Substitute Teacher

Overview

Under the direction and guidance of the Education Coordinator or Sr. Director of Education, the Long-Term Substitute Teacher provides consistent classroom coverage during an extended teacher absence and works the regular schedule and hours of the assigned classroom teacher.

The Long-Term Substitute Teacher is responsible for maintaining continuity of instruction, classroom routines, student supervision, classroom management, and behavioral support while the regular teacher is absent. The position provides meaningful instruction to students with special education and/or alternative education needs by implementing established lesson plans, curriculum objectives, instructional strategies, classroom procedures, and student support practices.

The Long-Term Substitute Teacher maintains awareness of students’ academic, developmental, behavioral, and social-emotional needs and uses effective instructional and behavior-management techniques within St. Joseph’s Villa’s psycho-educational model and systems approach.

The position must maintain flexibility to provide classroom coverage and instructional support as a Children’s Educational Services (CES) Floater based on program and staffing needs.

All work is performed safely, effectively, and to the highest ethical standards and in accordance with applicable Virginia Department of Education requirements, regulatory and accrediting standards, St. Joseph’s Villa policies and procedures, and the organization’s mission, values, and guiding principles.

MINIMUM AND PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree (BA/BS) preferred.
• Current and valid Virginia teaching license preferred.
• One year of classroom or teaching experience in special education, exceptional education, alternative education, or general education preferred.
• Experience working with students with disabilities, behavioral needs, developmental needs, or other complex educational needs is preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to maintain classroom structure, provide effective instruction, and implement established classroom management strategies.
• Ability to communicate effectively and work collaboratively with students, families, teachers, administrators, clinicians, counselors, and other professionals.
• Proficiency with Windows, Microsoft Outlook, internet research, assistive technology, and Microsoft Office, including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Ability to learn and effectively use educational, behavioral, and student-support technology.
• Must possess a valid Virginia driver’s license and maintain an excellent driving record.
• Ability to successfully complete required background checks, training, and other employment requirements.
• Ability to work Monday through Friday according to the assigned classroom teacher’s regular schedule.
• Ability to work effectively with students who may have significant academic, behavioral, developmental, emotional, or social needs.
• Ability to exercise sound judgment, maintain professionalism, and respond appropriately to changing classroom and student needs.

Responsibilities

• Maintain continuous sight and sound supervision of assigned students in accordance with safety requirements and St. Joseph’s Villa policies.
• Provide meaningful, structured, and developmentally appropriate instruction to students in assigned classrooms during the regular teacher’s extended absence.
• Review and implement the absent teacher’s established lesson plans, curriculum objectives, instructional materials, classroom routines, procedures, schedules, and classroom management strategies.
• Support students with special education and/or alternative education needs through effective instructional and behavioral practices.
• Maintain a safe, structured, supportive, and orderly classroom environment.
• Use approved instructional and behavior-management techniques to support student learning and respond appropriately when students experience behavioral or emotional crises.
• Follow established student-specific procedures, accommodations, and support plans within the scope of the position and applicable training.
• Monitor student academic and behavioral needs and communicate significant concerns to the Education Coordinator or Sr. Director of Education, as appropriate.
• Track student attendance accurately and report absences to the Education Coordinator.
• Communicate clearly, professionally, and effectively with students, teachers, administrators, clinicians, counselors, and other staff.
• Collaborate with professional staff to promote continuity of instruction, student support, and classroom functioning.
• Provide instruction and support related to life-skills development, when necessary and in coordination with appropriate professional staff.
• Maintain a working knowledge of and comply with Virginia Department of Education requirements, St. Joseph’s Villa policies and procedures, and applicable regulatory and accrediting standards.
• Take reasonable precautions to protect students, staff, facilities, equipment, and instructional materials.
• Report student, classroom, staffing, safety, facility, or operational concerns to the Education Coordinator or Sr. Director of Education in a timely manner.
• Immediately report unsafe conditions, maintenance concerns, or environmental hazards to the Education Coordinator or Sr. Director of Education.
• Model appropriate professional behavior, communication, appearance, and dress.
• Promote positive relationships among St. Joseph’s Villa, students, families, staff, and the community.
• Utilize appropriate community resources and services when directed or necessary.
• Maintain flexibility to provide classroom coverage and instructional support as a CES Floater based on program needs.
• May voluntarily support student athletics, arts, recreation, and other extracurricular activities.
• Evaluate work processes and methods and provide recommendations that support continuous quality improvement.
• Attend and successfully complete required training and professional development, including training required by St. Joseph’s Villa and applicable regulatory and accrediting bodies.
• Maintain confidentiality of student, family, employee, and organizational information in accordance with applicable laws and St. Joseph’s Villa policies.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Education Coordinator or Sr. Director of Education.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree (BA/BS) preferred.
• Current and valid Virginia teaching license preferred.
• One year of classroom or teaching experience in special education, exceptional education, alternative education, or general education preferred.
• Experience working with students with disabilities, behavioral needs, developmental needs, or other complex educational needs is preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to maintain classroom structure, provide effective instruction, and implement established classroom management strategies.
• Ability to communicate effectively and work collaboratively with students, families, teachers, administrators, clinicians, counselors, and other professionals.
• Proficiency with Windows, Microsoft Outlook, internet research, assistive technology, and Microsoft Office, including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Ability to learn and effectively use educational, behavioral, and student-support technology.
• Must possess a valid Virginia driver’s license and maintain an excellent driving record.
• Ability to successfully complete required background checks, training, and other employment requirements.
• Ability to work Monday through Friday according to the assigned classroom teacher’s regular schedule.
• Ability to work effectively with students who may have significant academic, behavioral, developmental, emotional, or social needs.
• Ability to exercise sound judgment, maintain professionalism, and respond appropriately to changing classroom and student needs.