Frequently Asked Questions

Does Palm Beach County School District participate in E-verify?

Yes. Upon submitting all documents required for hire, all applicants will be entered into the E-verify system to determine their eligibility for employment.

Is there a paper application I can submit instead of using PeopleSoft?
No. All job applications are completed online.

When should I complete the forms and submit all documents needed for hire?
Once you have been offered a position, the Department of Recruitment and Retention will provide you with instructions for uploading documents to your applicant profile and for completing electronic forms.

Can hiring supervisors view my cover letter and résumé in PeopleSoft?
All documents should be uploaded in Microsoft Word or PDF format. Documents uploaded in any other format may not open properly. They can be viewed by hiring supervisors on PeopleSoft.

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 résumé in your profile, it is automatically attached to each application you complete.

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 or from 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.

I have never worked before. What should I put down for my Employment History in the application?
You must indicate your work status for the past 5 years. (ex., Stay at home mom/dad, student, student teacher, never worked, etc.)

I input the name of my college/university in the online application, but it didn't work. How can I find my school?
You must use the magnifying glass icon. Then select the correct state and school from the preset list.

Can I submit an electronic transcript instead of waiting for the school to send the official one?
Your college/university can email your electronic transcript directly to transcripts@palmbeachschools.org.

Please Note: Candidates applying to a teaching position who have not sent their transcripts to the Florida Department of Education (FLDOE) must mail or hand-deliver official transcripts in a sealed envelope to the Department of Recruitment and Retention.

Can the status of my application be checked if I haven't received a job offer?
The status can't be checked online, but for specific details, you may contact the hiring manager at the school or department that is advertising the position.

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.

When do I get fingerprinted?
If you're offered a job and conditionally approved for hire, the Department of Recruitment & Retention will email you a job offer letter and directions on how to schedule an appointment for fingerprinting. For more information regarding fingerprinting, visit the School Police Fingerprinting website.

Should I get fingerprinted and/or drug-tested now rather than waiting until a job is offered?
No, you must be sent for fingerprinting and drug-testing after being issued a Job Offer letter. The letter will be issued by the Department of Recruitment and Retention and will contain information regarding approved facilities. For information regarding District Drug Testing Requirements, please click here.

If I'm a student teacher and I 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.

I have already been fingerprinted by another District or Agency. Do I still have to be fingerprinted by Palm Beach County?
Yes, most counties will not share the results.

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 and disqualifying offenses, click here.

Once I receive my Offer Letter and need to complete my drug screening, where do I go for the test?
Visit the Drug Screening Location Information page for locations and times. Be sure to bring your Offer Letter and your government-issued ID.

Do I need to complete Employee Orientation before I begin work?
Yes, all candidates must complete Employee Orientation and meet all other hiring requirements prior to beginning work. (Employee Orientation Checklist)

When do I participate in Employee Orientation?
Employee Orientation is only available after you have received a job offer.

How do I access Employee Orientation?
After a job offer is made, a representative from the Office of Recruitment & Retention will email you with instructions for accessing the Orientation. Links to Employee Orientation are located in your Careers Page where you applied for the job. Click the link in the "Extended Job Offer" box. Make sure the pop-up blocker for your device is turned off. The last part of the New Employee Orientation (NEO) Forms will include a page with all sections of Employee Orientation. Click each link to view the video presentations. Once all links have been clicked, the system will allow you to proceed.

Do I have to come to the District offices to complete Employee Orientation?
No, Employee Orientation is provided in an online format and is accessible anywhere, on any device. Device settings, however, may limit or prevent you from viewing all content. A computer or tablet is recommended and Google Chrome and Internet Explorer are the recommended browsers.

How long does it take to complete Employee Orientation?
Full-time Employees: Approximately 2 .5 hours
Part-time Employees: Approximately 1.5 hours
Substitutes: Approximately 2 hours
Benefits Session Only: Approximately 35 minutes

Do I need to complete Employee Orientation all at once?
You may complete portions of Employee Orientation and return to where you left off at anytime. However, you must click on all sections before the system will acknowledge that you have completed all portions of Employee Orientation.

