Since I have moved back to California I've been working on getting my substitute teaching application together. If you've ever tried to substitute teach in California it's quite the process. I first went to some of the district offices and then my sister told me I should go through the Kern County Superintendent of Schools (KCSOS). So I did. I got a pile of papers to fill out, and a checklist of stuff to do; unlike Utah, California requires there substitute teachers to have at least a B.A. or in pursuit of one, and take the CBEST (a general knowledge test), whereas Utah only requires there subs to breathe.
Even though I have my Utah teaching license that limits a few hoops, but it also means that I have to spend $5 to have my transcripts sent. (That's right it costs $5 to send transcripts now when just a few years ago it only cost $2.) It's going to cost my somewhere between $150 and $200 just for the opportunity to put in a movie for kids that dislike
new authority figures for about $100/day, with no medical benefits. (Sometimes being a substitute teacher is hazardous to your health.) Here's a rundown of what it takes for me to start substituting:
- Fingerprinting and background check ($63)
- TB Exam ($12.50)
- Physical ($30+ varies on physician)
- CBEST ($41, but I have a year to take it)
- Request Transcripts ($5) and proof of UT license
- Fill out the CA sub application (free) and other paperwork
- Evaluation of transcripts ($55)
What I thought would take a few days to do, is going to take a week-and-a-few days. On Friday I went to the clinic all excited to be able to get my TB test, but once I got there they told me they weren't doing them that day because Monday is a holiday*.
What does that have to do with Friday? So my adventures continue.
*A friend informed me that it takes about 72 hours for TB results to appear, and since Monday was a holiday and the "County" clinic would be closed it would affect the results.
