Probably a Good Job for People Who Don't Need Much Income from It - Substitute Paraprofessional ESS Employee Review

3.0
Jul 15, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Most of the teachers and other staff members with whom I am working are friendly and respectful to me, and ESS also seems to genuinely care about its employees. The application and hiring process is also very easy. I also normally take openings on a day-by-day basis, so if I don't need the money, I don't need to go to work on most days on which I really don't want to.

Cons

The salary is low, and in the state and school district I work in, it is only about minimum wage. Substitute teachers might make more, though, as might people working in other districts. As openings can be put into the system at any time before the school day, including the previous afternoon or earlier, I usually wake up early so I can check the openings that day. There aren't always openings, so work is essentially not available on some days. It is available on most days on which I check diligently in the morning, but having to get up early and check that is annoying. ESS also didn't really give us enough training for our jobs in my opinion. This made the hiring process easy, but I felt very unprepared at first. On many days, the teacher or other paraprofessionals did most of the work and did not delegate much to me, which I guess some people might consider a good thing. But I think that it might be because they thought that I was unprepared.

Explore other reviews about ESS

5.0
Jul 12, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Flexibility, work-life balance are good, weekly pay, supportive environment

Cons

lack of HR support, low pay, bait and switch assignments

4.0
Jul 19, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

ESS is a very flexible. They don't dock you for canceling although no doubt if you abuse that responsibility your standing in the company would change. You can choose an assignment and you will instantly have it. No waiting lists or wondering if some preferred candidate has first dibs. Their support is good although depending somewhat on which district you work in. It can be very rewarding as you have many opportunities to make a difference in student's education even if it is only one class or one day.

Cons

The pay is mediocre compared to what is expected, especially if you really put out an effort to be the best you can. Often you will sign up for one assignment and when you get there the school will place you in something very different. Usually though, it ends up working out in a positive way. They can cancel your assignment at any time with no reason. Usually this doesn't happen. At the same time you can do the same to them. So what's fair is fair.

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