Substitute-MS

Ethical Culture Fieldston School is a progressive PreK-12 independent school that has been serving students from throughout New York City and the surrounding suburbs since 1878. ECFS offers a rich curriculum in the arts, sciences, and humanities. A co-ed, nonsectarian school, it serves an inclusive community of about 1,700 students on two campuses—one in the Riverdale section of the Bronx and the other in Manhattan. The Fieldston Middle School campus is located in Riverdale and has approximately 400 students in 6th–8th grades.

The Ethical Culture Fieldston School has a long history of inclusion and belonging deeply rooted in our mission and the educational philosophy of our founder, Felix Adler. We embrace all aspects of an individual, including their ancestry, family, identity, culture, and beliefs. We affirm both our differences and commonalities and strive to balance individuality and community. In keeping with our progressive tradition, we are dedicated to increasing our students’ cultural literacy to help them understand multiple perspectives and see the world beyond the self. We expect members of our community to engage in open dialogue about living and learning in an inclusive environment inside and outside the classroom. We see this work, with its creative tensions, as a catalyst for individual and collective growth. On a daily basis, we are committed to making this vision of a democratic, pluralistic, and progressive school a reality.

About the role

Fieldston Middle is seeking experienced classroom teachers available on an on-call basis to serve as substitute teachers for 6th–8th grade core classes as well as enrichment classes in: physical education, music, ethics, and arts. The ideal candidates will have strong classroom management skills, familiarity with hands-on teaching practices, relevant experience with middle school students, and the ability to teach multiple academic subjects. Substitutes are needed for half-day, full-day, and extended subbing schedules throughout the school year. This is an onsite role and not performed remotely.

Pay rate: $25.00 per hour. Hours are approximately 8:00 AM–3:30 PM.

Responsibilities

• Teach classes based on a specific lesson plan in an engaging manner;
• Proctor student study halls and answer student questions as needed;
• Supervise students during lunch or recess, as assigned;
• Leave notes for the returning teacher based on the day's instruction;
• Collaborate with colleagues, including sharing resources and communicating about curriculum and students;
• Address student behavioral issues and other challenges that may arise in the classroom to maintain a safe and calm environment;
• Maintain accurate student record keeping, including grades and attendance;
• Provide encouragement to students to support their social and emotional growth;
• Ensure confidentiality of student information;
• Maintain compliance with all school policies, state regulations, and educational standards;
• Perform other related projects and duties as needed and assigned.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree;
• Pleasant and positive demeanor toward all forms of teaching and learning;
• Strong classroom management experience;
• Familiarity with hands-on teaching practices and the ability to teach multiple academic subjects (preferred);
• Ability to collaborate and build strong relationships with faculty, administrators, students, parents, and the overall community;
• Commitment to cultural competency and fostering an inclusive environment that supports students of all backgrounds;
• Excellent verbal, written, and oral communication skills;
• Positive attitude and ability to listen effectively and be receptive to feedback;
• Ability to manage time effectively, stay organized, and prioritize required tasks;
• Familiarity with Google Workspace tools and ability to navigate and use them as needed;
• Reliability, punctuality, and consistent attendance;
• Ability to cultivate a welcoming culture in which all members of the community feel valued and appreciated.