“I love the community and the diversity. I enjoy watching our students
grow and move onto amazing things.”

Do I have to wait to apply until I receive my WA state certification?
No. You can apply while your certification is being processed. We suggest that you indicate the status of your certificate in your application materials.

Do I need to use different persons for confidential references from those who completed letters of recommendations for me?
No, you can ask the same persons who provided letters of recommendation to complete confidential reference forms on your behalf. The confidential reference form ask specific questions that may not necessarily be addressed in your letters of recommendation.

Do I need to provide official transcripts for my application?
Unofficial transcripts are acceptable for your application.

Do I need to provide a letter of application for each position that I apply for?
No, you only need to submit one letter for your application account. You may list the types of positions you are interested in as opposed to listing specific posted vacancies in your letter.

Is it acceptable to contact the principal or administrator to ask about a posted vacancy?
No, we ask that you contact our Personnel Department if you have questions about a position. We can share with you where in the process a position is and whether candidates have been selected for interviews or a position has been filled. Alexia Bautista, HR Specialist is available to assist you with any questions you may have.

How do I know if my application is complete or has been accepted for the position?
The application system has features that  tells  you the status of your application and  the positions  you have applied. We welcome your call if you need assistance  navigating the system. Instructions on how to complete an online application can also be found below under "Documents".

How is my salary calculated?
Salary is based on a 180-day, 7.5 hour work day for a full-time employee. Employees who work less than 180-days, reduced daily hours, begin their contract after the start of the school year or employment contract ends before the end of the school year have their contract pro-rated. Compensation for additional days or responsibilities are identified in the collective bargaining agreement.

When is my employment start date? What are my work days?
Certificated employees contract begins the first day of school and ends the the last day of school. There may be some additional work days in preparation for the start of the school year or during the school year when students are not present. These days are identified in the school calendar and in the collective bargaining agreement. 

When do I get paid? How often am I paid?
Employees are paid the last business day of the month beginning with the month of September. Employee pay is divided over 12 months for those who work through the end of the school year. These employees receive a paycheck in July and August.

How am I placed on the salary schedule? What information do you use?
Currently, employees are placed on the salary schedule using the instructions found in the 2017-2018 S-275 Personnel Reporting  Manual. Placement comprise of certificated experience and education.  Eligible experience includes employment that required teaching or ESA certification in preschool-grade 12, in-state, out-of-state, foreign countries and substitute teaching and higher education assignment as an instructor or professor. Specialists whose positions require an ESA certificate can also include clinical experience.

Does Mount Vernon Schools offer medical benefits? Who are the providers?
Washington state school employees receive their health insurance,  which includes medical, dental and vision through the School Employees Benefits Board (SEBB).  The SEBB  studies, designs, and approves comprehensive and cost-effective insurance benefit plans for school employees, and establishes eligibility criteria for participation in these plans.  Providers and plans vary by county and region.

Are there eligibility requirements for medical benefits?
Employees who anticipate working at least 630 hours per school year (September 1-August 31) are eligible.

How soon do my benefits begin after starting my employment with the district?
Benefits begin on the first day of the following month. Special rules apply for new employees who begin work on or after September 1, but not not later than the first day of school.

Are there other benefits?
The SEBB also  provides basic life and AD&D insurance, basic long-term disability (LTD) insurance, and a medical flexible spending arrangement (FSA) account. You also have an opportunity to add supplemental coverage to some of these benefits.

Do I receive a retirement? Am  I eligible?
Yes, Washington state school employees are offered retirement benefits through the Washington State of Department of Retirement Services . You are automatically eligible if you are hired into a teaching position that is is normally compensated for at least 70 hours of work per month for at least five months between September and August.

Do you offer paid leave? What kind and how much?
Certificated employees receive 12  paid sick leave days and 4 days of personal leave prorated to their FTE annually. Unused sick and personal leave balances roll over annually.  These benefits are bargained.

Are there opportunities to substitute teach in Mount Vernon Schools?
Yes, we continue to add substitutes to our roster.

How do I become a substitute teacher in Mount Vernon Schools?
Complete an online application and background check (fingerprinting in the last two years and SMDR forms); obtain a valid WA state teaching or substitute certificate or permit and meet with our substitute coordinator to complete your payroll forms and receive instructions to access our online substitute program . Detailed information can be found below under "Documents".

Do I need to complete an additional/separate application if I have previously submitted one to Mount Vernon Schools?
No, you do not need to complete another application to substitute if you previously completed an application in our online application system. 

How much am I paid? How long is the work day?
Pay is $187.50 per day (7.5 hours)  or $93.75 for half-day (3.75 hours or less)

How do I know what substitute job are available? Do you contact me?
The district uses the Frontline System which can also be accessed through their app.  You are able to manage your work schedule, receive notifications and select assignments using your smart phone.

Are there any benefits to substitute teaching?
Substituting in a school districts provides you classroom experience,  exposure to  school cultures, familiarity to the curriculum and getting to know staff and students. In addition you can:
- accrue certificated experience that is applicable towards salary placement consideration
- accrue 1 hour of paid sick leave for every 40 hours worked and up to 40 hours can be rolled over to the following year. Sick   
          leave is also portable and follows you to your next WA state school district employer.
- be eligible for medical coverage if you work at least 630 hours in one year

Who do I contact if I have additional questions about substituting?
Tina Ellison is our substitute coordinator. She can be reached via email (tellison@mvsd320.org) or phone: 360.428.6184