Why can't I access the link for Employee Orientation after I click the link?
Make sure you turn off your pop-up blocker in your web browser settings.

Why can't I hear the audio in the Employee Orientation videos?
Make sure the computer or device has audio and that the volume is not turned off.

What should I do if I don't have a device to watch Employee Orientation?
You may:
• Go to a public library, or
• Ask the school or department where you have been offered a job to watch it there.
You may contact the Department of Recruitment and Retention for additional suggestions.

What topics are covered as a part of Employee Orientation?
A variety of topics can be expected to be covered depending on the type of position you are being hired into.  Information pertaining to Payroll, Benefits, Use of Technology, and Workplace Safety are all covered in Orientation.

How do I open the "Hiring Documents" or the "Offer Letter" from my email? 
We recommend that you download and save these documents on your device for continued access. The offer letter does need to be printed.

How do I know when I can begin working?
The Department of Recruitment and Retention monitors the completion of Employee Orientation and will provide you with a job offer letter and approval stamp when you have been approved to begin working. You may report to work once your job offer letter is stamped "Conditionally Authorized to Work" by the Department of Recruitment and Retention.

How do I contact the Florida Department of Education (FLDOE)?
You may contact the FLDOE by visiting their website at www.fldoe.org and by phone at (850) 245-0505.

I have applied to multiple school districts, including Palm Beach County School District, and I can’t seem to obtain employment yet. What can I do to stand out as a prospective candidate?
Consider applying as an instructional substitute in our school district. This is a great way to receive competitive pay and get recognized by campus administrative and instructional staff.

Individuals can obtain daily substitute jobs at all levels and gain first-hand experience working in our schools that can be additionally listed on a résumé.

We respect and value our substitutes and school administrators do take notice of your commitment and support to our students. Many of our current teachers have served as substitutes or instructional aides in the prior to transitioning to teaching positions within the District.

Does the District pay a supplement for advanced degrees?
You will find additional information about Advanced Degree Pay for Teachers on our Salary and Job Information page. 

How are teachers evaluated in Palm Beach County School District?

Teachers are evaluated using the Palm Beach Model of Instruction.

It is based on the work of Dr. Robert J. Marzano and Learning Science International. In addition, it embraces the premise that all instructional personnel are capable of improving their practice regardless of their level of performance.

The process includes performance indicators that focus on four domains that define a knowledge base for teaching and a framework for the systematic development of expertise.

Unlike other evaluation models, ours is a coaching model that has been shown in causal studies to have the most direct effect on student performance.

Are external candidates considered during the voluntary transfer period?
External candidates may be considered for employment during the voluntary transition period. However, during the Unit Adjustment Transfer (UAT) Excess Process which begins in June (until further notice), there is a temporary hold on hiring external candidates until internal placements are completed.

What are the requirements for the Substitute position?

The Substitute position requires a minimum of a high school diploma or equivalent, be at least 18 years of age, and the completion of the SubSkills Training.

Applicants may be exempt from having to complete the workshop if they meet one of the below exemptions. (Proof will be required.)

If within the past five (5) years:

You have been an SDPBC substitute teacher, or
You held a valid substitute certificate from another county, or
You have been a student teacher (or are entering your student teaching), or
You have been an active, certified classroom teacher, or
You retired from a K-12 classroom teaching position

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How do I upload documents to my applicant profile?

Please click on one of the below links to watch a short video demonstration on how to upload documents.
http://l.sdpbc.net/yooug or https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Y4bfzBOwck

Go to https://www.palmbeachschools.org/careers/applying_for_jobs
• Click on "Apply for Jobs" in the center of the page.
• Log into your career home page with the username and password in which you used to apply to this position.
• Check the page, it must have your Name and the Applicant ID that is listed on this document.
• Click the "My Job Applications" link to upload your *documents.
• Click the + on "My Cover Letters and Attachments." 
• Select your Attachment Type.
• Enter a description of the document in the document title field.
• Click "Continue" and select your document from "Choose from My Device." 
• Upload your required document.
• Click "Done" and "Save." 
• Repeat these steps for all required documents.

