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Substitute Information

Thank you for your interest in becoming a substitute with Harford County Public Schools. HCPS is committed to ensuring that we provide the best and most qualified substitutes for our students. As part of that commitment we have updated the qualifications necessary to become a substitute with our system and have transitioned to an online application process.

We invite you to review the Daily Substitute Teacher Job Description and submit an online application. You may access both the job description and complete our online application by visiting our online employment application here.

Once your application has been received, it will be reviewed by Human Resources and you will receive an email notifying you of the next step in the process.

We look forward to reviewing your application.

Orientations for Daily Substitute Teachers are held throughout the school year, by invitation only.

Contact the Human Resources office at 410-588-5238 for questions. 

Quick Links


Substitute Opportunities

Cafeteria Substitute

  • Currently, Harford County Public Schools Food & Nutrition team consists of over 450 members. A great program begins with a great staff. Our 57 cafeteria locations are staffed with mothers, fathers, aunts, grandparents and the neighbor next door. The dedication and nurturing each of them provides is remarkable. Many have children of their own in our school system and treat each child like their own. A great team is made when an emphasis on food quality and customer service combine to provide a great environment for kids to come relax in the cafeterias and eat nutritious meals.

    Inside each school, cafeterias aren't just manned with the traditional 'Lunch Ladies'. Members of the team are truly food service professionals. The School Nutrition Association as well as the Maryland School Nutrition Association (MDSNA) provides educational/training opportunities throughout the year for directors, supervisors, cooks and servers to keep up with the latest information on the current trends in school food service. Nationally recognized credentialing and certifications opportunities exist and are strongly encouraged. Locally, the Harford County chapter, HCSNA, holds fund raising events each year for holiday toy drives and back to school supplies for needy students right here in Harford County.

    Join Us in Employment Opportunities
    We are currently seeking applicants for food services workers and cafeteria substitutes.

    • Convenient Hours and No Weekends
    • Advancement Opportunities
    • Competitive Pay
    • Full Training Program
    • Credentialing and Certifications Opportunities

    Please contact us at 410.638.4078 for more information, visit Food and Nutrition Job Opportunities or Harford County Public Schools Human Resources.

    • Clerical Substitute
    • Steps to Become a Clerical Substitute:
      1. Complete an online employment application and attach supporting documentation (copy of transcript, degree, teaching certificate, etc.).
      2. Contact by Human Resources regarding possible assignment and additional requirements.
      3. Completion of fingerprinting/background check as applicable
      4. Submission of required documents (I-9 Form, Direct Deposit Form, New Hire Personal Information Form, Tax Withholding Form)

      HCPS Clerical Substitute Pay Rate:
      $19.42/hour

      Contact
      Human Resources Recruitment and Staffing Department at 410-588-5238
    Instructional Support - Inclusion Helper Substitute
  • Steps to Become an Inclusion Helper Substitute:
    1. Complete an online employment application and attach supporting documentation (copy of transcript, degree, teaching certificate, etc.).
    2. Contact by school administration regarding possible assignment.
    3. Completion of fingerprinting/background check as applicable
    4. Submission of required documents (Copy of Driver's License and Social Security Card, I-9 Form, Direct Deposit Form, New Hire Personal Information Form, Tax Withholding Form)

    HCPS Inclusion Helper Substitute Pay Rate:
    $15.85/hour

    Contact
    Human Resources Recruitment and Staffing Department at 410-588-5238
    • Instructional Support - Paraeducator Substitute
  • Steps to Become a Paraeducator Substitute:
    1. Complete an online employment application and attach supporting documentation (copy of transcript, degree, teaching certificate, etc.).
    2. Contact by school administration regarding possible assignment.
    3. Completion of fingerprinting/background check as applicable
    4. Submission of required documents (Copy of Driver's License and Social Security Card, I-9 Form, Direct Deposit Form, New Hire Personal Information Form, Tax Withholding Form)

    HCPS Paraeducator Substitute Pay Rate:
    $138.45/day (This rate applies for daily and long-term positions)

    Contact
    Human Resources Recruitment and Staffing Department at 410-588-5238
    • Instructional Support - Library/Media Technician Substitute
  • Steps to Become a Library/Media Technician Substitute:
    1. Complete an online employment application and attach supporting documentation (copy of transcript, degree, teaching certificate, etc.).
    2. Contact by school administration regarding possible assignment.
    3. Completion of fingerprinting/background check as applicable
    4. Submission of required documents (I-9 Form, Direct Deposit Form, New Hire Personal Information Form, Tax Withholding Form)

    HCPS Library/Media Technician Substitute Pay Rate:
    $138.45/day (This rate applies to daily Library/Media Technician substitute positions.)
    $138.45/day (This rate applies to long-term Library/Media Technician substitute assignments, starting on the 16th consecutive day.)

