Join the ESS-WS/FCS Team!
Make a Difference and Become a Substitute.
Working as a substitute is an exciting and rewarding way to give back to the Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools community and make a difference in the lives of students.
Whether you’re a recent college graduate looking to work your way into a full-time teaching position, a retired teacher interested in getting back into the classroom, or anyone looking to make a positive contribution to the development of children, ESS has a place for you.
We offer excellent employee perks, including health benefits, training, support, weekly pay, 401(k), bonus opportunities, award programs, and more. Plus, working as a substitute is extremely flexible – when, where, and how often you work is entirely up to you.
Why Work as a Substitute in WS/FCS?
- Flexible Schedule: Substitutes have flexible schedules, ideal for those balancing other commitments or seeking part-time work.
- Skill Development: Substitutes develop a wide range of skills, including classroom management, adaptability, and creative problem-solving, which are valuable in many career paths.
- Community Engagement: Being a substitute teacher offers the opportunity to engage with and contribute to the WS/FCS community, building relationships with students, teachers, and parents.
- Pathway to Full-Time Teaching: For those interested in a teaching career, substituting can be a stepping stone to full-time positions in Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools, offering valuable experience and networking opportunities.
- Personal Fulfillment: There’s a great sense of accomplishment in knowing you’ve helped students learn and grow, even just for a day.
How To Get Started
Complete Your Online Application
Click the Apply button below to start our user-friendly online application. After you apply, an ESS team member will be assigned to you to help you through the hiring process. Substitute candidates must complete their application and I-9 documentation before attending the in-person training.
Attend an In-Person Orientation and Training
During this orientation and training session, you’ll learn everything you need to know about becoming an ESS substitute in Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools. Also, you’ll have the opportunity to meet with ESS employees, ask questions, learn about the company, and hear about all the amazing perks available to you. After this session, you will need to provide your proper forms of ID for I-9 verification and have your photo taken for your ESS badge. Click here for a list of the proper forms of ID for I-9 verification.
Your ESS-WS/FCS Hiring Coordinator will contact you with the upcoming orientation and training schedule. We're excited to have you onboard!
Job Perks for WS/FCS Substitutes
Some of the perks that substitute working in Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools will enjoy include:
- Appreciation Days
- ESS Marketplace
- Monthly Raffle
- Flash Promotions
- Meet & Greets
- Performance Incentives
- Holiday Giveaways
- Referral Bonus
- Work & Win
- Extra Pay Fridays
Frequently Asked Questions
A substitute teacher working in WSFCS plays a crucial role in maintaining the continuity of education when the regular teacher is absent. Their duties include delivering lesson plans, maintaining classroom management, ensuring a positive and safe learning environment, and working with school staff to ensure a smooth school day.
A substitute teacher's assistant, also known as a teaching assistant or paraprofessional, supports the lead teacher in various tasks to ensure the classroom runs smoothly and students receive the necessary support.
In order to work as a substitute in Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools and the state of North Carolina, you need to meet certain requirements. The ESS team will support you throughout the process and can help cover the cost of background clearances up to $125.
Education for Substitutes
- Teachers: High school diploma or GED
- Teacher's Assistant: High school diploma or GED
Clearances and Checks for Substitutes
- Must be 21 years of age
- Criminal background check
Substitutes can start working within 3-6 weeks, but the timeframe can be shorter or longer depending on obtaining your North Carolina clearances. To expedite the process, gather the documents you may already have, such as transcripts. If you have any issues during the application process, contact the ESS-WS/FCS team.
Substitute employees are paid every Friday and can choose to receive their payment via direct deposit or our free debit card program.
ESS offers training to ensure substitutes are well-prepared, confident, and successful in an assignment. Depending on the type of substitute employee, we require specific training modules to be completed. Training topics can include a company overview, policies and procedures, behavior management, and engagement techniques.
ESS offers numerous benefits for substitute employees working in Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools.
- Health Insurance: ESS offers several benefit plans that can be customized to you and your family. Insurance options include health, dental, vision, life, short-term disability, long-term disability, and critical illness.
- 401(k) Retirement Savings Plan: Substitute employees can participate in a 401(k) retirement savings plan, which includes a discretionary company match.
- Bonuses and Incentives: ESS provides bonuses and incentive programs for substitutes who accept assignments on specific dates and locations, as well as for substitutes who work multiple assignments within a specific time frame.
Programs and Resources for Santa Rosa County Substitutes
Social Media
Follow us on our ESS North Carolina Facebook page to join a community of educators who share tips and inspiration. You’ll also find important company updates, employee recognition, and flash promotions!
Refer a Friend
If you work for ESS or WS/FCS and you know someone who would make an excellent substitute teacher or teacher's assistant, we want to hear from you! If your friend applies, gets hired, and meets the eligibility requirements, you’ll receive a $100 bonus.
Career Kickstart Incentive
Through our Career Kickstart program, newly hired ESS staff are eligible for compensation for some of the costs associated with required credentials.
Need More Information
If you have any questions or need help, please email us at HREast@ESS.com or call us at 877.983.2244 to speak with an employee engagement representative. We are available Monday through Thursday from 6:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. and Friday from 6:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.