Working as a substitute teacher for the McAllen Independent School District is a good way to have a flexible job that allows you to work with children and have summers and major holidays off. McAllen ISD is always on the hunt for good substitute teachers, and you can apply at any time. Many people like to work as substitutes because every day on the job is different and full of surprises. They get to work when they want and where they want. If you are currently in college or toying with the idea of making a career change, working as a substitute teacher is a great way to decide whether school teaching is for you.

Earn your high school diploma or GED. All substitutes for the McAllen Independent School District need to be high school graduates.

Seek out further training in order to be more desirable in the eyes of the hiring committee. For example, South Texas College in McAllen offers a short-term training course leading to a Substitute Teaching Certificate (see Resources below).

Apply for a substitute teaching job at McAllen ISD. You will need to print the application from the McAllen ISD website (see Resources below). Include a current resume with the application.

Bring the following items to the Human Resources Department: a record of a TB test within the past year, official high school or college transcripts, evidence of completion of a substitute teacher course and a copy of your teacher certification if you're a certified teacher. You must present your driver's license and social security card as well. All pages included in the printout and all required documentation must be presented to the Human Resources Department at the same time. Recommendation forms must arrive no later than 10 days after the application.

Print the recommendation forms from the McAllen ISD website and send them to people who can vouch for your character and work experience. Make sure you ask each person whether it's OK to use them as a reference. You don't want any unpleasant surprises from people who give you negative recommendation letters. Include stamped envelopes addressed to the Human Resources Department so your references do not have to pay postage.