Elementary Substitute Teacher

Stratford School; Palo Alto (CA); On-site; USD 39,000 - 43,000; Part time

Job summary

Stratford School in Palo Alto seeks enthusiastic Elementary Substitute Teachers to maintain continuity in the classroom when a teacher is absent. You will implement teacher-prepared plans, engage students, and help ensure a productive school day across elementary grades.

This role offers flexibility and the opportunity to contribute energy, creativity, and teaching approaches to a supportive school community while helping students learn, grow, and thrive.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university.
• Prior classroom teaching or instructional experience in an elementary school setting preferred.
• Genuine interest in working with elementary-aged students and supporting development.
• Strong classroom management skills and ability to engage students productively.
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills with students, families, teachers, and leadership.
• Flexibility and creativity in different classroom environments and teaching styles.
• Reliability, punctuality, and responsibility for supervision and continuity.
• Ability to follow lesson plans and keep students engaged in learning.
• Positive, patient, proactive approach to problem-solving.

Responsibilities

• Maintain continuity in the classroom when a teacher is absent and follow established lesson plans.
• Step into an established learning environment, engage students, and ensure productive, structured days.
• Support a variety of subjects across elementary grades and bring energy and creativity to the classroom.
• Supervise students during instruction, transitions, recess, and lunch following campus procedures.
• Communicate effectively with the team about classroom updates and student concerns.
• Demonstrate flexibility by transitioning between grade levels, subjects, and classroom routines.
• Uphold school policies and safety practices to ensure student well-being.

Skills

Strong classroom management

Effective communication

Flexibility & creativity

Reliability & punctuality

Following lesson plans

Problem-solving mindset

Education

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university

Job description

What We Offer

Pay Range: $28.00-$31.00

Location: Palo Alto, CA

Career Growth Opportunities

• An opportunity to grow your experience in the classroom and explore future opportunities to transition into a full-time teaching role with Stratford School.

• The opportunity to make a meaningful impact on students’ learning and development.

• A collaborative school environment where educators work together to support student success.

• Exposure to a variety of grade levels, teaching styles, and classroom experiences.

• A rewarding role that allows you to share your passion for education while providing flexible substitute teaching opportunities.

About the Role

Stratford School is seeking enthusiastic, dependable, and adaptable Elementary Substitute Teachers who enjoy creating positive learning experiences and helping students reach their full potential.

As an Elementary Substitute Teacher, you will play an important role in maintaining continuity in the classroom when a teacher is absent. You will step into an established learning environment, engage students in meaningful educational activities, and help ensure that each school day remains productive, structured, and enjoyable.

This is an opportunity to work with students across elementary grade levels, support a variety of subjects, and bring your own energy, creativity, and teaching approach to the classroom. Whether you are an experienced educator or looking to expand your classroom experience, you will have the opportunity to contribute to a supportive school community while helping students learn, grow, and thrive.

You Will Also…

• Bring learning to life: Implement teacher-prepared lesson plans, classroom activities, and assignments that keep students engaged and learning throughout the school day.

• Create a positive classroom environment: Establish clear expectations, maintain classroom routines, and promote a safe, respectful, and inclusive learning atmosphere.

• Support student success: Encourage participation, answer questions, provide guidance, and adapt your approach to meet students’ varying learning needs.

• Manage classroom activities: Supervise students during instruction, transitions, recess, lunch, and other assigned activities, following campus procedures.

• Maintain instructional continuity: Ensure students stay on task, complete assigned work, and remain focused on learning objectives during the regular teacher’s absence.

• Communicate effectively: Share relevant classroom updates, student concerns, and information about the school day with the appropriate team members.

• Demonstrate flexibility: Transition comfortably between grade levels, subjects, classroom routines, and instructional needs as campus priorities change.

• Uphold school expectations: Follow school policies, student supervision guidelines, safety procedures, and established practices for student well-being.

What We Are Looking For

• A bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university.

• Prior classroom teaching or instructional experience in an elementary school setting preferred.

• A genuine interest in working with elementary-aged students and supporting their academic, social, and emotional development.

• Strong classroom management skills, including the ability to establish expectations, maintain structure, and engage students productively.

• Effective communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work collaboratively with students, families, teachers, and school leadership as appropriate.

• Flexibility and creativity in responding to different classroom environments, teaching styles, and student needs.

• Reliability, punctuality, and a strong sense of responsibility for student supervision and classroom continuity.

• The ability to follow lesson plans, provide clear instructions, and keep students engaged in learning.

• A positive, patient, and proactive approach to problem-solving.