Access SmartFind Express

(for hired subs- PSD's code is QRFX)

Substitute Hiring

Note: Obtaining a substitute authorization does not guarantee a licensed substitute position within Poudre School District. The proper application and hiring process must be followed. 

Licensed Substitutes:

• A licensed substitute replaces a certified teacher when absent and must hold a valid Colorado teaching license, or a Colorado Department of Education 1-year/3-year/5-year substitute authorization. 

• Substitute licensure is obtained from the Colorado Department of Education (CDE). If you have questions about licensure, please contact CDE directly.

  • Submit a licensing support request

  • Call 720‐739‐ 3304 between 7:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.

• Fingerprints for your authorization MUST be submitted to the Colorado Department of Education, not PSD.  

The Substitute Pool is closed.  A new pool will open for the 2026-2027 school year in the fall.

 

^{2026-27 Substitute Pay}

Substitute pay rates are reviewed during negotiations annually and are based on district needs and budget considerations.

Licensed substitutes are paid a daily rate on a monthly basis.  Full day rates are paid for any job over 4 hours, half day rates are paid for jobs 4 hours or less. 

---

Tier 1

Full-Day Rate: $145.00
Half-Day Rate: $72.50

Qualifications:

• Holds a valid 1-year or 3-year Colorado Department of Education (CDE) Substitute Authorization.
• Has worked fewer than 20 substitute assignments during the 2026–2027 school year.

---

Tier 2

Full-Day Rate: $155.00
Half-Day Rate: $77.50

Qualifications:

• Tier 2 pay rate was obtained in the 2025-2026 school year (rolls over). 

  OR

• Subs who work 20 or more assignments in the 2026-2027 school year and apply for a sub pay increase.

  OR

• Holds an active 5-year CDE Substitute Authorization or an active Colorado Teaching License. 

  ---

Tier 3

Full-Day Rate: $165.00
Half-Day Rate: $85.50

Qualifications:

• Tier 3 pay rate was obtained in the 2025-2026 school year (rolls over).

  OR

• Subs who work 80 or more assignments in the 2026-2027 school year and apply for a sub pay increase.

  OR

• Is a PERA retiree.

  ---

Additional pay rates for licensed long-term substitutes, special service provider substitutes, and administrator substitutes can be found on the Special Pay Schedule (S). 

Licensed Substitute Pay Increase: 

UPDATE: Substitute pay tiers earned during the 2025–2026 school year will carry forward into the 2026–2027 school year. Pay rates will not be reset.

Substitutes may request a pay increase evaluation by completing the Sub Pay Increase Form. Please note that any approved increases will apply prospectively and are not retroactive.  To submit for a pay increase, please complete this form: https://forms.gle/vb8p7R538rXzrLqT8. 

*all forms received between June-July will be reviewed and processed in August. Licensed sub rates will not “reset” at the start of the 2026-2027 school year.

 

Classified Substitutes:

A classified substitute replaces a paraprofessional, crossing guard, media tech, health tech, office assistant or other classified positions. No teaching license is required for classified substitutes.  To see the job description for classified positions, please view the job descriptions on the PSD website.   

Classified substitutes are paid an hourly rate through PSD on a monthly basis. 

 

Crossing Guard (training required)	$16.69
Non-Instructional Paraprofessional	$16.69
Instructional Paraprofessional	$18.35
Media Tech	$18.35
Health Tech (Pre-approval required)	$20.36
Integrated Services Paraprofessional I	$19.65
School Office Assistant	$20.04
504 Paraprofessional	$20.02
Integrated Services Early Childhood Paraprofessional	$20.02
Integrated Services Paraprofessional II	$20.42
Integrated Services Medical Paraprofessional	$20.42

 

Mileage Rate for Mountain Schools: Classified and licensed subs who drive to schools in Livermore, Red Feather and Stove Prairie are compensated for mileage at 83.75 cents per mile.

 

Helpful Links:

• SmartFind Mobile App Guide

• School Calendar

• Substitute Employee Handbook (updated version coming soon)

• Colorado Department of Education

• PSD School Directory

• District Policies 

Check out our schools in more detail on the Choose PSD page.