Frequently Asked Questions
When should I complete the forms and submit all documents needed for hire?
Once you've applied for a position and have an applicant identification number, you may submit the required documents to Recruitment & Retention. The forms must be completed in full and include your applicant identification number.
Can hiring supervisors view my cover letter and resume in PeopleSoft?
All documents should be uploaded in Microsoft Word or PDF format. If a document is uploaded in any other format, hiring supervisors may not be able to view your documents.
Will having references on file increase my chances for employment?
After completing an application in full, references may make a difference. It is advised that you submit references from employment /student teaching supervisors covering the past five years of employment. The reference must be on the approved reference form. Written letters are not accepted in place of the reference form.
If I am applying for a paraprofessional or teaching positions, do I need to meet the No Child Left Behind Highly Qualified Standards?
Yes. In compliance with the NCLB legislation, the School District of Palm Beach County is committed in hiring highly qualified teachers and paraprofessionals.
When do I get fingerprinted?
If you're offered a job and conditionally approved for hire, the hiring supervisor will present you with a job offer letter, which will allow you to be fingerprinted by the Department of School Police. Even if you've been fingerprinted by an out-of-state agency, you will need to be approved by the Department of School Police prior to working. For more information regarding fingerprinting, click here.
If I'm a student teacher and was recently fingerprinted and drug-tested, will I need to complete this again upon receiving a job offer?
All job offers require approval from School Police and Risk Management. These decisions are made on a case-by-case basis and the hiring supervisor will direct you upon signing a Job Offer Letter.
Will I be contacted for an interview?
Not everyone that applies will be contacted for an interview. To increase the chance of being considered for a position, make sure you only apply to positions for which you qualify and complete the application in full.
To whom should I address my cover letter? Can I write it for a specific school or should it be generic for the district?
When you attach a cover letter, it is advised that you be as general as possible. When you include your cover letter and resume in your profile, it is automatically attached to each application you complete.
What does it mean when a job posting says "Interim" or "Interim Substitute"?
The term "interim" usually applies to an employee that is filling in for another employee that is on a leave of absence. Some positions may be advertised as "interim" when budget shortages are expected. All interim contracts will expire before or on June 30th.
If I accept a part-time (.5) job, do I receive benefits?
Part-time (.5) positions do earn benefits and this information will be reviewed at a New Employee Orientation meeting if you're hired.
Are substitutes, tutors, or other temporary positions offered benefits?
No, only regular employees are offered benefits.
Are there criminal offenses that will limit my job opportunities?
Yes, the Ethics in Education Act establishes that a conviction of certain offenses makes one ineligible for instructional and administrative positions. For more information regarding criminal background reviews, click here.
*Ethics in Education Act and List of Disqualifying Offenses
Teachers
What will be my starting salary?
Teacher salary is non-negotiable and an exact quote other than the minimum salary will not be provided until all experience and qualifications are verified. Employees should contact the Human Resources Customer Call Center at 1-877-HRSDPBC (477–3722) for any compensation-related questions. Salary information can also be found on the Compensation & HR Planning website.
Can I receive credit for my experience as a student teacher, substitute teacher, paraprofessional, or administrator?
Teachers will not be credited for any experience other than regular teaching positions as defined in the CTA Collective Bargaining Agreement. A Verification of Previous Public/Private Teaching Experience form (PBSD 2044) must be received from each of the employee's previous employers for experience to be considered. Due to budget reductions, not all years of experience will transfer into Palm Beach County. For more teaching experience information, please refer to the CTA Teaching Experience Brochure.
What must I do to earn additional compensation for advanced degrees?
Teachers must submit official degree-conferred transcripts at the time of hire. An Advanced Degree Pay Request form (PBSD 2277) must be submitted to the Compensation and HR Planning department. Once the form has been received, the transcripts will be evaluated to determine if your degree major and/or coursework is acceptable for advanced degree pay. Additional information can be found on the Compensation and HR Planning website.. Employees should contact the Human Resources Customer Call Center at 1-877-HRSDPBC (477–3722) for any compensation-related questions.
What subject areas require Highly Qualified Status under No Child Left Behind?
The core academic/content areas are: Elementary Education; English/Language Arts; Reading; Mathematics; Science; Foreign Languages; Music; Art; Drama; and Social Sciences (Political Science, History, Civics and Government, Economics and Geography).
If I teach Exceptional Student Education (ESE), am I required to be Highly Qualified under NCLB?
All teachers of core-content areas must meet the NCLB legislation. In most cases, ESE teachers cover core-content subject areas and require Highly Qualified verification. If you only have ESE K-12 certification, it is likely that you are not eligible for most ESE teaching positions.