The first place to begin your preparations is the school district administrative offices. You may find information on the school district website about how to begin the process of becoming a substitute teacher or you may have to call to find out what you need to do. In some school districts you can apply online. You will be asked to provide employment history, education, references, and personal information. There is also a fingerprint screening and/or criminal background check required by most school districts. Once you are cleared to work with students, you will receive paperwork to fill out for employment, District policy handbooks and other materials. Some districts also provide training sessions for substitutes. After fulfilling District requirements, you can begin your research on schools. You might want to teach only at schools nearest your home or with specific grade levels. If you know someone at a school, you may ask them to help you get permission to observe a few classes, especially if you have not been in the classroom before or for many years. Once you have made your requests known, study the District map so that you will have an idea of where you are going when that first call comes. Familiarize yourself with District policies regarding first aid, emergency procedures, time sheets, drug/alcohol/tobacco policies and any other areas that can be a problem if you do not have a foundation of understanding. Most of these topics will be covered in the District handbook and/or training. Make sure you understand all information that has been presented. Finally, set up a file to keep track of your work as a substitute teacher. You may want to include your notebook or substitute log so that everything is in one place. In the file you can also place copies of pay stubs, District paperwork and anything else that you might need for income tax purposes or future job references.