• Frequently Asked Questions - Substitute Teachers

    1. If I have been an active substitute teacher during the last year for BPS, do I need to do anything differently?

      No. If you are a current and active substitute teacher, you do not need to re-apply.

    2. If I have been a substitute teacher in the BPS previously but have not been active during the past year, do I need to re-apply?

      Yes, substitute teachers who have not been active over the course of the previous school year are automatically terminated. You will need to re-apply following the process described above.

    3. If I am a retired teacher in the Boston Public Schools do I need to take the training and test?

      No. Retirees do not have to take the test.  

    4. How long does the training take?

      Between 6-13 hours.

    5. How quickly can I start the program?

      Once you register and pay the fees, you will be able to start the training online, or you can wait until you receive the training CD and workbook in the mail.

    6. Can I take the test without taking the training?

      If you feel confident that you have the knowledge required to pass the test, you could take the test without taking the training. However, we would not advise it. You only have 4 chances to take the test and the test is designed around lessons learned from the training. In addition, you will still need to pay $29.95 for the entire substitute training program which includes the test. The test is not sold separately.

    7. What is the passing score for the test?

      85 or better.

    8. How long does the test take?

      The test will take anywhere from 30–40 minutes.

    9. If I am an existing substitute teacher, can I still sign up for training?

      Yes, you can still sign up for training, but please be aware that it is at your expense.

    10. If I become a substitute teacher, and later I am hired as a regular teacher, can I get reimbursed for the training costs?

      No. Even if you later become a regular teacher, you will not be reimbursed for the training costs.

    11. When I click on the URL link http://stedi.org/rlogin/?dist_org=boston an error message page appears?

      First, try to copy and paste the above address into the address bar of your browser. Sometimes older versions of browser software or your system's settings are not set up to automatically load the page when you click on a link. If you continue to have difficulty, please contact the Help Line for STEDI.org 1-800-922-4693.

    12. What is BPS SubCentral?

      BPS SubCentral is our new web-based Substitute Assignment System. This does not replace our telephone assignment system but instead is an added feature. You can now search for assignments by logging into BPS SubCentral. To learn more, see the SubCentral Page.