Building Substitute

Pittsburgh Public Schools; Pittsburgh (Allegheny County); On-site; USD 20,000 - 33,000; Full time

Job summary

Pittsburgh Public Schools is seeking a Building Substitute to deliver instruction within a single school for the 192-day year, using provided lesson plans or substitutes as needed. You will maintain a safe and structured environment and help with attendance, behavior, and classroom routines.

The role requires flexibility across grade levels, strong communication, organization, and the ability to work independently and with school staff.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated ability to work with children in an educational setting.
• Be flexible and adapt to different classrooms, student needs, and daily assignments.
• Strong communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills.
• Commitment to professionalism, reliability, and punctuality.
• Ability to quickly adapt to new environments and responsibilities.

Responsibilities

• Deliver instruction to students using provided lesson plans or appropriate substitute activities.
• Monitor attendance, behavior, and safety across all school settings.
• Communicate incidents or concerns to school leadership as needed.
• Maintain a safe, structured, and supportive learning environment.
• Work with teachers and staff to support a positive, inclusive school culture.

Skills

Student engagement

Communication

Adaptability

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree

Job description

JOB DESCRIPTION SUMMARY

The Building Substitute is directly supervised by School Principals, Assistant Principals or Department Leads and supported by the Office of Human Resources. This position is assigned to one school for the 192-day school year (including Professional Development and Clerical Days). This position is responsible for delivering instruction using provided lesson plans or appropriate substitute activities when plans are not available, while maintaining a safe, structured, and supportive learning environment that aligns with district and school-wide expectations. Building substitutes are expected to work anywhere they are needed, including teacher, counselor, social worker, librarian, or paraprofessional absences, as well as lunch duty, playground monitor, or other duties assigned by school administration.

This role requires flexibility in working across various grade levels and assignments, as well as the ability to quickly adapt to changing environments. The Building Substitute is responsible for accurately managing daily assignments and time reporting in Frontline, in collaboration with school-based staff to ensure accurate records.

The Building Substitute supports student learning by actively engaging with students, assisting with assigned work, and promoting participation and positive behavior throughout the school day. Responsibilities include monitoring student attendance, behavior, and safety across all school settings, including classrooms and other school areas, as well as communicating any concerns or incidents to school leadership as needed.

The position requires strong communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills; the ability to work both independently and collaboratively; and a commitment to professionalism, reliability, and confidentiality. The Building Substitute is expected to support the district's mission by fostering a positive, inclusive learning environment and demonstrating cultural competence while working with diverse student populations.

SELECTION PROCESS

After all materials have been received and reviewed, Human Resources will complete the final approval process and notify the applicant of their hiring status and eligibility to begin accepting substitute assignments.

Building Substitute Assignment In April, school leaders recommend substitute professionals to serve as Building Substitutes for the following school year. Once recommendations are received, offers are sent to candidates who will have 5 business days to accept or decline.

After all offers are finalized, a survey will open for any remaining Building Substitute positions. All substitute professionals can apply for these openings through June. The survey will close on the last day of school for students.

WORK MONTHS

10 months

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Monitor assignments in Frontline and accurately track and maintain time in accordance with district procedures, working with the school secretary as needed to ensure records are accurate.


• Deliver instruction to students using provided lesson plans, instructional materials and resources; when plans are not a available, implement appropriate activities to ensure continuity of student learning.


• Fulfill any role or assignment as directed including but not limited to; any professional or paraprofessional absence or vacancy, as well as lunch duty, playground monitor, or other duties assigned by school administration.


• Manage a safe, structured, and supportive classroom environment that promotes and upholds district and school-wide expectations for positive behavior, student engagement and safety.


• Support students in completing assigned work by providing help, guidance, and redirection as needed.


• Actively engage with students throughout the school day and during instruction by providing support and encouraging participation in activities.


• Monitor students across various school settings, including classrooms, hallways, cafeterias, assemblies, and other school activities, to ensure safety and appropriate behavior.


• Work cooperatively with teachers, paraprofessionals, and other school staff to support a positive and inclusive learning environment.


• Communicate with school leadership about any incidents, concerns, or important occurrences.


• Monitor and document student attendance, behavior, and task completion in accordance with school and district procedures.


• Provide a detailed written summary of the day's activities or events for the returning school-based professional regarding student performance, completed work, and any important classroom updates to ensure a smooth transition back.


• Maintain professionalism, confidentiality, and appropriate relationships with students and staff at all times.


• Follow all district and school policies, procedures, and emergency protocols.


• Attend required district and school orientation, onboarding, professional development training, and meetings.


• Other relevant duties as assigned by supervisor in support of the department's or school's goals and objectives and the District's mission and Superintendent's Priority Goals.

EDUCATION REQUIRED

Bachelor's Degree in any field of study

CERTIFICATION/LICENSURE REQUIRED

Pennsylvania Department of Education Instructional Certification in any subject area (preferred)

Pennsylvania Department of Education Emergency Day-to-Day Substitute Permit required within 30 days of hire if you do not hold a PDE certification

For more information on Pennsylvania (PA) Department of Education Certification Requirements visit the PA Department of Education's Certification Types and Codes webpage.

YEARS OF EXPERIENCE

N/A

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, & ABILITIES

Demonstrated ability to work with children in an educational setting preferred

Be flexible and adapt to different classrooms, student needs, and daily assignments.

Strong communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills

Commitment to professionalism, reliability, and punctuality

Ability to quickly adapt to new environments and responsibilities

Demonstrated ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a fast‑paced environment, effectively managing multiple priorities while maintaining accuracy and attention to detail.

Strong problem‑solving skills, with the ability to assess situations, identify solutions,