*Palm Beach County School District reserves the right to inspect original and official documents upon request. Failure to provide original and/or official documents when requested, may adversely affect employment eligibility.

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What may I submit as proof that I qualify for the "How to be a Better Substitute workshop" exemption?

One of the following may be presented as evidence that you qualify for the workshop exemption:

A copy of a substitute certificate from another county earned within the last five (5) years.
An official transcript clearly reflecting you have completed student teaching within the last five (5) years.
A reference on the Substitute Teacher Employment Reference Verification form PBSD 2655 from the principal indicating that within the last five (5) years you were:
- A student teacher
- An active certified teacher
- A retired teacher
Note: Teachers from a country other than the United States of America must take the workshop.

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How often is the Substitute application open?

The Substitute application is open year-round.  Interested candidates should gather all required documents prior to submitting an application.

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If I previously submitted the Employment References or completed Employee Orientation, do I have to complete them again?

Yes, all applicants are required to complete each of these items, regardless if they were completed in the past.

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What references are required for Student Teachers?
Student Teachers may submit one reference from the principal/assistant principal of the school, the cooperating teacher, or from the college supervisor, on the Substitute Teacher Employment Reference Verification form PBSD 2655.

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Do I have to resubmit my transcripts or my Substitute certificate, if I have done so previously?
Your personnel file will be reviewed. If you are required to resubmit the documents, you will be notified.

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When will I receive information about Fingerprinting and Drug Testing?
Once we have reviewed all requested documents and determined your eligibility for employment, you will receive an email with your official job offer letter.  The email will also contain information for fingerprinting and drug testing.

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How do I qualify for the retired teachers pay rate?
To be compensated at the retiree pay rate, substitutes must provide evidence of retirement from a K-12 classroom teaching position.

Evidence of retirement includes one of the following:

An earning statement from an FRS Pension, or other state/country retirement system.
A reference on the Substitute Teacher Employment Reference Verification form PBSD 2655, from the principal of the school you retired from.

Can I apply to the Substitute Teacher position at any time?
Yes, the application is open and ongoing.

What does it mean when a job posting says "Interim"?
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) teacher positions earn benefits and this information will be reviewed during the Online New Employee Orientation if you are hired. No other part-time (.5) jobs earn benefits.

Are substitutes, tutors, or other temporary positions offered benefits?
No. Temporary employees are not offered benefits.

What will be my starting salary as a Teacher?
Teacher salary is non-negotiable and an exact quote other than the minimum salary will not be provided until experience and qualifications are verified. Employees should contact the HR Customer Care Center at 1-877-HRSDPBC (561-477–3722/Option 1) for any compensation-related questions. Salary information can also be found on the Compensation and Job Information 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. For more teaching experience information, please refer to the Compensation and Job Information website.

What must I do to earn additional compensation for advanced degrees?
Official degree-conferred transcripts should be submitted at the time of hire. An Advanced Degree Pay Request form must be submitted to the Compensation and Employee Information Services Department. Teachers must submit the Advanced Degree Pay Request form for Instructional Employees (PBSD 2277). Noninstructional (NBU) employees must submit the Advanced Degree Pay Request form for Noninstructional NBU Employees (PBSD 2276). Once the form has been received, and you are in either a teaching position or an NBU noninstructional position, 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 Job Information website. Employees should contact the HR Customer Care Center at 1-877-HRSDPBC (561-477–3722/Option 1) for any compensation-related questions.

I am not able to see the NEO forms online. Why?
In order to see the NEO forms, you must log in with the same username and password you used to apply to the position.