Substitute Teacher

Upbring; Texas City (TX); On-site; USD 14,000 - 19,000; Full time

Job summary

Upbring is seeking a Substitute Teacher to provide temporary classroom support in a Head Start context in Texas City. You will follow established lesson plans, supervise children, assist with routines, and help maintain a safe, engaging learning environment.

Ideal candidates have a High School diploma or GED, willingness to complete Head Start training, and prior experience in early childhood settings. Bilingual abilities are a plus for program families.

Qualifications

• High School diploma or GED required.
• Willing to complete Head Start training and professional development.
• Experience in Head Start or preschool classroom settings preferred.
• Bilingual abilities helpful for program families.

Responsibilities

• Follow established curriculum and lesson plans to support learning.
• Maintain a safe, nurturing, and stimulating classroom environment.
• Assist with routines such as meals, rest, toileting, and transitions.
• Follow health, safety, and licensing regulations.
• Foster social-emotional development and positive behavior.
• Collaborate with staff and report concerns as needed.
• Maintain confidentiality and professionalism.

Skills

Bilingual

Preschool classroom experience

Head Start knowledge

Education

High School diploma or GED

Associates degree or coursework in early childhood education

Head Start training / professional development

Job description

Overview

Pays $12.28/hour

At Upbring, our team is united by a shared mission: to break the cycle of child abuse and advance the wellbeing of children, families and communities, empowering them to thrive. As servant-leaders, we lead by example, working passionately to create a brighter future for those we serve. Every day, we strive to embody our core values:

• We are Warriors: Fierce, resilient, and courageous, we face challenges head‑on with unwavering loyalty and passion.
• We are Servants: We dedicate ourselves to serving others, empowering those around us to thrive.
• We are Family: We work together as a supportive, caring community, creating a sense of belonging and strength.

Joining Upbring means becoming part of a family of passionate individuals who are fearless in their pursuit of lasting change. Together, we are making a difference, one life at a time.

Your Mission in Action

The Substitute Teacher provides temporary classroom support by implementing developmentally appropriate activities that align with Head Start Performance Standards and program guidelines. This role ensures a safe, nurturing, and engaging learning environment while following established lesson plans and classroom routines. The Substitute Teacher works collaboratively with staff to promote positive child development, social‑emotional growth, and school readiness. Responsibilities include supervising children, assisting with daily routines, maintaining classroom safety, and supporting a positive learning environment. This position requires flexibility, adaptability, and the ability to effectively manage a classroom in the absence of the regular teacher.

Responsibilities

• Follow the established curriculum and lesson plans provided by the classroom teacher to support children’s learning and development
• Maintain active supervision, ensuring a safe, nurturing, and stimulating environment while engaging children in developmentally appropriate activities
• Assist with classroom routines, including mealtimes, rest periods, toileting, and transitions, while promoting independence and positive behavior
• Follow health, safety, and licensing regulations to maintain a clean and hazard‑free learning environment
• Foster positive relationships with children by encouraging social‑emotional development, problem‑solving, and respectful communication
• Be flexible and responsive to the needs of the classroom, children, and program staff, ensuring consistency in learning experiences
• Collaborate with classroom staff and supervisors to ensure smooth transitions and report any concerns regarding children or classroom operations
• Uphold confidentiality standards and demonstrate professionalism when working with children, families, and staff

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

• High School diploma or GED equivalent
• Willing to complete Head Start‑mandated training and professional development

Preferred Qualifications

• Child Development Associate (CDA) in Infant and Toddler and/or Preschool
• Associates degree or coursework in early childhood education (ECE), child development, or related field
• Previous experience in a Head Start or preschool classroom
• Knowledge of Head Start Performance Standards, best practices in early childhood education, and positive behaviour management techniques.
• Bilingual (Spanish/English or other languages spoken by program families).

Travel

This position may have the following travel requirements:

• Minimal Travel (0‑25%) – May be assigned to a primary location with occasional travel to other Head Start centres based on programme need
• Moderate Travel (25‑50%) – Requires regular travel between multiple Head Start centres within the programme to provide classroom support as needed

Physical Demands & Work Conditions

• Frequent bending, kneeling, squatting, sitting of the floor and standing for extended periods of time
• Repetitive movements, including reaching, grasping, and stretching for caregiving tasks and classroom activities
• Ability to quickly respond to children’s needs, including participation in emergency situations
• Active indoor and outdoor supervision, including participation in physical play and monitoring playground activities
• Ability to lift, push, pull, and move up to 50 lbs.
• Required participation in training, meetings, and professional development may be necessary
• Ability to substitute in multiple locations

The physical requirements for this position with or without reasonable accommodation are representative of those that must be met by an employee to perform the essential functions of this position successfully. While performing this position the employee with or without reasonable accommodation should have the ability to walk, stand, sit, kneel, speak, and hear with aid, see, read, reach with arms and hands, lift and/or move up to specified weight, and use equipment that is essential to performing the job, such as a computer, copier, fax machine, telephone, and automobile, if applicable. Specific vision requirements of this position may include colour vision, seeing things close up, and the ability to adjust focus.

Upbring is an Equal Employment Opportunity/AA Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, colour, ancestry, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender, pregnancy, marital status, national origin, genetic information, physical or mental disability, military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.