Elementary Substitute Teacher

Spring Education Group • Palo Alto, CA

1d • $28 - $31

About The Position

Stratford School, part of Spring Education Group, is an independent WASC-accredited private school in California serving students from preschool through 12th grade. Its educational program includes a STEAM-based curriculum recognized by the White House as a leader in early childhood STEAM education, and the school was the first in California to earn the Carnegie Science Seal of Excellence for STEM.

The Elementary Substitute Teacher maintains classroom continuity when a teacher is absent. The role involves stepping into established elementary classrooms, implementing teacher-prepared lessons and activities, engaging students across grade levels and subjects, and helping ensure the school day remains productive, structured, and enjoyable. The substitute supports students’ academic, social, and emotional development while working within a collaborative school community. This position offers flexible substitute teaching opportunities and the possibility of exploring future full-time teaching roles with Stratford School.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university.
• Genuine interest in working with elementary-aged students and supporting their academic, social, and emotional development.
• Strong classroom management skills, including establishing expectations, maintaining structure, and engaging students productively.
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills and ability to collaborate with students, families, teachers, and school leadership as appropriate.
• Flexibility and creativity in responding to different classroom environments, teaching styles, and student needs.
• Reliability, punctuality, and a strong sense of responsibility for student supervision and classroom continuity.
• Ability to follow lesson plans, provide clear instructions, and keep students engaged in learning.
• Positive, patient, and proactive approach to problem-solving.
• Ability to perform the essential duties satisfactorily, with reasonable accommodations available for qualified individuals with disabilities.

Nice To Haves

• Prior classroom teaching or instructional experience in an elementary school setting is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Implement teacher-prepared lesson plans, classroom activities, and assignments to keep students engaged and learning.
• Establish classroom expectations and routines and promote a safe, respectful, and inclusive learning environment.
• Encourage student participation, answer questions, provide guidance, and adapt approaches to students’ varying learning needs.
• Supervise students during instruction, transitions, recess, lunch, and other assigned activities in accordance with campus procedures.
• Maintain instructional continuity by keeping students on task, completing assigned work, and focused on learning objectives during the regular teacher’s absence.
• Communicate relevant classroom updates, student concerns, and information about the school day to appropriate team members.
• Transition between grade levels, subjects, classroom routines, and instructional needs as campus priorities change.
• Follow school policies, student supervision guidelines, safety procedures, and established student well-being practices.

Benefits

• Opportunity to grow classroom experience and explore future opportunities to transition into a full-time teaching role with Stratford School.
• Opportunity to make a meaningful impact on students’ learning and development.
• Collaborative school environment where educators work together to support student success.
• Exposure to a variety of grade levels, teaching styles, and classroom experiences.
• Flexible substitute teaching opportunities.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level