The company was fine but the job inherently wasn't. - Subsitute Teacher ESS Employee Review

3.0
May 19, 2018
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

I worked as a substitute teacher. You were able to get experience teaching with only a college degree required so you could move on to something better that requires teaching experience. The main pro here is experience. You were able to forget about work as soon as your day was over. I only worked at four schools, right next to where I lived, and still managed to have a job every day if I wanted it. My managers were fine, and were understanding when I had an emergency and had to cancel. Don't make a habit out of it though.

Cons

The pay was pretty bad for what you're actually doing. The pay is better if you get a long term position or have a teaching degree but the daily, Bachelors degree path is only a little above minimum wage. You have to worry about the safety of a lot of students, and your own if you teach the higher grades. I only taught elementary schools. Usually you're expected to teach what the teachers leave for you (sometimes they just leave you worksheets) but most of the time you have to continue the lessons. The students think it's an excuse to do what they want that day so every day you have to rework their expectations in the morning. It gets old after awhile. I had a lot of good days though but some bad ones too. If you're good at your job, the schools will start calling you and the students will remember your name. You have less work than a regular teacher, the same safety responsibility, and even less respect from your students, with much less pay.

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5.0
May 22, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
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Pros

Pick your own schedule and flexible

Cons

Work less need more time making money

4.0
Jun 17, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

The corporate support and recruitment team are excellent; they are professional and highly responsive. The onboarding and training process was comprehensive and genuinely prepared me for the realities of substitute teaching. The role offers a great deal of flexibility, opportunities to engage with the local population, and a clear pipeline for those seeking long-term subbing positions or a path toward a full-time teaching career. It is an excellent environment for networking within the education sector.

Cons

The day-to-day experience is heavily dependent on the specific district and school culture, which can vary significantly. Some districts provide free lunch, others don’t. Unfortunately, there is often a lack of respect at the school level; substitute staff are sometimes treated as expendable rather than as valued members of the team. There is a lack of job security, as pre-booked assignments are frequently canceled on short notice to accommodate other preferred substitutes. Subs have to work 4 days a month and it’s hard to meet when people are constantly being dropped from jobs. Additionally, the compensation is extremely low, and the benefits package is insufficient, making it difficult to rely on this position as a primary source of income.

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