 4: Application Review and Approval
  • Once your application is reviewed and approved:
  • HR will request that the Emergency Substitute Certificate be added to your EDS (Education Data System) profile.
  • You will be contacted to:
    • Complete the Emergency Substitute Application
    • Pay the associated OSPI fees
    • Notify HR once this step is complete
  • You will receive an Orientation Email with links to complete your new hire paperwork and to schedule your onboarding appointment.
     
• Final Steps
  • Once your Emergency Substitute Certificate is issued by OSPI and all new hire requirements are met, you will be cleared to substitute for your cooperating teacher.

If you are a current employee of the Puyallup School District and are interested in substituting outside of your regular position, please review the following:

Eligibility

• You may substitute districtwide if:

  • Your contracted or permanent position hours allow it (e.g., part-time, reduced schedule).

  • The substitute assignment does not conflict with your regular work schedule.

Additional Information

• You must be on the appropriate substitute list for the role(s) you wish to sub in (e.g., teacher, paraeducator, office professional).

• You must meet all minimum qualifications for the substitute role you're interested in.

• You do not need to reapply to be a substitute if you are already a current PSD employee.

• For questions or to express interest, please contact the Substitute Services Office.