I am way underpaid and overworked. - Certified Substitute Special Education Teacher ESS Employee Review

4.0
Dec 7, 2025
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

The agency is always courteous and one of my regional managers has genuine concern for the teachers. You can either get per diem work or long-term subbing.

Cons

There is always a problem with the school or the district. They are understaffed, underfunded, or downright broke, especially in the special education department. SPED programs are not planned for, structured, or implemented. This makes the job more like babysitting than teaching, and causes teachers, staff, and even administrators untold stress. Children are warehoused rather than taught due to the shortage of needed materials, curriculum, tools for evaluation and special accommodations. Also, ESS also uses the excuse that they need you either as an aide or as a substitute teacher to pay you less. Some of the aides from other agencies are unprofessional as they are not adequately vetted.

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ESS Response
6mo
Thanks for taking the time to give us your feedback. We are constantly working to make improvements to better our company whenever possible.

Explore other reviews about ESS

5.0
May 22, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Pick your own schedule and flexible

Cons

Work less need more time making money

4.0
Jun 17, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

The corporate support and recruitment team are excellent; they are professional and highly responsive. The onboarding and training process was comprehensive and genuinely prepared me for the realities of substitute teaching. The role offers a great deal of flexibility, opportunities to engage with the local population, and a clear pipeline for those seeking long-term subbing positions or a path toward a full-time teaching career. It is an excellent environment for networking within the education sector.

Cons

The day-to-day experience is heavily dependent on the specific district and school culture, which can vary significantly. Some districts provide free lunch, others don’t. Unfortunately, there is often a lack of respect at the school level; substitute staff are sometimes treated as expendable rather than as valued members of the team. There is a lack of job security, as pre-booked assignments are frequently canceled on short notice to accommodate other preferred substitutes. Subs have to work 4 days a month and it’s hard to meet when people are constantly being dropped from jobs. Additionally, the compensation is extremely low, and the benefits package is insufficient, making it difficult to rely on this position as a primary source of income.

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