Ask the Experts

Frequently Asked Questions
For questions regarding Certification click here

• Are there positions available for the current academic year?
  Please refer to the current available openings, or contact the Department of Personnel.
• Where do I get an application for Instructional and Non-Instructional positions?
  You may click here to download the application forms. The forms are in Adobe portable document format. You will need the Acrobat Reader program or plug-in to view and print the forms. Acrobat Reader is available for free.
• How can I become a substitute teacher for Baltimore County Public Schools?
• Visit our Substitute Teacher Application Form online at https://www.bcps.org/apps/hiring/. Be sure to select "Substitute Teacher" from the list of positions for which you can apply at the top of the application form.
• Print the confirmation page that you receive upon completing the Substitute Teacher Application Form and follow the steps to complete the application process.
• Call the Fingerprint Office at 877-467-9215 to make an appointment to be fingerprinted. The Fingerprint Office is located at 9600 Pulaski Park Drive Suite 101.
• Following a fingerprinting and background check that revealed no disqualifying information, you will be given a fingerprint ID card which is proof that you have been fingerprinted.
• Mail a copy of your application, confirmation page containing your confirmation number, which you saved in Step 2 above, a copy of the fingerprint ID card, and evidence of high school diploma or its equivalent or bachelor degree (if applicable) to: Office of Temporary Services at 6901 Charles Street, Towson, MD 21204.
• Once the above documents are received and reviewed, eligibility and approval will be determined.  A SEMS brochure and SEMS scheduled training letter will be sent to those offered a substitute teacher position. 
• All new substitute teachers must register with SEMS in order to be eligible to receive assignments.

• What are the qualifications to become a substitute teacher for Baltimore County Public Schools?
  You must be at least 18 years old, have a high school diploma or equivalent, and clear a fingerprinting and background check to be considered for a substitute teacher position.
• Is there any cost for fingerprinting?
  Yes, the cost is $76.00
• Do I have to be available to substitute at all schools and all grades?
  Substitute teachers choose where and when they work.
• How much do you pay substitutes?
  The current pay rate for degreed substitutes is $82.92 per day and $112.53 per day for a long term assignment. The non-degreed rate is $65.15 per day and $82.92 per day for a long term assignment. "Long term" means 10 consecutive days or longer in the same assignment without interruption of service.
• How do the schools know that I am available?
  A profile is created for all new substitute teachers from the application submitted.  Once the substitute registers with SEMS, they will be available to accept or decline positions.  As absences and vacancies are created by teachers or school personnel, the SEMS automated system calls substitutes whose profile matches the needs indicated. We suggest that you visit schools that you are interested in substituting in to inform the administrative office that you are available and request to be placed on their priority or preferred list.
• Who will contact me about jobs?
  SEMS, the Substitute Employee Management System, is an automated calling system.  SEMS will contact you when your profile matches the needs of an assignment. 

For further information, please contact the Office of Temporary Services at 410 887 2174