Substitute Teacher - All Levels

SUBSTITUTE TEACHER

Purpose:

To replace the regularly appointed teacher in his/her absence. To provide as closely as possible the same successful instructional and learning environment that would exist if the regularly appointed teacher were in attendance. The substitute teacher is responsible for carrying out the lesson plan of the regularly appointed teacher for who he/she is substituting.

Employment/Orientation/Professional Requirements:

• All subs are employed on an at-will basis and are not considered contractual employees. They are not employed for any specific length of time and have no property right in the employment. Subs do not have Chapter 21 rights. Employers may terminate at-will employees at any time for any reason or for no reason, except for legally impermissible reasons. As an at-will employee you are free to resign at any time for any reason or for no reason.

• Subs are also not guaranteed work at any specific campus, grade level, or other location. The district has the right to deny access to specific grades, teachers, campuses, or locations.

• Effectiveness as a substitute is directly related to ability in managing students, carrying out teacher plans, and working cooperatively with others. If there are any unfavorable incidents or reports regarding substitutes that need to be addressed, the appropriate District personnel may look into the matter and determine the appropriate action. A substitute may also be temporarily "inactive" pending an investigation if necessary. At any time, if an issue is persistent or of sufficient seriousness, the Human Resource Department will make the determination to terminate the substitute from their substitute duties at London ISD.

• Substitute employees are required to be consistently available to cover teacher absences at various campuses.

• Completion of the London ISD Substitute Teacher Orientation and Professional Development upon hire.

• Maintain prompt and regular attendance for each substitute assignment.

• Keep abreast and acknowledge all information located in District Policies and Employee Handbook updated each year.

• Substitutes must help/observe students.

• Perform other related duties as assigned by program/building administrator(s) in accordance with school policies and practices.

Substitute Assignment Acceptance Requirements:

• Substitute employees are required to be consistently available to cover teacher absences at various campuses; a minimum of four (5) days per month within a school year to remain active in the substitute pool.

• Substitute employees must be available to accept assignments immediately upon hire into the London ISD Substitute pool. 

Instructional Strategies:

• Present lesson plans and subject matter that fulfill requirements of the teacher of record’s curriculum program and in a manner that students understand.

• Maintain confidentiality regarding special instructions for students. Special instructions should be carried out.  Refer to an administrator regarding questions with special instructions. This should be in conference on an “as needed” basis and will require an educational need to know.

• Teach the lesson as prepared by the teacher of record.

• Consult as appropriate with the campus principal or designee, if no lesson plan is provided by the teacher of record.

Classroom Management and Organization:

• Establish and maintain efficient classroom management procedures and standards of student behavior.

• Establish and maintain open lines of communication with students.

• Create an environment conducive to learning and appropriate for the maturity level, interest, and needs of students.

• Leave a summary of work completed at the end of each instructional day for the teacher of record.

• Maintain established rules, routines, schedule, or procedures of the school and classroom to which the substitute is assigned. Any changes to the established rules, routines, schedule, or procedures will need to be approved by administration.

Campus Safety:

• Follow all safety standards and procedures (lockdown, shelter-in-place, evacuations, etc.).

• Dismiss all students from the classroom before leaving the substitute assignment.

• Wear issued London ISD Badge upon entry to all London ISD Facilities. 

Additional Responsibilities:

• Ability to communicate (verbal and written) in a cooperative and professional manner, ability to actively monitor students to ensure they are on task.

• Flexibility to change assignments, classrooms, and assist with other duties throughout the campus including cafeteria duty, monitoring busses etc.

• Ability to make rational and quick decisions.

• Performs all other tasks and duties as assigned by campus principal or designee.

• Perform other duties as needed to meet district needs/special events.

TRS Retirees: Many of our substitute teachers are TRS retirees.  Generally TRS retirees can substitute an unlimited number of days during the school year when substituting for a regular employee.

It is always the retiree's responsibility to understand the TRS rules and how the rules impact their work and retirement benefits.

Application Procedure:  All applicants (including TRS retirees, LISD retirees, former employees, and former substitutes) are required to complete an online application with LISD and complete new hire paperwork.