Overview
In the state of New York, you must be fingerprinted to undergo a criminal background check by the New York State Education Department (NYSED). You cannot work as a substitute teacher if you do not pass the background check or if you have had a professional license revoked, suspended, or voluntarily surrendered.
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 New York before?
Senya can only accept prior fingerprinting if it was done using a code from the New York State Education Department (14ZGQT for teachers or 14ZGR7 for other education staff). If you have a current education license, your fingerprints are still valid. If you do not have a current education license or were not fingerprinted using a NYSED code, then you will need to be refingerprinted.
I need to be fingerprinted for education.
The New York State Education Department (NYSED) is partnered with the fingerprinting company IdentoGo. To ensure that your fingerprints are sent to NYSED, follow the directions below to schedule your fingerprinting appointment.
On the Senya app, click on the NY Work Clearance item.
The box that pops up will walk you through the process to
- Schedule your fingerprinting appointment
- Request a status check after you have been fingerprinted
When you click the link to schedule your fingerprinting appointment, it will take you to the IdentoGo website. It will already have the correct code (14ZGR7) at the top so that your fingerprints are sent to NYSED. Click the top "Schedule or Manage Appointment" link to find a location near you and schedule your appointment.
In New York, the fingerprint background check may be completed in as few as 24 hours if there is no criminal history. The sooner you are able to get fingerprinted, the sooner you can be cleared to get subbing!
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 required for Tier Eligibility are marked with a yellow tag and 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, almost all of them take less than a minute each to review. The five preparation videos are approximately 5 minutes each.
Optional items are marked with a blue tag and 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!
