Long Term Substitute: Middle School English Educator

La Jolla Country Day School seeks a thoughtful, engaging, and developmentally attuned English Educator to teach fifth grade in our Middle School, supporting students as they build independence, strengthen literacy skills, and grow as readers, writers, and critical thinkers. 

This long-term substitute assignment begins in mid-December 2026 and continues through the end of the academic year, ending on or around June 12, 2027.

Why Join La Jolla Country Day School?

Our English program develops students’ abilities to read critically, write clearly, speak effectively, and think analytically, reflectively, and creatively. In fifth grade, students deepen their literacy skills through explicit instruction in vocabulary, morphology, grammar, and reading comprehension, alongside meaningful opportunities to analyze literature, develop their writing, and engage in collaborative discussion.

As a mission-driven community committed to equity and belonging, we value educators who cultivate curiosity, encourage diverse perspectives, and help every student grow as a confident reader, writer, and thinker.

What You’ll Do

• Teaching & Learning
  • Teach fifth grade English, building students’ reading comprehension, analytical thinking, writing, and communication skills
  • Deliver engaging, differentiated instruction informed by research-based literacy practices, including the Science of Reading
  • Teach vocabulary, morphology, grammar, and written expression through explicit instruction and authentic reading and writing experiences
  • Guide students in analyzing literature, supporting ideas with textual evidence, and exploring diverse perspectives
  • Provide opportunities for analytical, academic, and creative writing, as well as discussion and presentation
  • Foster an inclusive classroom that encourages curiosity, collaboration, and intellectual risk-taking
• Curriculum & Collaboration
  • Collaborate with English department and grade-level colleagues to implement curriculum and align instructional practices
  • Use student work and assessment data to guide instruction and monitor progress
  • Maintain continuity of instruction, assessment, and communication throughout the substitute assignment
• Student & Family Partnership
  • Build supportive relationships that foster student confidence, independence, and engagement
  • Communicate with families about student progress and areas for growth
  • Provide timely, constructive feedback that supports continued development
• Community Engagement
  • Participate in faculty meetings, grade-level collaboration, and school activities as appropriate
  • Contribute positively to the School’s professional and communal life

Who You Are

• Literacy-Focused: You understand how students develop as readers and writers and apply effective instructional practices.
• Student-Centered: You create engaging learning experiences responsive to students’ strengths and needs.
• Collaborative: You work effectively with colleagues and families to support student growth.
• Reflective: You use assessment and feedback to refine instruction.
• Equity-Minded: You foster an inclusive classroom where all students feel valued, challenged, and supported.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required; master’s degree in English, education, literacy, or a related field is preferred
• Experience teaching elementary or middle school English, literacy, or language arts preferred
• Knowledge of literacy development, reading comprehension, and writing instruction
• Familiarity with research-informed literacy practices, including the Science of Reading, preferred

Professional Skills

• Ability to deliver differentiated reading and writing instruction
• Strong classroom management, communication, and organizational skills
• Ability to facilitate literary discussions and develop students’ analytical and critical-thinking skills
• Proficiency with Google Workspace, Microsoft Office, and learning management systems such as Canvas or Blackbaud
• Flexibility, adaptability, and a collaborative approach to teaching

Work Environment & Schedule

• Full-time, in-person, campus-based position
• Typical classroom and school environment with occasional variability during events
• Requires regular standing, walking, and movement around campus, as well as extended computer use and the ability to lift up to 25 pounds.

 Compensation

This long-term substitute assignment begins in mid-December 2026 and continues through the end of the academic year, ending on or around June 12, 2027.

The biweekly salary offer to a successful candidate will depend on factors including experience, education, training, and relevant skills, and will fall within the range of $2,500–$3,400.

To be considered, please submit:

• Your current resume or CV
• A cover letter outlining your interest in the position and La Jolla Country Day School, highlighting your relevant experience
• A sample lesson plan

We value authenticity in the application process and ask that applicants refrain from using AI tools to generate their application materials.