Job Description:
A Substitute Teacher is responsible for managing a classroom in the absence of the regular teacher, ensuring that students complete assigned work, and maintain a safe and orderly classroom environment. Substitute Teachers may work on an as-needed basis, filling in for teachers who are absent or on extended leave.
Responsibilities:
- Effective teaching, as required, in accordance with lesson plans and materials provided by the regular teacher.
- Assign homework to students and grade it when completed
- Provide guidance to students during classroom activities.
- Maintain classroom order and discipline, promoting positive student behavior at all times.
- Report any incidents of inappropriate student behavior to the designated administrator.
- Participate in parent-teacher conferences as required, to discuss student progress and behavior.
- Attend all scheduled staff meetings and in-service training sessions.
Requirements:
- A Bachelor's degree in education or a related field
- Good communication and interpersonal skills
- Ability to relate well with students, teachers, and administrators.
- Knowledge of basic computer functions and software programs (e.g., Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint).
- Valid certification, such as a teaching license or substitute teacher permit, may be required in some states.
Introduction
Substitute teachers are an essential part of any school or educational institution's team. They step in when regular teachers are unable to fulfill their duties, ensuring the continuity of education for students. Finding the right substitute teacher can be a challenge, but a well-crafted job posting can make all the difference.
Job Title and Description
Start your job posting with a clear job title that accurately conveys the position you're looking to fill. For example, "Substitute Teacher for Middle School Math." Follow this up with a description of the job's responsibilities. Detail the grade level and subject areas the substitute would be expected to teach. This helps attract candidates who have experience in the relevant areas.
Education and Experience Requirements
In this section, outline the educational background and experience you're looking for in a candidate. If you have specific certification or license requirements in your state, make sure to detail these, as they can be a determining factor in whether a candidate will apply or not. For example, if you're looking for someone to substitute for a special education teacher, you may require special education certification.
Job Responsibilities
Detail the day-to-day responsibilities of the substitute teacher. This could include covering regular lesson plans, grading papers, and communicating with parents when necessary. Make sure to be clear about the expectations for the position, including whether or not planning is required or if the substitute will need to attend meetings or school events.
Skills and Qualifications
In addition to educational background and experience requirements, you should list desirable skills and qualifications. For example, fluency in a second language could be a significant advantage for working in a bilingual school. Other qualifications could include experience using technology in the classroom or a record of successful classroom management.
Work Environment and Schedule
Describe the work environment that a substitute teacher can expect to work in. This could include a traditional classroom setting or working with students with special needs. Additionally, detail the schedule for the position. This could vary based on the school's academic calendar, but you should be clear about the length of the workday and the number of days that are required.
Conclusion
By following these guidelines, you can create a job posting that will attract qualified and experienced substitute teachers. Remember that the job posting is the first impression that candidates will have of your organization. A clear and detailed description can help attract the right candidates and ensure that your school's educational mission continues smoothly even when regular teachers are unable to attend.
What should I include in my Substitute Teacher job posting?
- A brief description of your school and its mission statement
- The duties and responsibilities of the position
- The required qualifications, such as a degree in education or prior teaching experience
- The expected schedule, including the days and hours of work
- The compensation and benefits
How can I attract the best candidates for the job?
Make sure your job posting accurately and effectively conveys the responsibilities and requirements of the position. Highlight any unique or desirable aspects of your school or district, such as a strong sense of community or a commitment to technology-based learning. Additionally, consider including a short personal statement that describes the ideal candidate and what they can expect from working at your school.
Is there anything I should avoid including in the job posting?
Avoid vague or overly general language; be specific about the qualifications, responsibilities, and expectations for the position. Also, avoid including discriminatory language or requirements, such as specifying a particular race, gender, or age range. Finally, be careful not to promise anything that you cannot deliver, such as guaranteed promotion or mistreatment of employees.
What should I do if I am not receiving qualified candidates?
Re-evaluate your job posting and make sure it is clear, concise, and appealing to potential candidates. Consider expanding or revising the qualifications, if necessary. Additionally, consider reaching out to other schools or districts in the area to see if they have any recommendations or can refer potential candidates.
How long should I keep the job posting up?
As long as the position remains open, the job posting should remain up. If you intend to fill the position before the end of the school year, consider setting an application deadline a few weeks in advance to allow ample time for the hiring process. If you do not receive qualified candidates, you may want to consider re-posting the job in the future.
