SMaRT
(Substituting with Mentors and Realistic Teaching)

Would you like more experience in the classroom with support and guidance along the way? SMaRT (Substituting with Mentors and Realistic Teaching) offers university students the opportunity to work as substitute teachers one or two days a week in public school classrooms under the direction and support of master mentors. This program is designed to address a school district's need for competent substitute teachers.

You must be a Florida Atlantic University student with at least 60 credits of completed course work in order to qualify and be accepted to this program.

SMaRT:

• Places you in the same school, the same day each week, with the same master mentor.
• Infuses confidence, a comfort level, and a feeling of consistency.
• Provides you with a master mentor who assists you with interpreting lesson plans and classroom management.
• Familiarizes you with school resources, environment, and faculty.
• Includes an orientation to introduce you to school policy and procedures.
• Offers you opportunities to teach in your area of specialization, or closely related areas.
• Pays you to substitute as well as the cost of your initial security clearance.

"I enjoyed working with my mentor and fellow SMaRT substitutes. We supported each other throughout the program. It was nice having people to talk to and discuss things they were going through themselves. I was able to be more comfortable working in classes from kindergarten to grade 8 and received many realistic experiences." Sara Alemany, SMaRT Associate Teacher

"It was nice to have the support of a mentor. Their feedback and guidance was helpful. There are numerous "tricks of the trade" that can be learned from those who have the experience." Mark Bernstein, SMaRT Associate Teacher, with SMaRT mentor, Dr. Walter McDougal.

Enter SMaRT Application

1. How do I qualify for participation in the SMaRT program?
   SMaRT program participants must have at least 60 completed credits, be in good academic standing, and have one or two days available each week (no classes scheduled before 4:00 p.m.) for substitute teaching.
   
2. How does the SMaRT program differ from regular school district substitute employment?
   SMaRT participants work at the same school, the same days of the week, with a master mentor. They teach in their areas or closely related areas, of specialization, i.e. biology majors are assigned to biology classes and elementary majors to K-5 classrooms.
   
3. What support does a SMaRT mentor provide?
   The SMaRT mentor meets with you at the beginning of the school day to review lesson plans, curriculum materials and class schedules. He/she assists you with appropriate resources when no lesson plans are available and suggests additional classroom activities if needed. The mentor rotates among the SMaRT classes throughout the day to observe, answer questions, and provide support. At the end of the day the mentor meets with you to debrief and provide feedback.
   
4. How much do I get paid? How often do I get paid?
   You will be paid slightly less than a school district substitute and will be paid by direct deposit every two weeks. Time record sheets are turned in to your mentor for payroll processing every two weeks.
   
5. What are the security clearance procedures?
   All students must have security clearance in the participating school district. Each district has its own procedures. The SMaRT program pays for the initial security clearance. Students are responsible for renewals.
   
6. How many days will I be able to work in the SMaRT program?
   You may work up to two days in the program. Student employment requirements allow students to only work 20 hours per week and maintain academic standing. Students may work extra days when the semester is over and schools are still in session.
   
7. Will I be able to work in a school close to campus or my home?
   FAU will work with the districts to identify the schools where SMaRT subs will work. These schools will vary from semester to semester. The local SMaRT coordinator will try to place students in schools close to their residences.
   
8. How do I apply for the SMaRT program?
   Please go to Enter SMaRT Application.