Elementary Substitute Teacher

Stratford School • Palo Alto, CA

23h • Onsite

About The Position

Stratford School is seeking enthusiastic, dependable, and adaptable Elementary Substitute Teachers to maintain classroom continuity when a teacher is absent. The role involves stepping into established learning environments, engaging students in meaningful educational activities, and helping ensure that each school day remains productive, structured, and enjoyable. Substitute teachers work with students across elementary grade levels and support a variety of subjects, bringing their energy, creativity, and teaching approach to the classroom. The position offers classroom experience in a supportive school community and may provide opportunities to explore a future transition into a full-time teaching role.

Requirements

• A bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university.
• A genuine interest in working with elementary-aged students and supporting their academic, social, and emotional development.
• Strong classroom management skills, including the ability to establish expectations, maintain structure, and engage students productively.
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills, including the 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.
• A positive, patient, and proactive approach to problem-solving.

Nice To Haves

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

Responsibilities

• Implement teacher-prepared lesson plans, classroom activities, and assignments to keep students engaged and learning.
• Establish clear expectations, maintain classroom 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, following campus procedures.
• Help students stay on task, complete assigned work, and remain 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.
• Adapt to changing campus priorities, grade levels, subjects, classroom routines, and instructional needs.
• Follow school policies, student supervision guidelines, safety procedures, and established practices for student well-being.

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