.png)
.png){kind=icon}
Overview
The process to become a substitute teacher in Arizona is really simple! This guide will help you understand the steps, and when you are ready, you can download the Senya app (android and apple devices), create an account, and complete everything through our fast, simple onboarding process.
With Senya, you have the ability to work with many schools and districts in your area, and with our unique bonus program, you can get paid higher than the base rate that schools pay!
Arizona Requirements for Substitute Teachers
- 18 years of age
- High school diploma or equivalent
- Fingerprint background check
For public school district campuses, a substitute certificate is also required. Charter and private schools do not typically have that same requirement.
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.
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
- settings and preferences 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.
Fingerprinting
In Arizona, you are required to obtain an Identity Verified Prints (IVP) card to work in schools. This involves (1) submitting an application and (2) getting fingerprinted to undergo a state and FBI criminal background check. The onboarding process on the Senya app will guide you through the steps.
What if I already have an IVP card?
Make sure that you have the correct card, a Level One IVP card. If your card is current (not expired), then you do not need to get re-fingeprinted.
I need to get a Level One IVP card.
Our onboarding steps will guide you through the process. You can also click here for a full guide with screenshots on how to apply for the IVP card and set a fingerprinting appointment.
The application is completed and submitted online through the Department of Public Safety’s public service portal website. There is a one-time application fee of $67.00 that you pay online directly to the Arizona DPS. After you complete your application, you will return to the DPS public service portal website to schedule your fingerprinting.
At your appointment, your fingerprints will be taken electronically. Be prepared to pay the cost of fingerprinting; the cost is set by the company that takes your fingerprints.
Upon successfully passing the fingerprint background check, the Arizona DPS issues you an IVP card. This is a physical, plastic card that you must take with you to present to schools as evidence that you are cleared to work in education settings. You must also upload a photo of the front and back of the IVP card on your Senya account once it arrives.
It can take up to a few weeks for your fingerprint background check to be completed by the state of Arizona. Your IVP card should arrive in the mail soon after. You can check the status of your application at any time by logging into your DPS public service portal account.
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. Required items are indicated with a red tag. These include materials required by state law as well as your 1099 contract to work through the Senya 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 on the Friday 1 week after your first job, with weekly payments after that each Friday for jobs worked the week prior.
Online Introduction Meeting
The final part of onboarding is a brief video introduction meeting with a member of the Senya team. You will be prompted to set an appointment date and time. The call will take place over GoogleMeet; you should receive an email with the link once you have made the appointment; be sure to check your spam/junk folder if you do not see the email arrive in your inbox. GoogleMeet 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 Google.
During the online meeting, the Senya team member will chat with you about your goals for using the platform and answer any questions that you have. Video introduction meetings typically last for 15 minutes.
(Optional) Substitute Certificate
In some areas, we are partnered with public school districts. If you are interested in working at those campuses, a substitute certificate is required. You simply need to submit an application, proof of your IVP card clearance, and transcipts showing a bachelor's degree. Click here for a guide with screenshots on how to apply for the Arizona substitute certificate.
Step 3: Begin Substitute Teaching!
Once you have completed the onboarding items, and if you have been approved, you will be eligible to receive substitute teaching opportunities!
You will receive app notifications for opportunities based on you preferences (availability, distance from your home, schools, grade levels, and subjects). Be sure to update your preferences and make sure your device enables/allows notifications from the Senya app. You may also browse opportunities at any time that have not been picked up by other substitutes yet.
