Exempt 6-month salary $24,200 Closes 10/15/26 Sussex School educators believe in the power of joyful, student-centered learning. Our progressive K-8 program creates an environment where learners and educators alike are empowered to think deeply, create boldly, and engage authentically with their world.
Sussex educators:
Provide support for Sussex teachers for times they need to be out of the classroom Value student voice and choice while maintaining high academic expectations Embrace the flexibility and creativity inherent in progressive education Model lifelong learning through continuous reflection and professional growth Build strong relationships with learners, families, and colleagues Bring curiosity, humor, and authenticity to their practice Successful Sussex educators understand that teaching is both an art and a craft. They create nurturing spaces where learners feel safe to take risks, ask challenging questions, and discover their unique paths forward. Our substitute teachers work collaboratively to develop learning experiences that prioritizes the growth of learners as humans, always keeping our core values of Critical Thinking, Creativity, Courage, and Citizenship at the center of their practice. The substitute teacher role involves reading the teacher's lesson plans and executing them in the classroom. Specific responsibilities include, but are not limited to: Implement the overarching curriculum map and learning goals established by the classroom teacher, developing daily and weekly lesson plans that support student progress and continuity of learning. Plan, prepare, and facilitate engaging learning experiences that align with the established curriculum and the needs of students. Collaborate closely with the co-teacher to coordinate instruction, share responsibilities, support students, and maintain consistency within the classroom. Collaborate with the elementary teaching team to plan and participate in interdisciplinary and collaborative units, projects, and learning experiences. Create and maintain a safe, welcoming, inclusive, and inspiring learning environment for all students. Monitor student learning and provide timely feedback to students, documenting progress and communicating relevant information to the classroom teacher and/or school leadership as appropriate. Follow student accommodation and support plans, collaborating with appropriate staff to ensure students receive the support they need. Provide lunch, recess, and other student supervision as assigned. Stay current and actively engaged in appropriate school communication channels, including Slack, email, and team communications. Respond to student behavior and discipline needs in alignment with school practices and communicate with the appropriate administrator(s) as needed. Support and participate in the school's outdoor and experiential learning programs as needed. Help plan, coordinate, and participate in field trips and other off-campus learning experiences as needed. Participate in relevant team meetings, planning meetings, and other professional responsibilities associated with the long-term assignment. Perform other duties as assigned.
Work Environment:
This job operates in a professional school environment. Field trip environments can vary from remote outdoors environments to the public library, to a bike path, to a classroom at another school.
Position Type:
This is a temporary, long-term substitute teaching position beginning on January 4, 2027 and continuing through the end of the school year on June 10, 2027. The long-term substitute will serve as an active member of the teaching team throughout the assignment and will participate fully in the day-to-day responsibilities of the school. As with all faculty at an independent school, this position includes responsibilities beyond classroom instruction, such as collaborating with colleagues, supervising lunch and recess, participating in field trips and outdoor learning experiences, attending relevant meetings and school events, and supporting the broader life of the school and the development of our students. If you wish to join our fun and hardworking team, please send a cover letter, resume, and three references to employ@sussexschool.org.
Qualifications:
High school diploma required. Working on or completion of a Bachelor's degree preferred. A minimum of one year of teaching experience is preferred. Demonstrate knowledge of kindergarten through 8th grade developmental milestones. Knowledge of and experience with project-based learning and the best practices of progressive education preferred. Knowledge of and experience with developmentally appropriate SEL best practices. Ability to interface and maintain effective relationships with students, faculty, administrators, and parents/guardians. High degree of cultural competency and demonstrated commitment to working with individuals from diverse backgrounds. Professional written and verbal communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills. Proficiency in Google Suite required.
Minimum Required Knowledge Skills, and Abilities:
Some understanding of pedagogy and the best practices of progressive education Desire to teach elementary and/or middle school-aged children and ability to adapt to their developmental status Ability to communicate effectively using strong verbal and written communication skills Ability to work effectively with a wide range of constituencies in a diverse community Ability to work on multiple projects simultaneously Strong supervisory and leadership skills for effective classroom management Ability to manage and guide student behavior, and possess a strong understanding of the social-emotional and developmental needs of children Strong planning and time management skills Willing and able to be on time and present until responsibilities for care of students is complete or meetings are adjourned. Excellent interpersonal skills with ability to maintain professionalism in high stress situations Ability to lift at least 25 pounds Ability to walk up a flight of stairs Ability to drive a 14-passenger large van (no special license required) Must be able to pass a background check every five years Must possess a clean driving record and have a valid driver's license
EEO Policy:
The School is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment and to providing employment, compensation, promotion, transfer, and unrestricted access to training at all occupational levels. The School prohibits discrimination and harassment due to an applicant's or employee's membership in a protected class. The School does not discriminate in violation of the law on the basis of the protected categories of race, color, ethnicity, national origin, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender, and sexual orientation), age, disability, genetic information, or military/veteran status in its employment practices or hiring practices.