Long Term Substitute: Middle School English Educator

La Jolla Country Day School•La Jolla, CA

7d•Onsite

About The Position

La Jolla Country Day School seeks a thoughtful, engaging, and developmentally attuned English Educator to teach fifth grade in its Middle School. This long-term substitute assignment begins in mid-December 2026 and continues through the end of the academic year, ending on or around June 12, 2027. The role supports students as they build independence, strengthen literacy skills, and grow as readers, writers, and critical thinkers. The English program develops students’ abilities to read critically, write clearly, speak effectively, and think analytically, reflectively, and creatively. Fifth-grade instruction deepens literacy through explicit teaching of vocabulary, morphology, grammar, and reading comprehension, alongside literature analysis, writing, and collaborative discussion. The educator will deliver engaging, differentiated instruction informed by research-based literacy practices, including the Science of Reading; collaborate with colleagues on curriculum and instructional alignment; use student work and assessment data to guide teaching; and maintain continuity in instruction, assessment, and communication during the assignment. The educator will build supportive relationships with students and families, provide constructive feedback, and contribute to the school community. This is a full-time, in-person, campus-based position in a typical classroom and school environment, with occasional variability during events. The role requires regular standing, walking, and movement around campus, extended computer use, and the ability to lift up to 25 pounds. The biweekly salary range is $2,500–$3,400, depending on factors including experience, education, training, and relevant skills.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree required.
Knowledge of literacy development, reading comprehension, and writing instruction.
Ability to deliver differentiated reading and writing instruction.
Strong classroom management, communication, and organizational skills.
Ability to facilitate literary discussions and develop students’ analytical and critical-thinking skills.
Proficiency with Google Workspace, Microsoft Office, and learning management systems such as Canvas or Blackbaud.
Flexibility, adaptability, and a collaborative approach to teaching.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree in English, education, literacy, or a related field preferred.
Experience teaching elementary or middle school English, literacy, or language arts preferred.
Familiarity with research-informed literacy practices, including the Science of Reading, preferred.

Responsibilities

Teach fifth-grade English, developing students’ reading comprehension, analytical thinking, writing, and communication skills.
Deliver engaging, differentiated instruction informed by research-based literacy practices, including the Science of Reading.
Teach vocabulary, morphology, grammar, and written expression through explicit instruction and authentic reading and writing experiences.
Guide students in analyzing literature, supporting ideas with textual evidence, and exploring diverse perspectives.
Provide opportunities for analytical, academic, and creative writing, as well as discussion and presentation.
Foster an inclusive classroom that encourages curiosity, collaboration, and intellectual risk-taking.
Collaborate with English department and grade-level colleagues to implement curriculum and align instructional practices.
Use student work and assessment data to guide instruction and monitor progress.
Maintain continuity of instruction, assessment, and communication throughout the substitute assignment.
Build supportive relationships that foster student confidence, independence, and engagement.
Communicate with families about student progress and areas for growth.
Provide timely, constructive feedback that supports continued development.
Participate in faculty meetings, grade-level collaboration, and school activities as appropriate.
Contribute positively to the School’s professional and communal life.