Kelly Education Actively Recruiting For Substitute Talent In Baltimore

This piece is sponsored by Kelly Education.

For more than 25 years, Kelly Education has been the nation’s leading provider of education workforce solutions. Now more than ever, the services Kelly Education provides to Baltimore County Public Schools and districts across the country are critical to combat the pitfalls of the educator shortage and allow districts to get back to what matters most — providing a safe and equitable learning experience for all students. Kelly Education cannot do what it does without its exceptional team of highly qualified substitute educators and support talent.

Below are excerpts from an interview with Rudolph Ervin, K-12 substitute teacher of the year, Kelly Education.

Who or what inspired you to become a substitute teacher?

Ervin: I began teaching in 1979 with an emergency certification because there was a severe shortage of teachers in Texas. After three years in the classroom, I left to start my career in Social Services and Community Outreach, where I remained in a teaching and training capacity. After semi-retirement, I returned to the classroom because of my desire to cultivate young minds and supplement my income.

How long were you a substitute teacher in the Uplift School District before you transitioned to Kelly Education?

Ervin: I was with Uplift for three years before the contract for substitute teachers was awarded to Kelly Education.

What benefits did you gain once you became a Kelly Education substitute teacher?

Ervin: The flexibility I enjoyed was still there. Additionally, Kelly Education offers benefits such as vacation time, health insurance and training opportunities.

Do you still feel connected to the students, school employees, and overall mission of the Uplift School District now that you are a Kelly Education substitute teacher?

Ervin: My relationship with Uplift has not changed. The campus I work for has always embraced me and included me in all the activities and perks the full-time teachers receive. The students on my campus also know me as part of the staff and acknowledge me during teacher appreciation week. In my transition from Uplift to Kelly Education, I continue to provide the same quality education.

What’s the best part of your job?

Ervin: Knowing that each day I report to work in one of the country’s oldest and most respected professions. By working as a substitute teacher, I am contributing to aiding the next generation to stay focused and protecting one of the most valuable privileges we have been granted as U.S. citizens — a free education. Being in the classroom allows me to deliver a positive message. I can share my personal experiences and insight with compassion and sincerity to inspire students to utilize all the resources available to them to succeed.

How has the job changed since March 2020 (the pandemic’s start)?

Ervin: Since the pandemic, a sense of urgency is the tone in the classroom. Teachers are delivering lesson plans to capture the attention of all students. Emphasis is being placed on tools that will benefit the student for the next phase of their development.

What advice do you have for substitute teachers in Baltimore Public Schools who will be transitioning to Kelly Education for the 2022 school year?

Ervin: Continue to utilize the core skills that you already possess. The institution’s mission is still the same, and your functions and daily duties are now supported with the professional support of Kelly Education, which you can tap into for additional resources and professional development.

What advice do you have for someone considering becoming a substitute teacher?

Ervin: Be sure to choose a grade level equal to your ability to be effective. Also, establish a relationship with school administrators and the teachers you will be covering. When you are in the classroom, show compassion and make each student feel equally supported.

Interested in becoming a substitute teacher?

Kelly Education (KE) is excited to partner with Baltimore County Public Schools (BCPS) to manage all aspects of its substitute program for teachers and nurses. As part of the new partnership, current BCPS substitute teachers and nurses transitioning to KE will have access to training, professional development, and a comprehensive benefits package exclusive to Kelly Education. Hundreds of open positions are available for the 2022-23 school year.

If you think you might enjoy making a difference in your local district, visit TeachBCPSKids.com to apply to be a substitute teacher or school nurse in Baltimore County Public Schools.

You won’t be alone. Kelly Education recruiters guide candidates through the state’s hiring process and assist with questions. From start to finish, the hiring process typically takes about three weeks.

It doesn’t stop there; once hired, you become part of the Kelly Education team with access to a network of training, professional development and resources to help you succeed personally and professionally.

The Kelly Education website is also a great resource to learn more about becoming a substitute teacher.

If you don’t think that substitute teaching is for you, you may consider helping Baltimore County Public Schools by spreading the word to your network because awareness is the first stage of action!