About this role
School Year 2026–2027: Schoolwide Substitute Teacher at TAPA: Trinity Academy for the Performing Arts | Providence, RI Trinity Academy for the Performing Arts (TAPA), an academically rigorous public charter school for the arts serving students in grades 5–12, seeks a full-time, salaried Schoolwide Substitute Teacher. The ideal candidate is flexible, dependable, comfortable working with students across multiple grade levels, and committed to supporting a vibrant, creative school community by ensuring instructional continuity when teachers are absent. TAPA’s anti-oppression creative community is enriched by the cultural, religious, racial, ethnic, and linguistic diversity of our neurodiverse families, students, and employees. Nearly all members of the TAPA student body are people of color, predominantly Latinx, with many students speaking both English and Spanish in their homes. A significant portion of TAPA’s student body identifies as members of the LGBTQ+ community. It is an organizational priority for TAPA to hire staff members who reflect the diversity of our students and demonstrate an understanding of the strengths and experiences they bring. The Schoolwide Substitute Teacher is responsible for providing in-house substitute teaching and classroom coverage throughout TAPA’s Lower School and Upper School, grades 5–12. Depending on the needs of the day, this may include academic classes, WIN/intervention periods, student support assignments, and arts classes including theatre, film, music, and dance. The Schoolwide Substitute Teacher follows teachers’ lesson plans, maintains established classroom routines and expectations, supports students in completing assigned work, and communicates clearly with teachers and administrators about the day’s instruction and any concerns that arise. This position is ideal for a proactive, adaptable individual who enjoys working with adolescents and young people, can build positive relationships quickly, and thrives in a fast-paced, relationship-centered educational environment. Because the role changes from day to day, strong classroom management, organization, communication, and the ability to confidently step into unfamiliar classrooms are essential. TAPA uses an arts-integrated curriculum aligned with Rhode Island academic standards and committed to rigor, access, and student voice. Students are supported in meeting or exceeding Rhode Island’s graduation requirements and in performing at or above grade level on state and local assessments. Academic, artistic, and social-emotional expectations are clear and deeply embedded in school culture. NOTE: SchoolSpring is notoriously user unfriendly. If you would prefer, you may send your application (cover letter, resume, and references) directly to [email protected].
Key Responsibilities • Substitute Teaching: • Provide coverage for classes in grades 7–12, including academic and performing arts subjects. • Maintain classroom expectations and routines as outlined in lesson plans and the TAPA Handbook. • Uphold schoolwide norms and ensure a positive learning environment for all students.
Required Qualifications • Bachelor’s degree in education, the arts, or a related field • Strong organizational and time management skills • Excellent interpersonal and communication skills • Ability to adapt quickly to varied teaching environments and content areas • Commitment to urban education and culturally responsive practice • Evidence of cultural competence and inclusiveness • Demonstrated interest in or experience with the arts • Familiarity with restorative practices • Understanding of inclusive education and equity-focused frameworks • Desire to be an integral member of a professional learning community
TAPA aims to cultivate a community that not only accepts, but values and respects diverse perspectives. While we cannot erase the institutional, ideological, interpersonal, and internalized oppression that is embedded in our society’s culture of schooling, we strive to imagine something more inclusive, empowering, and student-centered. As a community of artists, we believe in the power of strong relationships to sustain a vibrant, collaborative school culture. TAPA strongly encourages applicants from communities that have been historically underrepresented in education. TAPA considers applicants for employment without regard to, and does not discriminate on the basis of, gender, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, race, protected veteran status, disability, or any other legally protected status. TAPA will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities.