District Substitute Teacher- Acosta

About the Role

UCC District Substitute Teachers are responsible for providing high-quality instruction and classroom management in the absence of the regular classroom teacher. This position supports all K–8 classrooms across the district and plays a key role in maintaining continuity of learning and a positive classroom environment. Depending on licensure, District Substitute Teachers may cover short-term or long-term staff absences. In the case of long-term absences, staff will be required to support all the roles and responsibilities of a teacher.

Teachers are responsible for providing an educational atmosphere where students have the opportunity to fulfill their potential for intellectual, emotional, social, physical, and psychological growth. Teachers are responsible for organizing and implementing an instructional curriculum/program that will result in students achieving academic success in accordance with United Community Center’s policies, procedures, and curriculum guidelines. UCC School Teachers are dedicated, compassionate, highly effective, reflective, collaborative, culturally responsive, and committed to the academic and social-emotional development of all students.

Responsibilities

Flexibility & Professionalism

• Report to assignments across buildings and grade levels punctually and prepared to engage with students.
• Respond to communications from school administrators in a timely manner when determining coverage and support needs.
• Demonstrate willingness to learn and understand the protocols and procedures at each grade level/building to best support students.
• Be willing to work in a variety of schools, grade levels, and subject areas as needed.
• Maintain confidentiality of student records and information.
• Follow all district and school policies, including emergency procedures and professional conduct expectations.
• In the case of short or long-term teacher absences, support all the roles and responsibilities of a teacher.

Instruction, Planning, And Preparation

• Follow and implement standards-based, developmentally appropriate lesson plans in alignment with school curriculum and instructional expectations.
• Facilitate coherent instruction that includes differentiated strategies and scaffolds for diverse learners.
• Follow instructional outcomes aligned to curriculum and grade-level expectations.
• Demonstrate deep knowledge of content and pedagogy.
• Integrate knowledge of students’ backgrounds, interests, and learning styles into planning.
• Implement formative and summative assessments to monitor student learning.
• Deliver engaging, rigorous, and grade-appropriate instruction.
• Use questioning and discussion techniques that promote critical thinking and student voice.
• Differentiate instruction to meet the needs of all learners, including English learners and students with IEPs.
• Check for understanding and adjust instruction in real time based on student needs.

Curriculum Development And Implementation

• Implement all school curriculum and instructional practices with fidelity, following the guidelines of the school, district, and state.
• Plan and deliver effective lessons that facilitate active learning and accommodate different learning styles.
• Differentiate instruction to meet diverse academic needs, learning styles, and language proficiencies.
• Integrate technology and innovative teaching methods to enhance classroom learning experiences.
• Implement instructional activities that contribute to a climate where students are actively engaged in meaningful learning experiences.
• Identify, select, and modify instructional resources to meet the needs of students with varying backgrounds, learning styles, and special needs.
• Assist in assessing changing curricular needs and offer plans for improvement.
• Ensure that student growth and achievement is continuous and appropriate for the age group and follows the curriculum’s scopes & sequences & guidelines.

Student Assessment

• Conduct regular assessments to evaluate students’ progress and understanding of the curriculum.
• Collect and analyze student assessment data on an ongoing basis, and use data to inform planning and groupings.
• Provide timely, specific, and constructive feedback to students and parents on academic performance and areas for improvement to support student growth.
• Promote student ownership of learning through goal-setting, self-assessment, and reflection.
• Identify learning challenges and develop strategies to support students with diverse needs.
• Demonstrate gains in student performance, achievement, and growth over time as a result of instructional practices.
• Prepare students for local, state, and national assessments as required by the school and grade level.

Classroom Management

• Create a safe, inclusive, and respectful classroom climate in which students are encouraged to be actively engaged in the learning process.
• Establish and maintain a positive and inclusive classroom environment conducive to learning.
• Foster a classroom culture of mutual respect and high expectations, that is inclusive, equitable, and respectful of all students.
• Implement consistent classroom rules and behavior expectations, promoting respectful and responsible behavior.
• Foster a safe and supportive atmosphere where students feel valued and encouraged to participate, and are effectively supervised at all times.
• Maintain order of students and class in classroom, cafeteria, hallways, playground, and across the school environment.
• Manage student behavior proactively and respectfully using positive behavior supports across the school environment.
• Maintain a well-organized, inviting, and culturally responsive physical space.
• Encourage student collaboration and responsibility for classroom norms.

