PSA: Apply to Teach Through a Substitute Agency ASAP

PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT...
Here is why I suggest joining a substituting agency post-graduation, for certified educators:

I proudly graduated from "the" Temple University in May (see pride hastags below)!
A week after graduating I received my state of Pennsylvania teaching certification and as instructed by my valued College of Education professors and other respected educators, I contacted Kelly Educational Staffing (also referred to as Kelly Services) to inquire about the process of enrolling with their company for hire. In April I took a day off from student-teaching to attend a job fair for educators at Neumann University, to seek out employers and recruiters. Each agency provided a list of required documents including proof of certification along with transcripts or my degree and the standard clearances. I obtained the contact information and web address for all the local substitute staffing agencies and tacked the documents to my bulletin board.
I only applied with Kelly Services* and was contacted for an interview within a few days; my interview was scheduled for the following week. I discussed all my teaching experiences (ranging from one-on-one tutoring, small group instruction and student-teaching/practicum) with the interviewer.
The same or next day I was scheduled for mandatory PAID orientation/sub training. If my memory serves me correctly, the training was 8 hours, completed in one day in a conference room with about 6 other teachers. The topics covered included: preparedness (emergency lessons), classroom management, appropriate sub behavior, expectations, and using the online and phone scheduling system for positions, as well as the notes that are requested after the conclusion of each work day; helpful, relevant and welcomed details. The very next day I was able to accept or decline vacancies.
I was grateful to sub middle schoolers for a charter school for three days, before the end of the academic year. The summer came and went. I stalked Kelly's scheduling system for a long-term position. Just days before Pennsylvania students returned to the classroom, I applied for and was hired as a long-term sub in a high school in Delaware County. VICTORY!!
I started the day after the Labor Day holiday and reported at to the campus at 7:30am until 2:55pm. (The sub schedule was/is slightly shorter than the contracted teachers'). Like clockwork, I dedicated the next 30 minutes typing and submitting the required daily sub summary in the Kelly Services system, always attempting to report one positive moment for every negative encounter (usually resulting in an office referral for an unruly student). The next month one of the three vice principals (vp) suggested I apply for a position for which I felt I was not fully qualified. I had spent the past month working primarily with students in the Special Education - Emotional Support department. I had more successful days than not, with a group of students removed from most of the general education classes, due to their continuously disrespectful and aggressive behaviors in (and in many cases outside of) school...but I will share the realities of teaching such a challenging population another day. The hiring process took about a month. Of course, I had to interview with a panel, complete a writing sample (Secondary English Educator) and prepare and present a demo lesson. Thanks to my subbing position I knew most of the people involved in my interview process. My demo lesson was presented to a group of six students; all of whom knew me from various teacher coverages, except one student. The vp who recommended me had been observing my teaching style, classroom management skills and teamwork willingness while I focused on learning as much about the students, school culture, district and community as possible when I was in (and around) the building. Subbing allowed me the opportunity to have an advantage on other applicants. I was able to plan my lesson knowing which methods would work best to engage students. My lesson was relatable due to the fact that I knew my learners. Thankfully I was offered the position and accepted on November 8th!
From my perspective substitute teaching is the best alternative way to interview for a position. The faculty and students will get to know you as you get to see if you would be a good fit for the school/district. One can learn how to strengthen school ties and work towards bringing something of value to the learning community from working within. 
I highly recommend Kelly Services for their competitive salary,  knowledgable and kind staff, range of positions (beyond the field of education) and vast territory. Although I did not take advantage of the offer, Kelly Services did/does offer insurance (yay national healthcare coverage!) to their sub staff. Kelly Services was recommended to me due to their reputation for hiring responsible, reliable and respectful teachers.

#GOOWLS #TempleMade #WHOOOTWHOOOT  #c/o13

*There are most likely other great substitute teacher staffing agencies on the East Coast. However, I cannot speak about any of their policies or benefits, as I do not directly know anyone who has worked with other agencies. All of the subs I met throughout my career have worked for Kelly Educational Staffing/Kelly Services. Do your research on the companies before applying with them.