Great flexibility, no real benefits - Building Substitute Teacher ESS Employee Review

4.0
Jul 13, 2024
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

You can choose which district(s) you want to be a substitute in, and you can pick the days and assignments you want. 4 day a month minimum to remain employed. Can be a slow start at the beginning of the school year (think strictly meeting the minimum) and slow the last month of school. Middle of the year you get plenty of chances to pick up days!

Cons

You are not an employee of the district you sub in, so that means snow days and holidays you don't get paid. Sometimes the assignment you pick up gets cancelled which also means no pay.

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ESS Response
1y
We’re glad to hear how you’ve enjoyed your experience and the flexibility of working with us!

Explore other reviews about ESS

5.0
Jun 18, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Flexible schedule Decent pay On call support

Cons

No summer jobs available. Slow during holidays

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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