26-27 Long Term Substitute Teacher - Grade 3 (2/8/27-5/17/27)

Somerville Public Schools; Somerville (MA); On-site; USD 22,000 - 37,000; Full time

Job summary

Somerville Public Schools in Somerville, MA seeks a temporary theatre teacher to support student growth through drama, acting, and production. The substitute will maintain safety, deliver engaging lessons, and uphold theatre standards while fostering inclusive participation.

The role requires an appropriate teaching license, ability to manage a busy classroom, and strong collaboration with theatre colleagues and administrators. Duration is February 2027 through May 2027.

Qualifications

• Demonstrates ability to use differentiated instruction to meet diverse learner needs.
• Maintains safety and organized classroom management.
• Supports social-emotional growth and inclusive practice.

Responsibilities

• Follow established theatre curriculum, lesson plans, and standards.
• Deliver engaging theatre lessons across acting, theatre history, script analysis, and performance.
• Use theatre terminology and instructional techniques to teach skills.
• Foster a respectful, inclusive classroom environment and monitor student behavior.
• Assess student progress through performances, assignments, and projects.

Skills

Differentiated instruction

Classroom management

Student engagement

Education

Teaching license (appropriate to field)

Job description

This is a temporary position, 2/8/27-5/17/27

Position Summary

The teacher in the Somerville Public Schools maintains the safety, care, and wellbeing of the students that they are charged with. They have an understanding of child and youth development and provide opportunities for learning and social and emotional development following the standards, scope, and sequence of grade level and content areas. The teacher in SPS holds high expectations for every student and strives to know each student’s unique learning strengths and needs. The teacher uses differentiated instruction strategies to ensure equitable and meaningful access to the curriculum and learning for all students.

Essential Functions & Responsibilities

• Follow the established theatre curriculum, lesson plans, unit objectives, and learning standards.
• Deliver engaging lessons in acting, improvisation, theatre history, script analysis, stagecraft, and performance, as appropriate to the assigned courses.
• Teach using theatre vocabulary, terminology, techniques, and performance skills.
• Facilitate individual, small-group, and ensemble activities.
• Incorporate opportunities for students to explore creativity, collaboration, critical thinking, and self-expression.
• Adjust instruction to meet the varied learning needs and abilities of students.
• Maintain instructional pacing and ensure students continue making progress toward course objectives.
• Establish and maintain clear expectations for student behavior, participation, and collaboration.
• Foster a respectful, inclusive, and supportive classroom environment.
• Supervise students during acting exercises, rehearsals, movement activities, and technical theatre projects.
• Ensure the safe use of classroom furniture, props, costumes, tools, and theatre equipment.
• Follow school policies regarding attendance, discipline, student safety, and emergency procedures.
• Address behavioral concerns promptly and communicate significant issues to appropriate school administrators.
• Maintain appropriate professional boundaries and confidentiality.
• Assess student learning through performance activities, written assignments, projects, presentations, and participation.
• Provide constructive feedback that supports student growth and artistic development.
• Maintain accurate attendance records, gradebooks, and assignment records.
• Grade assignments in a timely manner and communicate expectations for successful completion.
• Follow established departmental and school grading policies.
• Monitor student progress and identify students who may need additional academic or behavioral support.
• Implement required accommodations and modifications for students with Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), 504 Plans, and other documented learning needs.
• Continue theatre-related projects and activities already underway, as assigned.
• Support rehearsals, classroom performances, scene studies, and student-directed projects.
• Coordinate with the theatre director, producer, technical director, choreographer, music director, and other production personnel when appropriate.
• Help students develop acting techniques, character analysis, stage presence, and ensemble skills.
• Supervise the appropriate use, organization, and storage of scripts, costumes, props, and technical materials.
• Communicate with the Music/Theatre Department supervisor regarding upcoming performances, production deadlines, and outstanding responsibilities.
• Participate in production activities or extracurricular rehearsals only as assigned and consistent with the terms of the substitute position.
• Maintain professional communication with students, families, colleagues, and school administrators.
• Communicate assignments, expectations, deadlines, and student progress clearly.
• Collaborate with other theatre faculty and performing arts educators to maintain consistency across the department.
• Attend required faculty meetings, department meetings, and professional development sessions.
• Consult with the Music/Theatre Department supervisor or designated administrator when questions arise regarding curriculum, student concerns, or production responsibilities.
• Maintain clear records of instructional activities, student progress, and outstanding tasks for the returning teacher.
• Maintain an organized, clean, and functional instructional space.
• Inventory and safeguard classroom materials, scripts, costumes, props, and equipment.
• Follow established procedures for requesting supplies, materials, and technical support.
• Ensure that all equipment and materials are used appropriately and safely.
• Report damaged equipment, facility concerns, or safety hazards promptly.
• Leave instructional materials, gradebooks, student work, and classroom records organized for the returning teacher.
• Create an environment in which all students feel welcome and encouraged to participate.
• Provide equitable opportunities for students to contribute to performances, projects, and classroom activities.
• Select and facilitate age-appropriate materials that respect students’ backgrounds and experiences.
• Encourage students to take creative risks, work collaboratively, and develop confidence.
• Support students’ social-emotional growth through respectful communication, reflection, and ensemble-building activities.
• Ensure that all students can access instruction and participate meaningfully through appropriate accommodations.
• Arrive punctually and fulfill all assigned teaching and supervision duties.
• Follow Somerville Public Schools and Somerville High School policies, procedures, and professional expectations.
• Maintain confidentiality regarding student records and sensitive information.
• Complete required administrative tasks, including attendance, grading, reporting, and documentation.
• Seek guidance when responsibilities extend beyond the established scope of the substitute assignment.
• Maintain continuity of instruction without making significant changes to curriculum, departmental practices, or production plans without appropriate consultation.
• Prepare an organized transition summary for the returning teacher, documenting curriculum covered, student progress, grades, ongoing projects, and outstanding responsibilities.

Qualifications, Knowledge, Abilities, & Skills

• Appropriate Department of Elementary and Secondary Educator's license in the field or subject for this position
• Bilingual Educator Preferred

Physical Requirements

• Mobility: Frequent walking, standing, and navigating stairs.
• Lifting/Strength: Ability to lift, push, pull, or carry objects ranging from 10 to 30 lbs (e.g., books, supplies, equipment).
• Physical Dexterity: Bending, crouching, kneeling, stooping, and reaching to assist students.
• Stationary Tasks: Remaining in a stationary position (sitting/standing) for long periods.

Reporting Relationships

• Position Reports to: The School Building Principal
• Position Supervises: Not applicable

Terms of Employment

• Position Type: Full Time
• FLSA Classification: Exempt
• Union Status: SEU, Unit A
• Salary is determined in accordance with the Somerville Educators Union, Unit A collective bargaining agreement and the policies of the Somerville School Committee.
• Proration Clause: Your compensation and working days for the initial pay period will be adjusted proportionally based on your official start date.

Pre-Employment Requirements

MA Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI) Clearance

Fingerprints

The Somerville Public School does not discriminate in its programs, facilities or employment of educational opportunities on the basis of race, color, age, religion, disability, pregnancy, home status, marital/civil union status, sex/gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, citizenship status, place of birth, national origin, ancestry, cultural identity, genetics or military status, and does not tolerate any form of retaliation, or bias-based intimidation, threat or harassment that demeans individuals' group or interferes with their ability to learn or work.