About this role
K–12 Substitute Teacher Job Description Position Title: K–12 Substitute Teacher Reports To: Building Principal/Designee Department: Academic Services Employment Status: Substitute/As Needed Work Location: Assigned Elementary, Middle, and/or High School Position Summary The K–12 Substitute Teacher provides temporary classroom instruction and supervision in the absence of the regularly assigned teacher. The substitute teacher is responsible for maintaining a safe, respectful, structured, and academically focused learning environment while implementing lesson plans and instructional activities provided by the classroom teacher or school administration. Substitute teachers are expected to support the district's academic expectations, follow all school and district policies and procedures, maintain student confidentiality, and demonstrate professionalism when interacting with students, staff, families, and administrators. Essential Duties and Responsibilities Instruction and Learning
• Implement lesson plans and instructional activities provided by the regular classroom teacher.
• Provide clear directions and explanations to students regarding assignments and classroom expectations.
• Maintain the continuity of instruction during the regular teacher's absence.
• Assist students with assignments and provide appropriate academic support.
• Utilize available instructional materials, technology, textbooks, and other resources as directed.
• Ensure students remain actively engaged in meaningful academic activities throughout the instructional period.
• Collect and organize completed student assignments as directed by the classroom teacher.
• Leave appropriate documentation for the regular teacher regarding lessons completed, student progress, concerns, and other relevant information.
• Refrain from altering the regular teacher's lesson plans, grading practices, or classroom procedures unless directed by an administrator.
Classroom Management and Student Supervision
• Establish and maintain an orderly classroom environment conducive to teaching and learning.
• Follow the classroom teacher's established rules, routines, procedures, and behavior expectations.
• Supervise students at all times and ensure their safety and well-being.
• Use appropriate, respectful, and district-approved classroom management strategies.
• Follow school procedures when addressing significant student behavior concerns.
• Never leave students unattended without appropriate authorization or supervision.
• Supervise students during transitions, arrival, dismissal, lunch, recess, assemblies, hallways, or other assigned duties when required.
• Follow all student check-in, check-out, attendance, and dismissal procedures.
School and District Procedures
• Report to the assigned school at the designated time and remain for the entire assignment unless released by an administrator.
• Sign in and out according to school procedures.
• Review substitute materials, emergency procedures, schedules, lesson plans, and other information provided upon arrival.
• Accurately record and report student attendance.
• Follow the school's daily schedule and assigned duty schedule.
• Comply with district policies, school procedures, employee expectations, and applicable state and federal requirements.
• Follow all emergency, crisis, fire, severe weather, lockdown, evacuation, and safety procedures.
• Immediately report accidents, injuries, suspected abuse or neglect, threats, safety concerns, or other serious incidents to the appropriate school administrator.
• Follow procedures related to student health needs and refer medical concerns to the school nurse or appropriate administrator.
Professional Conduct
• Maintain professional and respectful relationships with students, employees, administrators, families, and community members.
• Maintain appropriate professional boundaries with students.
• Protect the confidentiality of student records, academic information, behavioral information, medical information, and other personally identifiable information.
• Refrain from photographing, recording, or posting information about students or school activities on personal social media without proper authorization.
• Refrain from using personal electronic devices during instructional time except when necessary for authorized school-related purposes.
• Dress professionally and appropriately for the school environment and assigned duties.
• Demonstrate punctuality, dependability, flexibility, sound judgment, and professionalism.
• Accept direction and feedback from administrators and other authorized district personnel.
• Maintain neutrality regarding sensitive personal, political, religious, or controversial matters while performing assigned duties.
Special Education and Student Support When assigned to a classroom serving students with disabilities or other specialized needs, the substitute teacher shall:
• Follow instructions provided by the classroom teacher, special education teacher, administrator, or other appropriate staff member.
• Implement accommodations, modifications, behavioral supports, and classroom procedures as provided.
• Maintain the confidentiality of Individualized Education Program (IEP), Section 504, and other student information.
• Work cooperatively with paraprofessionals, interventionists, related service providers, and other support personnel.
• Seek assistance from appropriate school personnel when uncertain about a student's educational, behavioral, medical, or safety needs.
Minimum Qualifications Candidates must:
• Possess a high school diploma or equivalent at minimum, or meet any higher educational requirements established by the district or applicable Mississippi requirements.
• Meet all district and state requirements for serving as a substitute teacher.
• Successfully complete required background checks and other employment screening requirements.
• Complete district-required substitute orientation and/or training.
• Demonstrate effective oral and written communication skills.
• Demonstrate the ability to follow written and verbal instructions.
• Demonstrate the ability to effectively supervise and work with K–12 students.
• Demonstrate basic technology skills necessary to perform assigned responsibilities.
Preferred Qualifications
• Associate's degree, bachelor's degree, or higher.
• Valid Mississippi educator license or other applicable credential.
• Previous teaching, substitute teaching, tutoring, childcare, youth development, or educational experience.
• Experience working with elementary, middle, and/or high school students.
• Training or experience in classroom management and student behavior support.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities The successful candidate should demonstrate the ability to:
• Manage groups of students effectively.
• Communicate clearly and professionally.
• Follow established lesson plans and classroom procedures.
• Maintain confidentiality.
• Exercise sound judgment in unexpected situations.
• Respond appropriately to student behavioral and academic needs.
• Establish positive relationships while maintaining appropriate professional boundaries.
• Work effectively with students from diverse backgrounds and with varying academic, behavioral, and developmental needs.
• Adapt to different grade levels, subjects, classroom environments, and school schedules.
• Use classroom technology and instructional resources when required.
• Respond appropriately during emergencies and follow established safety procedures.
Physical Requirements The position may require the employee to:
• Stand, walk, sit, bend, stoop, and move throughout the school environment for extended periods.
• Move between classrooms and other areas of the school campus.
• Supervise students indoors and outdoors.
• Lift, carry, push, or move instructional materials and equipment consistent with assigned duties.
• Communicate effectively with students and staff in classroom and school environments.
• Perform other physical duties reasonably associated with the assigned position.
Reasonable accommodations may be provided to qualified individuals with disabilities in accordance with applicable law. Work Environment Substitute teachers may be assigned to elementary, middle, or high school classrooms and may work in general education, special education, elective, physical education, career and technical education, or other instructional settings based on qualifications and district needs. Assignments may vary in duration and may include single-day, multiple-day, or long-term substitute assignments. Evaluation and Continued Eligibility Performance may be reviewed by the building principal or designee. Continued eligibility for substitute assignments may be based upon factors including:
• Reliability and punctuality
• Classroom management
• Adherence to lesson plans
• Student supervision and safety
• Professional conduct
• Compliance with district policies and procedures
• Feedback from school administrators and staff
Failure to follow district policies, maintain appropriate professional conduct, adequately supervise students, or fulfill assigned responsibilities may result in removal from an assignment and/or the district's substitute teacher list. Additional Responsibilities The substitute teacher shall perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned by the building principal, superintendent, or appropriate district administrator that are consistent with the general nature and scope of the position.