Overview
In the state of Texas, you are required to pass a fingerprint background check through the Texas Education Agency, which runs both a state and FBI record check. You cannot work in schools if you do not pass the background check, if you have had a professional license revoked or suspended, or if you have voluntarily surrendered a license.
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.
Fingerprinting
What if I have already been fingerprinted in Texas?
Senya can only accept prior fingerprinting if it was completed in the last 5 years through the Texas Education Agency, such as when you applied to receive an educator license. Otherwise, you will need to be re-fingerprinted using the code provided during onboarding in the Senya app.
I need to be fingerprinted.
In Texas, you must be fingerprinted with the correct codes so that your prints are sent to the Texas Education Agency for a state and FBI background check. On the Senya app, go to the onboarding item TX Work Clearance.
Next, click on the option "I need to get fingerprinted."
Follow the steps to set up an appointment with the company IdentoGo. Make sure that you use the codes given on the Senya directions. Be prepared to pay the cost of fingerprinting ($10.00) and the state fee for the background check ($38.25) upon scheduling or at the time of your appointment.
After you have been fingerprinted, return to the TX Work Clearance item on the app and mark that you have been fingerprinted. You will be prompted to enter your Social Security number, allowing us to verify that you have passed and are cleared to work in schools.
Note that it may take a few weeks for your background check to be completed and reported by the state.
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 on the Friday 2 weeks after your first job, with weekly payments after that each Friday for jobs worked 2 weeks prior.
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!
