Elementary Substitute Teacher - Flexible Hours, Impactful Classrooms

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

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.