Long-Term Kindergarten Substitute Teacher

The Clariden School; United States; On-site; USD 40,000 - 56,000; Full time

Job summary

The Clariden School in Southlake, Texas, seeks a warm and dedicated Long-Term Kindergarten Substitute Teacher to join the Early Childhood team from now through November 19, 2026. The role focuses on creating a nurturing, joyful classroom and providing continuity of instruction for kindergarten learners.

Ideal candidates will implement developmentally appropriate instruction within our project-based learning framework, support literacy and math foundational skills, and collaborate with colleagues

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in education or related field.
• Experience working with kindergarten or early elementary students.
• Strong understanding of child development and developmentally appropriate instructional practices.
• Ability to establish positive relationships with students, families, and colleagues.
• Effective classroom management, organizational, and communication skills.
• Demonstrated flexibility, creativity, patience, and enthusiasm for teaching young children.
• Commitment to creating an inclusive learning environment that supports the needs of all students.
• Successful completion of a background check.

Responsibilities

• Plan engaging, developmentally appropriate learning experiences aligned with Clariden's curriculum.
• Provide explicit instruction in literacy, mathematics, and kindergarten areas.
• Incorporate hands-on exploration and project-based learning to foster curiosity and collaboration.
• Support ongoing projects and Presentations of Learning.
• Differentiate instruction to meet diverse needs.
• Use observations and assessments to monitor progress and inform instruction.
• Foster a warm, inclusive classroom environment with consistent routines and positive behavior management.
• Communicate regularly with families about learning progress and needs.
• Collaborate with colleagues and participate in planning and duties including carpool.

Skills

Classroom management

Communication skills

Patience & adaptability

Student relationships

Education

Bachelor's degree in education or related field

Tools

Educational technology familiarity

Job description

Position Type: Long-Term Substitute for Kindergarten

Position Dates: Immediate Start – anticipated end date November 19, 2026

Hours: 7:30 am-4:00 pm

Preferred Education: Master's Degree, required Bachelor's Degree

ABOUT THE CLARIDEN SCHOOL

The Clariden School is a not-for-profit, private, fully accredited, college-preparatory school serving approximately 250 students in PreK–Grade 12 in Southlake, Texas. Clariden is committed to igniting curiosity, inspiring creativity, and developing confident, compassionate, and independent learners.

Through a whole-child approach to education, Clariden emphasizes Problem-Based Learning (PBL), STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics), character development, and authentic, hands-on learning experiences. Our students are encouraged to think critically, solve problems collaboratively, and become responsible contributors to their local and global communities.

Clariden's Early Childhood program fosters a joyful, nurturing, and engaging environment where young learners develop foundational academic skills, independence, curiosity, and a lifelong love of learning.

As a growing PreK–12 community situated on a beautiful 23-acre campus, Clariden values educators who are collaborative, creative, flexible, and passionate about supporting the growth and development of every child.

POSITION OVERVIEW

The Clariden School seeks a warm, enthusiastic, and dedicated Long-Term Kindergarten Substitute Teacher to join our Early Childhood team immediately through November 19, 2026.

The ideal candidate will create a nurturing, joyful, and engaging classroom environment while providing continuity of instruction and supporting the academic, social, and emotional growth of kindergarten students.

Working collaboratively with Early Childhood colleagues and school leadership, the long-term substitute will implement a developmentally appropriate curriculum grounded in Clariden's project-based learning philosophy. Through intentional instruction, hands-on exploration, and meaningful relationships, the teacher will foster curiosity, independence, confidence, and strong foundational skills in literacy and mathematics.

This position offers an opportunity to become part of a supportive, close-knit school community that values collaboration, creativity, and the unique strengths of every learner.

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES

Teaching and Learning

• Plan and implement engaging, developmentally appropriate learning experiences aligned with Clariden's curriculum.
• Provide explicit, engaging instruction in foundational literacy, mathematics, and other kindergarten curricular areas.
• Incorporate hands-on exploration, inquiry, and project-based learning experiences that encourage curiosity, creativity, collaboration, and problem-solving.
• Support ongoing classroom projects and guide students in sharing their learning through age-appropriate Presentations of Learning.
• Differentiate instruction to meet the diverse developmental, academic, and social-emotional needs of students.
• Use observations, formative assessments, and student work to monitor progress and inform instruction.

Classroom Community and Student Development

• Foster a warm, welcoming, inclusive classroom environment where every child feels known, valued, and supported.
• Establish and maintain consistent classroom routines, expectations, and positive behavior-management practices.
• Promote independence, kindness, responsibility, self-regulation, and respectful interactions.
• Support students' social-emotional growth through intentional teaching, modeling, and positive relationships.
• Ensure a safe, organized, and engaging classroom environment that encourages exploration and joyful learning.

Collaboration and Communication

• Work closely with Early Childhood colleagues and administrators to ensure a smooth transition and continuity of instruction.
• Communicate regularly and professionally with families regarding classroom learning, student progress, and individual needs.
• Participate in grade-level planning and other duties as appropriate including carpool duties.
• Maintain accurate student records, assessment documentation, and classroom communication.
• Contribute positively to Clariden's collaborative and supportive faculty culture.

QUALIFICATIONS

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in education, early childhood education, elementary education, or a related field.
• Experience working with kindergarten or early elementary students.
• Strong understanding of child development and developmentally appropriate instructional practices.
• Ability to establish positive relationships with students, families, and colleagues.
• Effective classroom management, organizational, and communication skills.
• Demonstrated flexibility, creativity, patience, and enthusiasm for teaching young children.
• Commitment to creating an inclusive learning environment that supports the needs of all students.
• Successful completion of a background check.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience teaching kindergarten in an independent school or similar educational setting.
• Familiarity with project-based learning, inquiry-based instruction, or the Project Approach.
• Experience with research-based foundational literacy and strategy-based mathematics instruction.
• Experience differentiating instruction to support a range of learning profiles and developmental needs.
• Comfort using educational technology to support instruction, communication, and student documentation.

WORKING CONDITIONS

• Active indoor classroom environment with daily outdoor play and learning opportunities.
• Opportunities for hands-on learning and exploration throughout Clariden's 23-acre campus.
• Frequent standing, walking, bending, kneeling, crouching, sitting on the floor, reaching, and handling classroom materials.
• Ability to actively supervise and engage with young children throughout the school day.

The Clariden School is committed to fostering a welcoming and inclusive educational community and encourages applications from qualified candidates who share our passion for inspiring curiosity, cultivating kindness, and supporting the growth of every learner.