26-27 School Building Substitute (11/16/26 to 04/16/27)

Somerville Public Schools; Somerville (MA); On-site; USD 21,000 - 27,000; Full time

Job summary

Somerville Public Schools is seeking a building substitute teacher for a temporary period from November 16, 2026 to April 16, 2027. The role requires reporting to the same building daily to cover for absent teachers and ensure student safety.

The substitute will implement lesson plans, maintain classroom management, and support various grade levels. Responsibilities include lunch coverage, prep periods, and collaboration with staff to foster a positive learning environment.

Qualifications

• Excellent communication with students and staff.
• Strong classroom management and organization.
• Ability to follow lesson plans and adapt as needed.

Responsibilities

• Foster a safe and positive environment for all students and staff.
• Ensure adequate supervision for health, welfare, and safety of students.
• Maintain classroom control and protect students, equipment, and materials.
• Report to the office on arrival and departure at school.
• Review lesson plans and materials left by the absent teacher.
• Report student injuries or disciplinary issues promptly to the principal.
• Implement lesson plans while maintaining time for learning and participation.
• Organize students for effective instruction.
• Dismiss students before leaving the building.
• Support school and division regulations and policies.
• Maintain confidentiality of student and staff information.
• Model non-discriminatory practices in all activities.
• Perform other duties within scope as assigned.

Skills

Communication

Classroom management

Organizational skills

Education

High school diploma or GED

Job description

This is a temporary position, 11/16/26-4/16/27

Position Summary

A building substitute teacher is a consistent, school-based professional who reports to the same building daily to cover for absent teachers, maintain classroom management, and ensure student safety. Key duties include implementing lesson plans, fostering a positive learning environment, supporting various grade levels, and performing additional duties like covering lunch, prep periods, or supporting staff.

Essential Functions & Responsibilities

• Foster a safe and positive environment for all students and staff in accordance with school policies;
• Ensure the adequate supervision to assure health, welfare, and safety of all students;
• Maintain classroom control and take all necessary and reasonable precautions to protect students, equipment, materials, and facilities;
• Report to office upon arrival and departure at school;
• Review lesson plans, materials, and/or instructions left by absent teacher;
• Report student injuries, accidents, illnesses, or discipline problems to the school principal immediately or as soon as is reasonably possible;
• Implement lesson plans, while ensuring the integrity of academic time and in a manner which motivates students to learn and participate;
• Organize students for effective instruction;
• Dismiss all students from the classroom before leaving the building;
• Comply with and support school and division regulations and policies;
• Maintain and respect confidentiality of student and school personnel information;
• Model non-discriminatory practices in all activities;
• Performs other duties consistent with the scope and responsibility of the position as assigned.

Qualifications, Knowledge, Abilities, & Skills

• Candidate must be at least 18 years of age
• Education: Generally requires a high school diploma or equivalent (GED).
• Experience: Prior experience working with school-aged children is typically required.
• Skills: Excellent communication, classroom management, and organizational skills.

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

Terms of Employment

• Employment Status: Full Time
• Work Year: 183 days, Monday-Friday (school year calendar)
• Work Hours: 7:45am-2:45pm
• FLSA Status: Non-Exempt
• 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.