Become a Substitute

How to Become a Substitute in Nevada

Learn the requirements to substitute teach in Nevada
state flag of Nevada

Overview

In the state of Nevada, you must obtain a substitute teaching license, which involves the following requirements:

  • Have an Associate's degree or 60 credit hours from an accredited postsecondary institution
  • Submit fingerprints for a state and FBI criminal background check
  • Pay the state's $180.00 application fee

You cannot work as a substitute teacher if you do not pass the background check or if you have had a professional license revoked, suspended, or voluntarily surrendered. To see a list of disqualifying criminal offenses, review the Moral Turpitude Matrix published by the Nevada Department of Education.

Once you receive your substitute license, you are approved by the state to work in schools. If you plan on substitute teaching within a single district, you can contact their human resources department to go through their application process. Some districts have additional requirements that you must meet before you can begin as a substitute teacher. It is also recommended that you look carefully at pay rates, as districts typically pay lower rates to internal substitutes.

With Senya, you have the ability to work with many schools and districts, and pay rates are higher! When you sign up to join the Senya platform, you will be guided through a simple onboarding process. It will also walk you through a few easy steps to complete your fingerprinting.

Once your background check gives you clearance to work in schools, you will have a brief video call with a Senya representative to make sure you have a successful start to using the platform. The platform makes it easy for you to view and accept substitute teaching jobs in your area. You can see substitute teaching jobs by date and distance from your home as well as details about the school, grade level, subject area, and pay rate.

What Is on the Senya Platform?

Senya is an app for substitute teachers! The Senya app makes it easy and convenient for you to manage all aspects of substitute teaching:

  • step-by-step guidance through onboarding and fingerprinting
  • map and list views to compare and accept jobs in your area
  • filters and notifications to see the jobs you are most interested in taking
  • directions and contacts for schools
  • calendars to set your schedule
  • reminders for upcoming jobs
  • resources to build up your substitute teaching skills
  • daily earnings tracker and weekly pay
  • direct chat support with Senya Customer Service

Substitute Teaching on the Senya Platform

Step 1: Sign Up on Senya

To sign up, simply download the app onto your mobile device, tablet, or computer. The app is available in both the Apple App Store and Google Play.

Step 2: Complete the Onboarding Process

The onboarding process is very easy, and you can complete most items within minutes! Plan on spending a little more time on the fingerprinting item, but even that process is made simple through the Senya app (details below).

Continue reading to learn about the things that you will complete during the onboarding process. This is a lot of information, but don’t worry––once you sign up and begin, you will see for yourself how quickly it can be completed. One of Senya’s most common compliments is how easy the onboarding process is!

Profile Information

Once you enter the app, you will begin the onboarding process by adding basic profile information, such as your full name, home address, email, and phone number. You will also upload a profile picture; make sure that you choose a clear picture that represents yourself well, as schools will be able to see this when you accept jobs.

Work Authorization

As part of the onboarding, you will also need to indicate if you are authorized to work in the U.S. and upload a driver’s license, passport, or other state-issued photo ID. Make sure that you submit a photo that is clear and readable.

Substitute License Application

What if I already have a current substitute or teaching license?

If you have a current Nevada substitute or teaching license, then you can move on from this step. You will not need to be re-fingerprinted.

I need to get a Nevada substitute license.

In Nevada, you must apply for a substitute teaching license before you get fingerprinted. This is done online through the Nevada Department of Education's website called OPAL (Online Portal for Application and Licensure). If you need help registering an account, see our resource page Nevada Guide to Register for an OPAL Account.

Be sure to follow the application directions. The Department of Education asks, for example, that all documents you upload are in PDF format—including photos of your license or ID. You can use the website's provided resources to convert image files, if needed.

Be sure to also follow the application directions for submitting official transcripts

At the end of the application process, there is a one-time fee of $180.00 that must be paid to complete the application submission.

If you need help applying for a substitute license, see our resource page Nevada Guide to Applying for a Substitute License.

Fingerprinting

What if I have already been fingerprinted in Nevada?

Senya can only accept prior fingerprint background checks if you have a current Nevada substitute or teaching license. Otherwise, you will need to apply for a substitute license and get fingerprinted by the state.

I need to be fingerprinted.

Once you submit your application for a substitute license, the state will send you an email with directions to complete fingerprinting. The email will give you a list of fingerprint providers, so you can choose one that is close to you and set an appointment.

Be sure to bring your government-issued ID with you to the appointment, and be prepared to pay the fingerprint provider's cost to take your fingerprints. The cost varies depending on the provider; some offer discounts for those applying for an education license.

Once you receive your substitute teaching license, remember to go back to the onboarding license item to let Senya know (see image below). Once we verify, your license will be approved on your profile!

Screenshot of the onboarding license item

Readiness Center

While Senya waits to receive your fingerprint background check results, you can explore the Readiness Center for information and videos to help you succeed on the Senya platform.

Items in the Readiness Center are marked as Required, Tier Eligibility, or Optional.

There is only 1 required item, indicated with a red tag: You must go into Contractor Information and sign the 1099 contract agreement prior to seeking work through the platform.

Items that are marked as required for Tier Eligibility (yellow tag) must be completed to participate in the bonus program. These include policies and preparation videos, which will help you be successful as a substitute. Although there are a lot of policies, you will see that almost all of them take less than a minute to review. The five preparation videos are approximately 5 minutes each.

The items marked as optional (blue tag) do not affect your ability to view jobs or participate in the bonus program. However, they have useful information and are very quick to complete. You are encouraged to view all items in the Readiness Center.

Payroll Information

As part of the onboarding process, you will complete tax information and enter bank information to set up payments. Senya makes it convenient for you to receive payments from schools through the payroll company Everee. If you ever have questions or issues, contact Senya for support.

Your first payment will come the week after your first job, with weekly payments after that each Friday.

Video Introduction Call

The final part of onboarding is a brief video introduction call with a member of the Senya team. You will be prompted to set an appointment date and time. The call will take place over Zoom; you should receive an invite once you have made the appointment. Zoom can be downloaded for free on your mobile device, tablet, or computer. If you need technical assistance, you can contact Senya or review online troubleshooting pages from Zoom or other support sites.

During the call, the Senya team member will chat with you about your goals for using the platform and answer any questions that you have. Video introduction calls typically last for 15 minutes or less.

Step 3: Begin Substitute Teaching!

Once you have completed the onboarding items, your account will be approved, and you can immediately view and accept substitute teaching jobs!

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A mockup of the Senya app's Log In page on an iPhone screen.