Overview
In the state of Arizona, you are required to obtain an Identity Verified Prints (IVP) card to work in schools. This involves an application and getting fingerprinted to undergo a criminal background check by the Arizona Department of Public Safety (DPS) and FBI. You cannot work as a substitute teacher 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.
Upon successfully passing the fingerprint background check, the Arizona DPS issues you an Identity Verified Prints (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.
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
In Arizona, you must apply for an Identity Verified Prints (IVP) card before you get fingerprinted. This is done 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.
To begin your application, or to submit your IVP card number once you have received it in the mail, click on the fingerprint item on the Senya app.
Click on the option based on where you are in the process. Click the "Apply for Card" button to begin an application for the IVP card. Click the "I Already Applied" button if you have finished your application but have not yet received your IVP card; this will allow you to move forward with remaining onboarding items. Once you receive your IVP card, click on the "I already have my Clearance Card" link at the bottom to submit your card information for approval.
If you are applying for an IVP card, you will see the option to watch a video tutorial or to begin the application online. It is highly recommended that you open the video for reference in one tab while completing the application in another tab.
Click here for the full guide on applying for an IVP card and setting a fingerprinting appointment.
When you schedule an appointment to be fingerprinted, you have the option to submit digital or paper/ink fingerprints. Digital fingerprinting tends to be faster, and paper cards are often rejected if the prints are not perfect. Senya recommends that you compare methods and prices of fingerprinting companies and local law enforcement offices to best meet your needs.
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.
Remember to take your physical IVP clearance card with you to present to schools; schools may refuse your services if you do not have the card with you, and it will count as a cancellation on the platform.
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 the week after your first job, with weekly payments after that each Friday.
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!
