Spring Recruiting Fair


Substitute Information

The standards are high for teachers in our district, for we are constantly involved in the pursuit of excellence in our educational programs. Each year a significant number of substitute teachers are hired into regular teaching positions. Adhering to the same high standards as regular teachers, our substitute teachers are considered an important part of the educational program. They contribute much to the children of this community.

We employ an average of 250 substitutes a day, with a high of approximately 400 on a very busy day. (We employ approximately 4,400 contract teachers.) An automated Substitute Employee Management System (SEMS) is used to request substitutes and to make the assignments. Substitutes are trained on SEMS prior to accepting their first job.
Please refer to our Substitute Handbook for additional information.

Substitutes are paid $90.00 per day.

To submit an application for substitute teacher, you must have a valid Arizona teaching certificate or substitute certificate. If you have a bachelor’s degree, you can apply for an Arizona substitute certificate. Call the Department of Public Safety at (602) 223-2279 to obtain a fingerprint clearance packet. The Department of Education requires a fingerprint clearance card, official transcripts and an application to issue a substitute certificate. Call the Department of Education at (602) 542-4367 or visit their site at ade.state.az.us for further information.

Mesa Public Schools accepts Substitute Teacher/Nurse applications year-round. The requirements needed to begin your application process are:

  • Substitute Teacher/Nurse employment application
  • Arizona teaching or substitute certification
  • Transcripts (do not need to be official)
  • Valid Fingerprint Clearance Card
  • Notice to Consumer Authorization

The following must be completed before substitute assignments begin:

  • Rubeola and Rubella Immunization Record Form
  • Loyalty Oath
  • W-4 Form (Income Tax-IRS)
  • A-4 Form (Arizona Withholding)
  • I-9 Eligibility Verification Form
  • Personal Data Form

An original social security card must be shown before a SEMS orientation can be scheduled.