Long-term Substitute Teacher - History/Social Sciences (Full-Time 1.0 FTE) [Needham High School] (SY26-27)

Needham Public Schools is an inclusive, dynamic, and multicultural community seeking an energetic, skilled, and warm History/Social Sciences Long-term Substitute Teacher to join our team. To enhance our goals of supporting every child, Needham Public Schools seeks candidates with diverse backgrounds and experiences. This position is a 5 - 6 week, full time, long term substitute position begining on 10/6/2026 until around 11/25/2026.

About Needham Public Schools (NPS): NPS has a deep commitment to the success of our diverse students and families and to the professional accomplishments of its educators. Needham devotes itself to cultural proficiency, equity, and community collaboration to fulfill the vision of the Portrait of a Needham Graduate. This METCO district comprises 5 elementary schools, 2 middle schools, and 1 nationally-ranked high school serving approximately 5,500 students. NPS is committed to addressing equity in the district by focusing on improving academic performance for historically marginalized students and ensuring our schools are safe for every child and free of bias, bullying, and hurtful acts that demean and diminish.

Under the general supervision of the History and Social Sciences Department Chair, this long-term substitute teacher will be responsible for advancing students' critical reading, thinking, and historical research and writing skills and guide their inquiry of the past. As a Needham High School educator, this teacher will work collaboratively to integrate the attributes, skills, and knowledge made explicit in the Portrait of a Needham Graduate, emphasizing the preparation of students to become socially and culturally responsive contributors.

Job Responsibilities:

• Plan and teach 5 sections of History & Social Science classes and work closely with members of the History & Social Sciences Department to support student learning and growth.
• Teach content and skills in historical thinking and reasoning, using standards-based curriculum guidelines from the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education that correlate with appropriate learning activities and district standards
• Adapt district curriculum materials and methods to develop relevant sequential assignments that guide and challenge students
• Sets ambitious learning goals for all students, creates cognitively demanding tasks, and models the belief that that all students can master challenging material through effective effort
• Assesses students’ understanding regularly with ambitious learning goals in mind and takes ownership of making necessary adjustments to instruction to reach goals despite setbacks
• Passionate and optimistic about their students, their content, and the teaching profession
• Scaffolds and differentiates instruction in order for all students to do complex thinking and rigorous academic work
• Uses instructional practices that are likely to challenge, motivate, and engage all students and facilitate equitable, active student participation
• Builds a productive learning environment where every student participates and is valued as part of the class community
• Engages with families and builds collaborative, respectful relationships with them in service of student learning
• Performs other related duties as requested by the Department Chair and/or School Principal

Required Qualifications: 

• Bachelor's degree
• MA DESE certification in History or Social Studies at the appropriate grade level
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills
• Experience working with and/or teaching high school students, and an understanding the diverse needs of students at this age
• Collaborative work ethic, training/experience in the use of instructional technology
• Commitment to inclusive pedagogy, and the potential and willingness to contribute to student life 

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master's degree

Compensation: 

Compensation for substitutes is based on the duration of the coverage: $24.42/hr - $27.25/hr

The Needham Public Schools does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, disability, age, active military/veteran status, ancestry, genetic information, or national or ethnic origin in the administration of its educational policies, employment policies, and other administered programs and activities. In addition, students who are homeless or of limited English-speaking ability are protected from discrimination in accessing the course of study and other opportunities available through the schools.

Needham Public Schools has a strong commitment to equity. Candidates who also have a strong commitment to this work are encouraged to apply. For more information on our equity work please visit our equity website.