Job Title:            Substitute Teacher – Short-Term and Long-Term Assignment                  Date Revised: 05/19/2026

Reports to:         Principal                                                                            

Dept./School:    Assigned Campus

Primary Purpose:

Provide students with appropriate learning activities, instruction, supervision, and classroom support by implementing lesson plans and instructional activities as directed by the classroom teacher, principal, or other designated staff. Long-term substitute assignments may include additional instructional planning, student assessment, and classroom management responsibilities.

Qualifications:

Education/Certification:

• High school diploma or GED required
• Associate degree, college coursework, bachelor’s degree, or teacher certification preferred
• Valid Texas teaching certificate or eligibility under a District of Innovation (DOI) plan preferred but not required
• Demonstrated competency or work experience in the assigned subject area preferred

 

Special Knowledge/Skills:

• Knowledge of core academic subjects assigned
• Knowledge of curriculum and instructional practices
• Ability to instruct students and manage classroom behavior effectively
• Ability to follow lesson plans and instructional guidance
• Strong organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills
• Ability to work collaboratively with staff, students, and parents

 

 Experience:

• Experience working with children, managing groups of students, tutoring, coaching, mentoring, or providing instruction preferred
• Classroom experience or related work experience preferred

Major Responsibilities and Duties:

Instructional Strategies

• Implement lesson plans and instructional activities provided by the absent teacher or designated staff.
• Use appropriate instructional strategies, materials, technology, and activities that support student learning and engagement.
• Maintain continuity of instruction during the teacher’s absence.
• Modify instruction as directed to meet individual student needs and accommodations.
• For long-term assignments, may be required to assist with lesson preparation, instructional planning, grading, and assessment activities.
• Work cooperatively with classroom teachers, special education staff, and campus personnel to support student achievement.

Student Growth and Development

• Encourage student engagement and academic success.
• Be a positive role model for students and support the mission and goals of the district.
• Promote a safe, respectful, and productive learning environment.
• Monitor student progress and provide feedback to appropriate staff when applicable.

Classroom Management and Organization

• Maintain classroom discipline and student behavior in accordance with district expectations, the Student Code of Conduct, and campus procedures.
• Supervise students at all times.
• Take reasonable precautions to ensure the safety of students, equipment, materials, and facilities.
• Maintain a clean and orderly classroom environment.
• Submit attendance and other required reports.
• Leave detailed notes regarding instructional activities, student behavior, and classroom progress for the returning teacher or administrator.
• Report accidents, incidents, or concerns promptly to campus administration.

Communication

• Communicate professionally and positively with students, parents, staff, and administrators.
• Maintain professional relationships and open communication with campus personnel and stakeholders.

Professional Growth and Development 

• Participate in substitute training and staff development activities as assigned.
• Comply with all district policies, campus procedures, and applicable state and federal requirements.
• Attend faculty or staff meetings when assigned in long-term placements.

Other

• Follow district safety protocols and emergency procedures.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the campus principal or designee.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

May direct the work of assigned instructional aides, paraprofessionals, or volunteers when applicable.

Mental Demands/Physical Demands/Environmental Factors:

Tools/Equipment Used: Personal computer and peripherals; standard instructional equipment; classroom technology and educational software.

 

Posture: Prolonged standing; frequent kneeling/squatting, bending/stooping, pushing/pulling, and twisting.

 

Motion: Frequent walking and movement throughout the classroom and campus.

 

Lifting: Regular light lifting and carrying (less than 15 pounds); may lift and move instructional materials and classroom equipment.

 

Environment: Work inside and occasionally outside; regular exposure to noise and active student environments.

 

Mental Demands: Maintain emotional control under stress; ability to work prolonged or irregular hours as needed.

The foregoing statements describe the general purpose and responsibilities assigned to this job and are not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, or skills that may be required.