After you have your new teaching position, your next step is teacher orientation.

I Have a Job Offer, What Do I Do Now?

Congratulations! You have been offered a teaching position. There are several steps

required to officially make you a part of the DCPS team.

Step 1
You and your principal will sign a New Hire Commitment form.

Find out the details of your teaching assignment from your principal.  You may be teaching more than one subject.  You may wish to ask for teacher’s editions and other teacher materials so you can familiarize yourself with the content.  You will have an opportunity to ask clarifying questions about your teaching assignment at the New Teacher Orientation.

Step 2
The principal will submit the New Hire Commitment form to his or her staffing supervisor.

Step 3
The staffing team will verify that you are eligible for the assigned position.

Step 4
A member of the staffing team will contact you to schedule a processing appointment, which will be held at the Duval County School Board, located at 1701 Prudential Drive.

If at any time you have questions, please refer to the contact information provided on the first page of your paperwork packet. We are here to help you through the hiring process.

Step 5
Your employment setup paperwork must be completed prior to your appointment. For your convenience you may download the forms, or you have the option of coming to the school board office to pick up the employment set-up packet. 

It is important to note that several steps must be done within a specific time frame. Review the documentation requirements for your set-up appointment carefully. Please download the entire packet and bring it to your set-up appointment. New Hire Set-Up Paperwork (4MB .pdf format)

Note:  Adobe Reader is needed to view the file, it is a free download and if you do not have it, click here to download it.

Prior to your appointment you should review the benefits package offered through the district. You may pick up a benefits information packet from the school board prior to your appointment, or simply view them online.  You will be selecting your health and dental providers during your appointment.

Representatives will be present to explain the programs and answer questions.

 At your appointment:

·         You will turn in your completed employment paperwork and required documents.

·         You will be fingerprinted and receive a DCPS photo ID (fingerprint payment information included in set-up forms).

·         Effective October 1, 2008, ALL new employees (full-time and part-time) and re-hires with a one day break in service must have their fingerprints taken by the Duval County School Board Security Office. You will be fingerprinted and receive a DCPS ID badge. (fingerprint payment information included in set-up forms).

·         You will select your health care providers and review additional benefits.

·         You will meet with certification representatives.

Step 6

As a teacher in the state of Florida you are required to hold a Florida Educator Certificate. If you do not have a valid Florida Teacher’s Certificate or Statement of Eligibility, you must apply at least 48 hours prior to your set-up appointment (refer to the first page in your set-up paperwork). The Florida Department of Education provides step-by-step information regarding certification on their website.

The DCPS certification team will review the requirements and answer any questions you may have during your set-up appointment.

Step 7
Register for the New Teacher Orientation

Accepting A Position
When you sign a New Teacher Commitment form, you are committed to that school and may not accept job offers from another school. Please review the Collective Bargaining Agreement for more details regarding your commitment.
 

Declining A Position
If you feel that the position you have accepted is not the right choice for you, please notify the principal immediately.
 

Receiving your first paycheck
You must complete the steps above in order to receive a paycheck. You may contact the bookkeeper at your school in order to get more information about your paycheck.

 

Probationary Period
Initial annual contracts include a 97-day probationary period during which time the employee’s contract may be terminated without cause or the employee may resign without breach of contract.

Make sure that you register for the New Teacher Orientation