Substitute Teacher

Job Description

Job Description

Title: Substitute Teacher

Reports to: Afterschool & Substitute Coordinator

Summary of Position

The Discovery School Substitute Teacher understands and promotes the school's mission, vision, core values, and policies both within and outside the immediate school community. They are also responsible for operating and managing the classroom and after-care environment, as assigned, ensuring all students are safely dismissed to their appropriate caregiver.

The Discovery School Substitute Teacher is flexible and adapts to the needs of the environment in which they work. The Substitute Teacher is responsible for supporting a classroom/instructional program that incorporates Montessori and International Baccalaureate Primary Years Program (IB PYP) methodologies (dependent on program level) while respecting the individual needs of the children in accordance with the school's mission and vision. 

The Substitute Teacher is responsible for communication that supports an understanding of the school's program, develops positive relationships within the school community, and protects the privacy and confidentiality of each student and family in the school community. 

This position requires the employee to spend the majority of work hours actively attending to young children. This will include, but is not limited to, standing, bending at the waist, kneeling, sitting, walking up and down stairs, and lifting.

Normal Hours:

1. Monday through Friday, when school is in session, as requested and agreed upon.

2. Other hours as required and deemed necessary by the Program Coordinator, Director of Lower School, the Director of Upper School, or the Head of School, as agreed upon.

The Substitute Teacher:

1. Immediately corrects and/or reports safety issues, accidents, and incidents to the Lead Teacher, the Dean of Students, and/or the Head of School.

2. Is responsible for ensuring an organized and clean environment according to Lead Teacher directives. This includes, but is not limited to, properly storing all classroom supplies.

3. Collaborates with and follows the directions of the Lead Teacher's method of interacting with children and adults, per Discovery's policies, including respectful communication and positive directives and phrasing. 

4. Follows lesson plans and ensures the continuity of an orderly classroom in the absence of the Lead Teacher, teaching the provided curriculum. At times, the Substitute Teacher may be asked to establish lesson plans independently. 

5. Monitors and assists children with classroom jobs.

6. Manages arrivals and dismissals as required and with strict adherence to Emergency Contact protocol.

7. Is responsible for the safety and well-being of the children left in their charge, within the classrooms and on the playground, until dismissed to a responsible adult. No child should ever be left unsupervised, either inside or outside the classroom.

8. Assists with other projects, programs, and planning as assigned or requested by the leadership of the school.

9. Establishes positive relationships with students, which, while recognizing the differing roles of adult and child, are characterized by mutual respect and goodwill.

10. Notifies the Program Coordinator and/or Head of School immediately of professional difficulties with children, parents, or staff, and/or personal difficulties that may affect the Substitute Teacher's role/responsibilities.

11. Models integrity, curiosity, responsibility, creativity, and respect for all persons as well as an appreciation for racial, cultural, and gender differences and diversity.

12. Is imbued with Discovery's Be Our Guest attitude.

13. Assists with the execution of Emergencies and Emergency Drills per the established protocol.

14. Handles toileting and proper hygiene as required and needed by the program.

Professional Responsibility:

1. Participates in the establishment and maintenance of an atmosphere of collegial support and adherence to professional standards.

2. Participates in collegial activities designed to make the entire school a productive learning environment. 

3. Is responsible for reading and adhering to the guidelines as established in the personnel handbook and all school policies.

4. Is responsible for complying with all state regulations and requirements of accrediting organizations.

5. Initiates growth and change in their own intellectual and professional development.

6. Is responsible for keeping the Program Coordinator and/or Director of Lower or Upper School updated on events, personal and professional issues, schedules, and curricular coordination that could impact their performance.

7. Enthusiastically supports new initiatives.

8. Performs other duties as assigned by the Program Coordinator and/or Director of Lower or Upper School.

9. Communicates with other teachers, parents, and caregivers as needed.

Qualifications:

1. Has a bachelor's degree (or higher) plus experience in education, preferred.

2. Professional Teacher Certification or Montessori Credential is a PLUS.

3. A genuine love of children.

4. Has working knowledge of achievement, aptitude, and diagnostic testing of students.

Work Authorization: The candidate must be authorized to work in the US.

Compensation: Competitive and commensurate with experience.

Benefits: None

Start Date: As soon as possible

To Apply:  

The Discovery School is an equal opportunity employer.