    Contact Human Resources Recruitment and Staffing Department at 410-588-5238
    • Instructional Support - Swim Technician Substitute
  • Steps to Become a Swim Technician Substitute:
    1. Complete an online employment application and attach supporting documentation (copy of transcript, degree, teaching certificate, etc.).
    2. Contact by school administration regarding possible assignment.
    3. Completion of fingerprinting/background check as applicable
    4. Submission of required documents (I-9 Form, Direct Deposit Form, New Hire Personal Information Form, Tax Withholding Form)

    HCPS Swim Technician Substitute Pay Rate:
    $138.45/day (This rate applies to daily Swim Technician substitute positions.)
    $138.45/day (This rate applies to long-term Swim Technician substitute assignments, starting on the 16th consecutive day.)

    Contact Human Resources Recruitment and Staffing Department at 410-588-5238
    • Teacher Substitute
  • HCPS Daily Substitute Teacher Pay Rates:
    • $150.00/day (This rate applies to all substitute teachers who have completed any education under a four year Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university.)
    • $165.00/day (This rate applies to all substitute teachers who have completed a four-year Bachelor's degree or beyond from an accredited college or university.)


    Steps to Become a Daily Substitute Teacher:
    1. Complete an Online Employment Application, attach supporting documentation (copy of transcript, degree, teaching certificate, etc.), and provide three professional references (note that friends and family are not acceptable references and will not be accepted). You must provide proof of a high school diploma to be eligible to substitute in elementary and middle schools. To be eligible to substitute in high schools you must provide proof of at least sixty credits from an accredited college or university. Human Resources will then review your application.
    2. Completion of a screening interview
    3. Upon a successful interview, you will receive further instructions


    Steps to Become a Daily Substitute Teacher for Former HCPS Student Intern Only:
    1. Complete an Online Employment Application, attach supporting documentation (copy of transcript, degree, teaching certificate, etc.), and provide three professional references (note that friends and family are not acceptable references and will not be accepted). Human Resources will then review your application.
    2. The mentor teacher or other representative of HCPS school location where internship was completed must be included as a reference on your application and complete the reference survey or provide the intern with a signed letter confirming the intern's participation at their school. If providing a signed letter, it must be uploaded to the application and include internship timeframe/completion date.
    3. Await further instructions from Human Resources


    Steps to Become a Daily Substitute Teacher for Former HCPS Long-Term Substitute Only:
    1. Complete an Online Employment Application, attach supporting documentation (copy of transcript, degree, teaching certificate, etc.).
    2. Completion of fingerprinting/background check and I-9 as applicable
    3. Submission of required documents as applicable
      • Substitute Teacher Handbook/SFE Training Acknowledgment Form
    4. Await further instructions from Human Resources


    Steps to Become a Daily Substitute Teacher for Retired HCPS Teacher Only (retired in the past 24 months only):
    1. Complete an Online Employment Application, attach supporting documentation (copy of transcript, degree, teaching certificate, etc.). The education documentation may be waived for those who have retired within the last year.
    2. Human Resources will review your application and contact you with further instructions.


    Contact Human Resources Staff Management Department at 410-588-5238 for questions.
    • Long Term Substitute Teacher

  • A Long-Term Substitute is defined as a substitute for an assignment lasting more than 15 consecutive days for one teacher. The Long-Term Substitute rate only applies to substitutes holding a minimum of 60 college credits.

    Steps to Become a Long-Term Substitute Teacher:
    1. Complete an Online Employment Application and attach supporting documentation (copy of transcript, degree, teaching certificate, etc.). Minimum of 60 college credits required.
    2. Contact by school administration regarding position.
    3. Completion of fingerprinting/background check and I-9. To complete an I-9 and to schedule a fingerprinting appointment, visit: Background Check. (Do not schedule until you have been offered a position.)
    4. Submission of required documents

    HCPS Long-Term Substitute Teacher Pay Rates:
    $194.00/day

    Contact Human Resources Staff Management Department at 410-588-5238 for questions.
    • ESSER Substitute Teacher Opportunities

  • Additional substitute support provided through utilization of Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief Funds (ESSER). ESSER substitutes will work a set 3-day work schedule per week for the duration of the school year at one school (i.e., Monday, Tuesday, and Friday). ESSER substitutes will be used at the discretion of the school administration for each of their set three days. ESSER substitutes will be paid a special rate of pay at $165 per day for each of the three days.

    Steps to be an ESSER Substitute Teacher - Existing Substitute Teachers:
    1. Send an email to SubSupport@hcps.org expressing your interest.
    Steps to be an ESSER Substitute Teacher - New Substitute Teachers:
    1. Indicate Yes to ESSER Substitute Teacher on the Substitute Opportunities page of your application.

    HCPS ESSER Substitute Teacher Pay Rates:
    $170.00/day

    Contact Human Resources Staff Management Department at 410-588-5238 for questions.


    • Forms/Documents



    Fingerprinting

    Fingerprint processing is handled by the Harford County Public School's Department of Investigations. Fingerprint cards/background checks from other school systems, government offices, or police agencies will not be accepted.

