2025-2026 Lower School Long-Term 5th Grade Substitute Teacher (March 10th through June 12, 2026)

Francis Parker School•San Diego, CA

About The Position

Francis Parker School (Parker) is seeking an enthusiastic, dedicated, and passionate educator who shares its core values: Students First, Academic Excellence, Global Perspective, Strength of Character, Inclusive Community, and No Limit to Better. Collegial and collaborative, Parker faculty create a learning environment that is dynamic and engaging. Parker faculty are content and pedagogical experts who invest in professional growth generously supported by the School. Importantly, Parker’s unswerving commitment to being a diverse, equitable, and inclusive community creates a culture of respect for all. If Parker’s values and school culture resonate with you, we encourage you to consider this opportunity. About Francis Parker School: Parker is a coeducational independent day school in San Diego, California, with 1,330 students in Junior Kindergarten through Grade 12. Founded in 1912, the school’s mission is “to create and inspire a diverse community of independent thinkers whose academic excellence, global perspective, and strength of character prepare them to make a meaningful difference in the world.” Parker has two campuses: one in Mission Hills (Lower School, Junior Kindergarten - Grade 5) and a second in Linda Vista (Middle and Upper School, Grades 6 - 12). Job Description: Parker seeks an enthusiastic, dedicated, and collaborative educator to join our Grade 5 teaching team. This full-time position combines morning Associate Teacher responsibilities in a Grade 5 classroom with afternoon Lead Teacher responsibilities, with primary academic leadership for the Grade 5 mathematics block and Homework Club. In the morning, the Associate Teacher will partner closely with a Grade 5 Lead Teacher to support instruction through co-teaching, small-group facilitation, and targeted student support. In the afternoon, the role transitions to Lead Teacher, with responsibility for planning, teaching, and assessing the Grade 5 math curriculum, as well as leading an academic Homework Club that promotes student independence and strong learning habits. The ideal candidate brings strong content knowledge in elementary education, with particular strength in mathematics instruction, along with a broad instructional repertoire and excellent classroom management skills. The successful teacher will be developmentally attuned, skilled in differentiating instruction, and committed to inclusive teaching practices that support the academic, social, and emotional growth of all students. Strong collaboration and communication skills are essential, including ongoing partnership with colleagues and families.

Requirements

A degree and preferably a teaching certificate in elementary education
The ability to passionately and effectively teach across academic disciplines
A strong and sincere commitment to professional development
Strong interpersonal and cultural competency skills when working with students, parents, faculty, and School leadership
High standards and high expectations for students
Commitment to being a positive and contributing member of the professional community
A love of children, a passionate commitment to education, and a desire to work with all types of learners
Extraordinary communication and presentation skills
A proficiency in the use of technology
A desire to work in a highly collaborative environment

Nice To Haves

Multicultural curriculum development and culturally responsive teaching experience are preferred

Responsibilities

Partner collaboratively with the Grade 5 lead teacher to support morning classroom instruction, including co-teaching, small-group facilitation, and targeted student support.
Plan and lead the Grade 5 mathematics academic block in the afternoon, including designing lessons aligned with curricular goals, assessing student understanding, and differentiating instruction to meet diverse learning needs.
Lead and manage an afternoon Homework Club, providing academic support, organization strategies, and encouragement to promote student independence and responsibility.
Design and deliver instruction that is developmentally appropriate, engaging, and responsive, with demonstrated experience differentiating for a range of learners.
Prioritize and actively examine inclusive curricula, teaching practices, and classroom environments that support equity, belonging, and the social-emotional development of all students.
Use formative and summative assessments to monitor student progress, inform instruction, and communicate student growth.
Maintain ongoing, professional communication with parents, in collaboration with the lead teacher, regarding academic progress, learning habits, and student well-being.
Advise and mentor a homeroom group of students, supporting their academic, social-emotional growth.
Conference regularly with students to provide feedback, set goals, and foster self-reflection.
Collaborate closely with colleagues, including weekly planning meetings with teaching partners, to ensure alignment, consistency, and coherence within the Grade 5 program.
Participate in faculty meetings, professional development opportunities, and school events as required.
Support classroom routines, behavior expectations, and community-building practices that foster a positive, respectful learning environment.
Uphold the school’s mission, values, and policies, and contribute positively to the life of the school community.