It took me a while to figure out the process for substituting since it was my first time trying to get into such a job. At first, I thought that all I had to do was apply by submitting my online application to the job posting on the website. However, after a few weeks of not hearing back, I started looking deeper into it and discovered that there was an orientation I had to sign up for first. After doing so, I then had to drive across town to find a place with extended hours at which I could have my finger prints and background check done. The day of the interview, about 100 of us arrived at the Main Office, and were ushered to our designated tables after signing in. You got a different colored paper depending on your qualifications (certified or not) and the kind of job you were looking for (teaching/paraprofessional). Once each table finished the paperwork, we were ushered to another room to await an interview. Inside the room there were three rows of narrow tables running the length of the large hall, with about 6-8 tables per row. Each table had two interviewers, one presumably to ask the questions and write your answers, while the other watched you and your body language. Figuring this, i made sure to go in smiling and confident (despite my nerves), and to strive to engage both interviewers, and not just the one speaking. The interview itself seemed to take about 10-15 minutes depending on how talkative you and the interviewers were, and whether or not you seemed to be a good match. The pair I got was very friendly and approachable, so I was able to relax a little. They asked some very good questions, most of which I had prepared for by reviewing teaching job interview questions the night before. When it was done, I felt really good because of how they had responded (verbally and non-verbally) to my responses. Sure enough, within a week I received an email to schedule my orientation. The first day for the orientation was canceled due to bad weather, which meant that everyone was attending the second one. I arrived at the main office around 7am and didn't leave until about 3pm. I had thought that lunch would be provided since we were only given 30 minutes, but we were expected to have brought cash or check to pay at the little cafeteria on site. I was lucky I had just enough in coins, since I generally didn't carry cash with me at the time. The first part of the day covered the handbook, the rules, the expectations, and the nitty-gritty side of the job. A little dull, but informative. The second part, however, was like a refresher course of my college SED classes as we reviewed learner types, differentiation, and classroom management - especially how to win the students over within the first minutes of class, how to deal with the more challenging students, and why those kiddos in particular need our encouragement, patience and love the most. Overall, it was a very uplifting and empowering experience. Normally, it takes about 2 weeks or so for them to process all of the data, and get people set up for subbing. In my case, however, I was called one morning three days after orientation by an elementary school asking if I was available. Apparently, someone had given her my name specifically, and she wanted to know if I would be up for filling in a last minute absence. I accepted it, and had an amazing day with that group of 2nd graders. My biggest advice is to stay calm, be confident in yourself and your abilities, and to review the interview questions ahead of time. Be prepared to "sell" yourself in that interview, and you will do fine!