Q&A: Paying subs for preservice training

Q: Must we pay substitutes for attending a training session required by the district before they can be added to the sub list?

A: If the substitute training is actually a short (less than one day) orientation and the following criteria are met, the orientation time is not compensable:

1. The time is primarily for the benefit of the substitutes (i.e., to orient them to the work).
2. The district derives no immediate advantage from the orientation activities (i.e., they are not performing work during the orientation).
3. The substitutes are not necessarily entitled to a job at the conclusion of the orientation.
4. The substitutes understand that they are not entitled to wages for the time spent in orientation.

However, if all of the above criteria are not met, the district should compensate candidates for time spent at substitute orientation.