District Substitute Teacher

About the role

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.

Responsibilities

• 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, substitute teaching staff will be required to support all the roles and responsibilities of a teacher (listed below).

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.
• Identifies selects and modifies instructional resources to meet the needs of students with varying backgrounds, learning styles and special needs.
• Aids in assessing changing curricular needs and offers plans for improvement.

Student Assessment

• Carry out regular assessments to evaluate students’ progress and understanding of the curriculum.
• Collects and analyzes student assessment data on an ongoing basis, and uses 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.
• Demonstrates gains in student performance, achievement, and growth over time as a result of instructional practices.
• Prepares 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.
• 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.
• 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

• Communicates 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.
• Builts trust and rapport with students, families, and colleagues to effectively support student achievement and growth.
• Counsels 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.
• Models professional and ethical standards when dealing with students, parents, peers and community.

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.
• Participates 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.
• Mets 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.
• Arranges classroom events and activities, and collects 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.