Social-Emotional Learning & Student Relationships

• Integrate Tier 1 social-emotional learning (SEL) into regular instruction using age-appropriate strategies and curricula aligned with school-wide SEL initiatives.
• Foster a safe, supportive classroom environment where students feel valued, understood, and emotionally secure.
• Identify early signs of emotional, behavioral, or social challenges and collaborate with the school counselor, school administrator, and support team as needed.
• Model and reinforce emotional regulation, empathy, problem-solving, and responsible decision-making.

Communication & Family Engagement

• Communicate effectively both orally and in writing, with students, parents, and other professionals on a regular basis regarding students’ progress, behavior, areas for growth, and upcoming events.
• Build trust and rapport with students, families, and colleagues to effectively support student achievement and growth.
• Counsel pupils’ academic and behavioral attitudes and achievements with parents throughout the year.
• Conduct parent-teacher conferences to discuss individual student performance and set goals for improvement.
• Collaborate with parents to support students’ learning at home and encourage parental involvement in school activities.
• Model professional and ethical standards when dealing with students, parents, peers, and community.
• Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with students, parents, and other professionals.
• Share academic and behavioral updates in a clear, empathetic, and strengths-based manner.
• Collaborate with students, families, counselors, support staff, and school administrators when addressing student needs or concerns.
• Participate in family-teacher conferences and contribute to school events or family engagement opportunities.

Professional Development

• Engage in continuous professional development to stay updated on the latest teaching methods, educational trends, and curriculum developments.
• Participate in staff meetings, workshops, and training sessions to enhance teaching skills and contribute to the school community.
• Participate in all required training and meetings, as well as school and UCC training and meetings.
• Reflect on teaching practices and seek opportunities for continuous improvement.
• Engage in professional learning communities and schoolwide initiatives.
• Uphold ethical practices and professional conduct.
• Collaborate with colleagues, support staff, and administration to support student success.
• Contribute to a positive school culture and shared leadership.

Collaboration And Teamwork

• Collaborate with colleagues, administrators, and support staff to create and enhance a cohesive and supportive educational environment and to promote a positive school culture, cross-grade alignment, and shared best practices.
• Work closely with special education teachers, counselors, and other professionals to provide individualized support for students with special needs.
• Meet professional obligations through efficient work habits such as meeting deadlines, honoring schedules, collaborating with other staff, etc.
• Collaborate with student support teams (e.g., MTSS, 504, IEP) to develop and implement academic or behavioral support plans.
• Participate in data meetings and problem-solving sessions to identify student needs and recommend interventions.
• Partner with the school counselor and other specialists to support students experiencing trauma, transitions, or other significant challenges.
• Support classroom behavior through proactive management strategies and, when appropriate, restorative practices.

Records And Documentation

• Maintain accurate and up-to-date records of students' attendance, academic performance, and behavior incidents.
• When required, prepare progress reports, report cards, and other documentation following school policies and procedures.
• Arrange classroom events and activities, and collect the appropriate documentation in advance of field trips and other school functions.
• Uphold school, district, and state policies regarding child safety, mandated reporting, and confidentiality.

Intended Outcomes And Success Measures

• Instructional continuity provided in the absence of classroom teachers.
• Students stay on track with planned lessons, instructional practices, and implementation of curriculum in the teacher’s absence.
• Classroom routines, rules, and expectations are upheld.
• Students remain on-task, engaged, safe, and respectful throughout the school day.
• Communicate effectively with staff and follow all school and district protocols.
• Leave detailed notes for the classroom teacher about the day's activities, student behavior, and any issues that arise.
• Communicate promptly with school administration or support staff as needed.
• Be flexible and responsive to the coverage needs of the school and district, and provide support where needed across the school community.
• Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned by their supervisor to support students, colleagues, or the school community.

Skills

• Demonstrate basic computer knowledge, including email, Excel, Word, Google Forms, and other Google applications.
• Demonstrate leadership in the classroom.
• Demonstrate attention to detail and problem-solving skills.
• Demonstrate enthusiasm towards students, parents, and staff from diverse backgrounds.
• Demonstrate the ability to adapt to any situation inside and outside the classroom.
• Demonstrate organizational skills for the classroom and school environment.
• Demonstrate effective verbal and written communication