Substitute Teacher – Grade 8 English Language Arts (ELA)

JOB TITLE: Substitute Teacher – Grade 8 English Language Arts (ELA)

Position Information

Position Purpose

Under the direction of the Building Principal, the Substitute Grade 8 ELA Teacher provides classroom instruction in English Language Arts to middle school students during the assignment period.

The Substitute Grade 8 ELA Teacher plans, delivers, and assesses instruction aligned with Connecticut Core Standards, maintaining a safe and supportive classroom environment that fosters literacy, critical thinking, and student engagement.

The Grade 8 ELA Teacher works collaboratively with students, families, educators, special education staff, and multidisciplinary teams to support student access, participation, and educational progress across school environments.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Instructional Delivery and Assessment

• Plans and executes engaging, standards-based ELA lessons aligned with Connecticut Core Standards for Grade 8.
• Administers formative and summative assessments, interprets performance data, and uses results to guide instruction and provide targeted student support.
• Integrates educational technology, digital tools, and district-approved software into daily instruction.
• Differentiates instruction to meet the varied academic, linguistic, and developmental needs of all middle school learners.

IEP, 504, and Student Support Responsibilities

• Implements Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), Section 504 accommodation plans, and English learner supports in full compliance with state and federal requirements.
• Participates in Planning and Placement Team (PPT) meetings, 504 conferences, and Student Assistance Team (SAT) / Student Concerns Team meetings as required.
• Monitors student progress toward learning goals and IEP objectives, maintaining accurate evaluation, service, and progress monitoring documentation.

Classroom Management and Environment

• Establishes and maintains a safe, structured, inclusive, and student-centered learning environment.
• Fosters positive behavioral expectations, student responsibility, mutual respect, and active participation.
• Manages classroom routines, instructional resources, materials, and digital devices effectively.

Consultation and Collaboration

• Collaborates with general education teachers, special education teachers, paraeducators, interventionists, and administrators during Professional Learning Community (PLC) meetings and team planning sessions.
• Maintains regular, professional, and timely communication with parents and guardians regarding academic progress, classroom performance, and behavioral expectations.
• Consults with school counselors, social workers, and related service providers to support students' social-emotional and academic growth.

Professional Responsibilities

• Maintains accurate records including attendance, grading, and progress reports in PowerSchool and district management systems.
• Maintains student records and confidential information in accordance with FERPA, IDEA, District procedures, and statutory requirements.
• Participates in district and school-based faculty meetings, department meetings, and professional learning activities as assigned.
• Maintains required Connecticut state credentials/authorizations.
• Provides appropriate transition notes and continuity of instruction for the returning classroom teacher at the conclusion of the assignment.
• Performs other duties consistent with the role as assigned by the Building Principal or Superintendent/designee.

Equipment & Technology

Uses computers, educational software applications, interactive whiteboards, PowerSchool/SchoolLinks, learning management systems, and standard office/classroom equipment.

Travel Requirements

Travel between district schools or to off-site professional development, meetings, or district training activities may be required.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

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  Knowledge of Grade 8 English Language Arts content, Connecticut Core Standards, literacy strategies, and adolescent development.

• Knowledge of differentiated instruction, formative assessment practices, and data-driven instruction.
• Knowledge of IDEA, Section 504, FERPA, IEP accommodations, and school-based support delivery models.
• Ability to create a well-managed, positive, and productive classroom environment.
• Ability to communicate clearly, effectively, and professionally in oral and written formats with students, families, colleagues, and administration.
• Strong organizational, time-management, problem-solving, and professional judgment skills.

Qualifications & Certifications

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  Education: Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in English, Middle School Education, Secondary Education, or a related field (Master's degree preferred). Must hold a minimum of 12 semester hours in English/Language Arts as required by CSDE for assignments meeting or exceeding 40 consecutive days.

• Certification:
• Valid Connecticut State Department of Education (CSDE) Teaching Certificate with Endorsement 015 (Middle Grades English, 4–8) or 013 (Secondary English, 7–12) preferred.
• Candidates holding valid CT certification in another endorsement area or eligible for CSDE substitute authorization will also be considered.

Note: In accordance with CSDE regulations (C.G.S. § 10-145d), service in the same assignment beyond 60 school days for candidates without the specific endorsement requires an approved CSDE Form ED 175 extension.

• Statutory Clearances: Must successfully complete state and federal criminal history background checks, fingerprinting, and Connecticut Department of Children and Families (DCF) Child Abuse Registry clearance prior to employment pursuant to CT General Statutes.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER (EOE)

North Stonington Public Schools is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We evaluate all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.