Join the DPS Team as Guest Teacher or Substitute Paraprofessional

Guest Teaching is a popular pathway into the teaching profession. It’s an ideal way to gain real-world experience in the classroom to decide if you would like to pursue additional education to secure your teaching credentials. Guest Teaching provides a wonderful opportunity to build lasting relationships with students, schools, and teachers.

DPS is currently looking for:

Short Term Substitutes

Short Term Substitutes are able to enjoy a flexible schedule, working with students on a part-time or full-time basis. With the opportunity to work in any of our regions, Short Term Substitutes can make a positive impact in more than 160 schools.

You must have the proper licensure (or your pending receipt showing your license is in process) from the Colorado Department of Education.

Acceptable licenses are: 1-year, 3-year, or 5-year substitute authorizations, Initial or Professional Licenses.

2024-2025 School Year Pay (incentivized rate based on licensure):

  • $22.72/hr ($90.88 half-day/$181.76 full-day)

    • 1 or 3 year sub authorization

  • $28.40/hr ($113.60 half-day/$227.20 full-day)

    • 5-year sub authorization, initial or professional teacher license

Apply Here (External Candidates)

Search by Job ID 68991 (Internal Candidates)

Long Term Substitutes

Long Term Substitutes in Denver Public Schools cover a critical need for our students when they do not have a full time teacher.  Long Term Substitutes work between 30-89 days as the teacher of record for the classroom. 

You must have the proper licensure (or your pending receipt showing your license is in process) from the Colorado Department of Education.

** Long Term Substitutes must hold a 5 Year Sub Authorization, Initial or Professional Sub Authorization **

2024-25 School Year Pay:

  • $240 per day ($30 per hour)

Apply Here (External Candidates)

Apply on Internal Job Board (Internal Candidates)

This role does not have a pooled job posting. We encourage you to apply directly to the opportunities available at each individual school. Please use the keywords "long term sub" to search.

Paraprofessional Substitutes

Paraprofessional Substitutes provide essential support to educators and students in various learning environments. This flexible position offers a rewarding opportunity to contribute to student growth and development.

All Substitute Paraprofessionals are required to work a minimum of 5 assignments a month.

Please review our Paraprofessional Qualifications Guide.

2024-2025 School Year Pay:

  • $21.00 per hour (ECE Sub Para)

  • $22.00 per hour (SPED Sub Para)

Apply Here - ECE Substitute Para (External Candidates)

Search by Job ID 68997 (Internal Candidates)

Apply Here - SPED Substitute Para (External Candidates)

Search by Job ID 68998 (Internal Candidates)

Community Volunteers

In addition to DPS central staff filling classroom needs, we need community support to keep our schools open for in-person learning. If you or your organization is interested in giving back, consider participating in the Community Volunteer Program!

Please review the Volunteer Approval Process below:

  1. Fill out and submit the Community Volunteer Interest Form.

  2. Complete a free DPS background check through the link emailed to you. This background check is valid for one school year.  If you plan to continue after a year, you will need to complete a new background check.

  3. For substitute teachers only:

    • Renew your teaching license OR obtain substitute authorization through the CDE. Select “yes” when asked if you have completed fingerprints. This will allow you to move forward and complete the application. You will have 30 days to schedule and complete your fingerprints at a CDE-approved location.

    • Email HR_Guest_Teacher@dpsk12.org with a copy of your teaching license or substitute authorization. Use "Community Volunteer Program" as the email subject line.

  4. Once you are approved to substitute, you will receive an email from our Volunteer Substitute Program with sign-up options for school support.

For questions about our Guest Teacher Program, email HR_Guest_Teacher@dpsk12.org