Disappointing! - Substitute Teacher ESS Employee Review

1.0
Nov 13, 2015
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Flexibility...good for retirees who don't really need the money and want to stay active. Good supplement for someone who has another job.

Cons

Horrible customer service! You can rarely get anyone on the phone without waiting a very long time. You also rarely get responses to your emails. They do not have a selective hiring process, which seems to give the impression at the schools that we all are somewhat incompetent, the pay is terrible and they usually don't pay teachers who are certified any more than they pay subs with two year degrees. They make promises to school districts that they cannot fulfill and many classes do not have coverage as a result.

Explore other reviews about ESS

5.0
Feb 23, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

They are super understanding with scheduling, and provide a great system for clocking in and out of work!

Cons

Some of the technical aspects to set up and get certified takes a while and can be confusing

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ESS Response
3mo
We appreciate you sharing your input with us! It’s great to hear. We’re fortunate to have you as a part of our team!
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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