Overall a good experience, though the devil is in the details. - Substitute Teacher ESS Employee Review

4.0
May 17, 2025
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Supportive and appreciative staff at schools. Convenient payroll administrative process. WS/FCS has launched an educator training program for new teachers (but see "advice," below, for context).

Cons

1. Uncertainty whether ESS will continue as the substitute teacher provider for WS/FCS, and whether substitutes will be required to go through another round of on-boarding training and security vetting. 2. Students are often disengaged from their education and their parents often fail to hold their children accountable. Frustrating and heartbreaking, in turns. 3. Recent financial shortfall in WS/FCS leaves uncertainty re: future salary growth for teachers and TAs. 4. Culture varies with the school principal and his/her staff. Some see subs as potential future teachers, while others just use them to plug holes in staffing.

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ESS Response
1y
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
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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