JOB DESCRIPTION:  Substitute Teacher / Paraprofessional

CONTRACT TERMS:  As Needed

REPORTS TO:  Building Principal

SALARY RANGE: $90 per day (non-certified), $110 per day (certified)

FAIR LABOR STANDARDS ACT: Non-exempt

BENEFITS: Non-Benefit Eligible 

OVERALL PURPOSE: 

The Substitute Teacher/Paraprofessional provides temporary instructional and student support services when a regular classroom teacher or paraprofessional is absent. The substitute follows established instructional plans, supports student learning, maintains appropriate classroom management, provides student safety and supervision, and carries out the responsibilities of the assigned position in accordance with school and district procedures.

Substitute assignments are provided as needed and may vary by school, grade level, classroom, program, or student need.  

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Education

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Post-secondary education preferred.

Certification/Training

• Georgia teaching certification is not required.
• Valid Georgia teaching certification may qualify an employee for the certified substitute rate.
• Must complete Social Circle City Schools' required substitute training and onboarding.

Experience

• Previous experience working with children or adolescents preferred.
• Previous experience in a school or educational setting preferred but not required.

Additional Requirements

• Must be at least 21 years of age.
• Must successfully complete all required background and employment clearances.

Social Circle City School District may find alternatives to the above qualifications appropriate and acceptable.

KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS:

• Ability to follow written and verbal instructions and established lesson plans.
• Ability to communicate effectively and professionally with students, employees, and administrators.
• Ability to establish and maintain an appropriate, positive, and orderly learning environment.
• Ability to use effective classroom and behavior management strategies.
• Ability to supervise students effectively in classroom and non-classroom settings.
• Ability to respond appropriately to student needs while maintaining professional boundaries.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality of student and employee information.
• Ability to use basic classroom technology and district systems necessary for the assignment.
• Ability to adapt to different grade levels, school environments, schedules, and assignments.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS & DUTIES

Instructional & Classroom Support

• Reports to the assigned school and classroom promptly and follows established check-in procedures.
• Reviews and follows lesson plans, schedules, procedures, and other instructions provided by the regular teacher or school administration.
• Provides instruction and learning activities according to established plans.
• Maintains continuity of instruction as much as possible during the regular teacher's absence.
• Provides appropriate assistance, feedback, and support to students.
• Uses classroom technology, instructional materials, and resources appropriately.
• Maintains the classroom environment and leaves appropriate information for the returning teacher regarding the day's activities, student progress, and significant concerns.

Paraprofessional Assignments

When assigned to substitute for a paraprofessional, the substitute:

• Provides instructional, behavioral, supervisory, and other student support under the direction of the classroom teacher or appropriate school personnel.
• Assists individual students or small groups with instructional activities as directed.
• Supports implementation of established accommodations, modifications, behavior supports, and classroom procedures as directed by qualified personnel.
• Assists with transitions, arrival, dismissal, lunch, recess, and other supervisory responsibilities associated with the assignment.
• Performs duties consistent with the paraprofessional assignment and within the substitute's training.

Classroom Management & Student Supervision

• Establishes and maintains appropriate classroom behavior consistent with school and district expectations.
• Uses positive, age-appropriate classroom and behavior management strategies.
• Provides active and appropriate supervision of students at all times.
• Supervises students during classroom activities, transitions, lunch, recess, arrival, dismissal, and other assigned activities.
• Follows established procedures when behavioral or disciplinary concerns arise and seeks administrator assistance when appropriate.
• Does not leave students unattended or release students from supervision except in accordance with school procedures.

Student Safety & Welfare

• Follows all school and district procedures related to student safety, health, and welfare.
• Becomes familiar with classroom and school emergency procedures for the assigned location.
• Follows established emergency, evacuation, severe weather, lockdown, and other safety procedures.
• Reports suspected child abuse or neglect and other student safety concerns in accordance with mandatory reporting requirements and district procedures.
• Immediately reports accidents, injuries, medical concerns, threats, or other significant student welfare concerns to appropriate school personnel.
• Follows individual student health, safety, behavioral, and emergency procedures when provided and when within the substitute's assigned responsibilities and training.

Professional Responsibilities

• Demonstrates prompt and regular attendance for accepted assignments.
• Remains at the assigned school and performs assigned responsibilities for the full workday unless otherwise authorized by an administrator.
• Maintains professional, respectful, and appropriate interactions with students, employees, families, and visitors.
• Maintains confidentiality of student information in accordance with FERPA and district procedures.
• Maintains appropriate professional boundaries with students.
• Uses district technology, equipment, instructional materials, and facilities appropriately.
• Follows school procedures regarding personal electronic devices and technology use while supervising students.
• Does not photograph, record, post, or share information about students through personal devices or social media.
• Follows federal and state laws, Board policies, district procedures, and applicable ethical expectations.
• Performs other duties consistent with the substitute assignment as directed by the Building Principal or designee.

WORK ENVIRONMENT & PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

The usual and customary methods of performing the position may require lifting, carrying, pushing and/or pulling; stooping, kneeling, crouching; standing and walking for extended periods; and fine finger dexterity.

Physical requirements may vary depending upon the specific teacher or paraprofessional assignment. Some assignments may require additional mobility or physical assistance consistent with the responsibilities of the position for which the employee is substituting.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position.

CONTINUING EDUCATION/TRAINING

• Completes SCCS substitute orientation and required training.
• Completes required annual training related to student safety, mandatory reporting, confidentiality, professional conduct, and other applicable district requirements.
• Maintains any certification or credential necessary to qualify for the applicable substitute rate.

CLEARANCES:

Criminal Justice Fingerprint

Background Clearance

NONDISCRIMINATION NOTICE

The Social Circle City School District does not discriminate based on race, color, national origin, religion, age, disability, or sex in its employment practices.  It is the policy of the Board of Education to comply fully with the requirements of Title VI, Title VII, Title IX, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA), and all accompanying regulations.