    Fee: Effective 7/01/2023: A fee in the amount of $60.00 (non-refundable/non-reimbursable) will apply for fingerprint processing; payable online through PayPal or by check/money order payable to Harford County Public Schools. Fingerprint cards and background checks from other school systems, government offices, or police agencies will not be accepted.

    Location: A.A. Roberty Building, 102 South Hickory Avenue, Bel Air, MD 21014    Map and Directions

    Schedule an appointment:Please click here and click on the Fingerprint Appointments tab to schedule your appointment. Do not call the Department of Investigations to arrange an appointment. Daily Substitutes appointments MUST BE scheduled after the date of your orientation meeting. All other Substitute appointments must be scheduled after an assignment has been offered by school administration. Appointments that are scheduled prior to your meeting date and/or acceptance of assignment will be cancelled. For general questions regarding the background investigations process call the HCPS Department of Investigations at 410-588-5247.

    When scheduling the appointment, use the following information:
       Employment Position:   Substitute
       Employment Start Date:   Orientation date OR Start of assignment



    SmartFindExpress (SFE)

    The Substitute Employee Management System known as SmartFindExpress (SFE) is used by Harford County Public Schools. The system allows substitute teachers to use either their telephone and/or their computer (via the internet) to identify and accept substitute teaching assignments. The computerized system randomly calls registered substitutes to fill vacant assignments.

    Once a Daily Substitute Teacher Candidate has completed all of the necessary steps, he/she is loaded into the SFE system and can register (over the phone only) as a new substitute. He/she will be contacted by the SFE system as needed for assignments that match their profile (school locations, classes, daily availability, etc.).



    Frequently Asked Questions

    1. Why do I have to attend an orientation meeting?
      The orientation meeting provides important information regarding HCPS policies and procedures.  In addition, training on the SmartFindExpress system and classroom management is provided.

    2. I am a substitute teacher in another county.  Do I need to fill out all the paperwork and come to the meeting?
      Yes.  Substitute Teacher information is not shared between county school systems.

    3. What forms of identification do I need to provide at my fingerprinting/I-9 appointment?
      By law, Human Resources staff cannot tell a candidate what forms of identification to provide for their I-9 form.  Please click here  to view the list.

    4. What do I need to attach to my online application as proof of my education?
      A copy of the diploma or transcript for the highest level of education completed. If providing a transcript, please make sure that your name and university name is printed on it as well as the degree received and date completed. A copy of your college degree is also acceptable.

    5. Can I mail my I-9 form to HCPS?
      NO.  This information should be submitted at the fingerprinting/I-9 appointment.

    6. What if I do not have my proof of education when I submit my application?
      You can still submit your application online and upload the information to your candidate profile once you find/receive it.  Your application will not be reviewed or considered until these documents have been attached.

    7. How do I become a long-term substitute teacher?
      All interested parties must have a minimum of 60 college credits and complete an online Teaching Application ("Teacher-Long Term Substitute").

    8. How often do you have orientation meetings?
      Meetings are held on an as-needed basis. However the frequency can change due to recruitment needs or budgetary constraints.

    9. Something has come up and I can't attend the orientation meeting I am registered for. How do I cancel?
      Contact the Human Resources Recruitment and Staffing Department at 410-588-5238 or email subsupport@hcps.org.

    10. Where/When is the orientation meeting?
      You will receive email confirmation once you have registered for the meeting. The email will provide you with the location, date and time of the meeting.

    11. What is the inclement weather policy for the orientation meetings?
      If HCPS schools schedule a two-hour delayed opening or cancel school for the day, the orientation meeting will be cancelled. In the event of a cancellation, all registered attendees will receive an email with information regarding a new meeting date.

    12. How much will I get paid?
      Pay rates vary by substitute type. Locate the appropriate substitute information within the Substitute Opportunities section.

    13. Do I get my fingerprints taken at the orientation meeting?  Does it cost anything?
      No, you must schedule an appointment with the HCPS Department of Investigations (after attending an orientation meeting) to submit your fingerprints. Please click here to schedule the appointment once you've attended the meeting.  There is a $60.00 fee (non-refundable/non-reimbursable) for fingerprint processing (payable by PayPal, check or money order ONLY).  Fingerprint cards/background checks from other school systems, government or police agencies cannot be accepted.

    14. I am a former HCPS substitute teacher and would like to reactivate my account for SFE (formerly SEMS).  What do I need to do?
      All prospective substitute teachers must complete the process outlined in the Steps to Become a Daily Substitute Teacher on the Substitute Opportunities tab under Teacher.  You will receive an email response once your application has been reviewed.

    15. I am having trouble coming up with three work references for the application.  What can I do?
      You can use community references as well.  List references who have worked with you as a volunteer or at church.  You cannot list family members or friends.

    16. I am sure that some people do not show up for the orientation meetings.  Can I come to your office on the morning of the meeting and wait to see if there are any no-shows?
      No, we do not allow unregistered candidates into our orientation meetings.  You will be turned away.