Frequently Asked Questions
Application and Hiring Process
How do I apply for a job at Advantage Academy?
Individuals considering a position at Advantage Academy must complete an online application. Click here to browse open positions or submit an application.
Please note that applications are only accepted online; please do not email, fax, or mail a copy of your resume. Should you experience any difficulty with our online system, please contact hr@advantageacademy.org.
Can I apply for more than one position?
Yes. However, when your application is reviewed and the selection process begins, we may determine that you are a better candidate for a particular area or grade level. Recommendations may or may not align with the positions applied for.
Can I apply to a specific school or grade level?
Yes. Listings for open positions often indicate the campus or grade level for which the position is for. If you are interested in a particular campus or grade level which is not indicated on the position listing, please make your preference known and your request will be considered as you move through the selection process.
How do I know if my application is received?
Once your application is submitted, you should receive an automatic email confirming that your application has been received. Please check your spam and junk mail folder for this email if you do not see it in your inbox. If you have not received this email, your application has not been successfully submitted.
Are there any benefits to applying early?
Yes. We receive a large number of applicants and your changes to be considered for an open position may be increased by applying early. We encourage all applicants to submit an application as early in the year as possible.
What will happen after I apply?
The Human Resources Department will review all applications and select candidates to move forward in the interview process. If you are selected to move forward, you will be contacted by phone or email to schedule an interview.
What if I am not selected to move forward in the interview process?
If you are not selected to advance in our hiring process, you should continue to gain experience, focus on your relevant skills, and reapply. Advantage Academy is always in pursuit of excellent teachers as our school and staff continue to expand.
Is a criminal background check required for all employees at Advantage Academy?
Yes. Advantage Academy will conduct criminal background checks on all certified educators and every other employee hired by the school district. Furthermore, all employees will be required to undergo a fingerprint-based national criminal history review.
Can a school district employ a person who is convicted of a criminal offense?
Yes, school districts generally create and follow their own policies in reference to hiring criteria and past offenses. However, Section 22.085 of the Texas Education Code prohibits districts from hiring persons convicted of certain serious offenses (Title 5 felonies), or registered sex offenders against persons under 18.
Please contact hr@advantageacademy.org for more information regarding Advantage Academy's specific policies.
Teacher Certification
Do I need to be certified to teach at Advantage Academy?
Advantage Academy encourages all teachers to be or to become certified as soon as possible. However, charter schools are not required to employ certified teachers. If you are hired as a teacher and are not certified, the Human Resources Department will assist you in creating an active plan to become certified.
How do I become certified in Texas?
Applicants can receive personalized guidance from our Human Resources Department in creating a plan to become certified, which may include assistance from an Alternative Certification Program (ACP). It is important that you work closely with HR to ensure you are taking the right steps and exams to be in compliance.
What if I am certified in another state?
If you are certified as a teacher in another state, it may be possible to transfer your certification to Texas. Please visit www.tea.texas.gov for more information.
Substitute Roles and Responsibilities
Why should I become a substitute teacher at Advantage Academy?
Many individuals who are hoping to pursue teaching as a career may want to work as a substitute teacher to gain insight into the teaching profession. Others may desire to work in education without holding a full-time position. Retired teachers often want to continue to teach and work with children. Becoming a substitute at Advantage Academy allows individuals to be a part of educating in a small-school environment with a focus on character and leadership.
What are the responsibilities of a substitute teacher at Advantage Academy?
The essential roles and responsibilities are detailed in the Reference Manual below. Substitute teachers are expected to carry out two main responsibilities: 1) follow the regular teachers' lesson plans, and 2) maintain discipline in the classroom at a level at which learning can take place. Additional expectations will be outlined during orientation and through district/campus communication.
What grade levels or subjects can I teach as a substitute?
Substitutes may choose to teach any subject or at any grade level. However, you may be asked to accept assignments outside of your indicated preferences. Substitutes may also be asked to cover classes during a planning period.
How will substitutes be made aware of campus and classroom procedures?
As part of our process, detailed information is given at orientation. Additional information will be provided at each campus to ensure substitute teachers are well prepared to enter the classroom.
Can substitute teachers expect support from the campus staff?
Substitute teachers can expect a high degree of support and assistance from all school personnel. Everyone at Advantage Academy is dedicated to the success of our students. As a substitute, you are vital to that success. If at any time you need help in the classroom, do not hesitate to contact a nearby teacher or campus administrator.
What is "placement" and when will I be called for an assignment?
Placement pertains to a substitute's ranking in the Substitute Assignment System (SAS). Available substitutes will receive an assignment call when the SAS gets to your placement in the system. SAS placement is based on the number of “declines”, “cancellations” and/or “inadequate service reports” Advantage Academy receives concerning your assignments.
Can substitutes be hired as full-time teacher?
Yes, some substitute teachers may eventually be hired by Advantage Academy. You will be notified by the school’s HR Department if a full-time position becomes available. You may be required to complete the school’s interview and selection process. A substitute's “placement” will be considered when a full-time teaching position becomes available.
Substitute Application and Hiring Process
What are the requirements to become a substitute teacher?
You must have at least a high school diploma or GED to become a substitute teacher. Those interested in becoming a substitute at Advantage Academy must submit an application. Persons on the approved substitute list with a teaching certificate or a degree from a four-year college or university, or those who have experience in the education field will have priority.
Can I send in my resume instead of an application?
No, filling out an Employment Application is a district requirement. The application is used for checking qualifications and selecting individuals for interviews. Resumes may be attached or brought to an interview for additional information.
What happens after I submit an application?
If your application is accepted, you’ll be invited to attend substitute orientation. During this orientation you will be interviewed, given information about Advantage Academy and receive orientation training.
Why do I have to attend orientation?
All Advantage Academy substitutes must attend orientation training. Orientation may include the basics of classroom management, teaching strategies, the educational process, and the roles and responsibilities of an AA substitute teacher. Policy and Procedure sessions focus on basic school guidelines.
Substitute Pay and Benefits
How much do substitute teachers at Advantage Academy get paid?
Substitute pay starts at $120.00 per day for non-degreed substitutes; $150.00 per day for Bachelor's Degree and higher substitutes; and $175.00 per day for long-term assignments*. Substitutes are paid at the end of each month. Substitutes serving in clerical, custodial, or child nutrition positions are classified as "temporary employees" and are subject to different daily rates.
*Substitute teachers will receive long-term assignment rate after 10 consecutive days working on a qualifying assignment. This rate will apply beginning on the 11th assigned day. Please contact HR for additional questions.
Do I need to record my hours and workdays?
Yes, it is your responsibility to complete a timesheet that reflects accurate hours and days worked. You should also keep personal records/copies of your days and hours worked to reconcile payroll statements.
Do substitutes qualify for extended pay?
All questions regarding extended pay should be directed to the school’s Human Resources Department by emailing hr@advantageacademy.org.
Do substitutes receive health benefits?
Yes. If you work at least 10 hours in any given week, you immediately become eligible for benefit coverage. Please contact the school’s Business Department for details concerning substitute health benefits.