Substitute teachers and paraprofessionals play a vital part in helping provide students in the St. Tammany Parish Public School System high-quality educational opportunities. The academic growth of a student is dependent on the student’s accomplishments every day, and our substitute staff members are in charge of many of those days!

Reasons to Become a Substitute Teacher or Paraprofessional
The overriding and most important reason for becoming a substitute teacher or paraprofessional is the desire to work with children and young adults and to share in the joy that comes from the teaching and learning experience. In addition,

• many people thinking about teaching as a career find that working as a substitute teacher gives them invaluable insights into the teaching profession;
• some retired teachers want to continue to teach and work with children;
• some people want to be involved with their children’s schools and be a part of the educational process from which their children benefit;
• many love the flexible work hours and the chance to earn income in a position with an adjustable schedule; and
• substitutes may choose the age group and schools with which they would like to work.

Expectations for Substitute Teachers and Paraprofessionals
During a regular teacher's or paraprofessional's absence, maintaining as normal a routine as possible, in a climate of respect and caring for the students is essential. Substitute personnel have two major responsibilities: following the regular teacher's lesson plan and goals for the class and maintaining a disciplined, positive classroom in which learning can take place.

Becoming a Substitute Teacher in the St. Tammany Parish Public School System
Those interested in substituting as a teacher or paraprofessional must register and proceed through fingerprinting at the Jefferson East Building, 227 N. Jefferson Avenue, in Covington, on Tuesday and Thursday mornings, 8:30 a. m. through 11:00 a. m.  A driver's license, social security card, and proof of highest education are required at that time.  

After registration and fingerprinting, applicants register for an important one-day workshop. The workshop is held for all levels of experience.

Information shared through the workshop allows everyone to learn about the St. Tammany Parish Public School System and its policies and practices and enables everyone to "jump on board" with others on the St. Tammany Parish Public School System team.

Grade Level, Area, or Subject Choices
Substitutes may choose to teach any subject or any grade level with which they feel comfortable and competent. After completing a substitute application, applicants specify these preferences, which are put into the Automated Educational Substitute Operation (AESOP) System. These can be changed at any time by calling the office at 898-6477.

AESOP allows St. Tammany Parish Public School System teachers and paraprofessionals to notify the School System of their absences automatically over the telephone or through a personalized Web site. The service then provides qualified substitutes to fill those absences automatically.

Many request to work with special education classes. In fact, 80 percent of our substitute teachers work with Special Education children. Students with special needs often have a paraprofessional working in the classroom with teachers. Our workshop Everything You Wanted to Know about Special Education provides answers to questions about special needs students, inclusion philosophy and strategies, and St. Tammany Parish Special Education programs and services.

Pay Scale for Substitute Teachers and Paraprofessionals?

• Substitute teachers with high school education receive $60 per day.
• Non-certificated substitute teachers with a college diploma receive $70 per day.
• Certificated teachers receive $90 per day.
• Substitute teacher aides/paraprofessionals receive $8 per hour.