Independent High School Teacher- Long Term Substitute

 WHITEFISH SCHOOL DISTRICT

POSITION DESCRIPTION

AREA: Independent High School Teacher- Long Term Substitute (Approximately 12/14/26-3/19/26)

LOCATION: Whitefish Independent High School

REPORTS TO: WHS Building Principal

Whitefish School District seeks an Independent High School Teacher to join one of the leading school districts in the state of Montana. With the support of our community, Whitefish School District creates an educational environment where each student can reach their academic potential, prepare for career opportunities, and become engaged citizens.

The Whitefish School District seeks educators with a track-record of raising student achievement to join the team of educators already dedicated to providing a deeper learning instructional program to all students. At Whitefish Public Schools, educators are leaders who play an integral role in ensuring student success through the support of our school culture, the development and instruction of a rigorous curriculum, and the use of data to drive daily practice. All duties are to be undertaken in alignment with the District’s Strategic Plan, putting the safety, health, and well-being of students at the forefront of all actions and decisions.

POSITION SUMMARY

Whitefish School District seeks an Independent High School Teacher to deliver specialized instruction tailored to an innovative, philosophy-driven educational program. Educators in our district are leaders who play an integral role in ensuring student success through the support of school culture, the development and instruction of a rigorous curriculum, and the use of data to drive daily practice. Adapting to smaller class sizes, the teacher plans engaging curricula, assesses student progress, and acts as a mentor. The primary goal is to enable students to reach their potential for intellectual, emotional, psychological, and physical growth.

PROGRAM PHILOSOPHY AND GOALS

WIHS aims to graduate students equipped with functional academic skills (reading, math, science, social science, technology), social and emotional maturity, positive self-views, and a strong sense of personal strengths.

• Increasing graduation rates.
• Maintaining a safe and nurturing learning environment.
• Implementing meaningful project-based learning.
• Fostering community service.
• Connecting students to the world of work through individualized, student-paced instruction.

QUALIFICATIONS

Minimum Qualifications:

• Valid Montana educator licensure.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience teaching in an alternative high school setting.

• Interest, ability, and resilience to lead multi-day, out-of-town trips or experiential courses.
• High adaptability and a commitment to fostering an inclusive, supportive school culture.
• Ability and willingness to work with Jobs for Montana Graduates and community involvement.  
• Understands and embraces 21st century learning skills that promote self-direction, collaboration, critical thinking, and place-based or outdoor experiential learning.

RESPONSIBILITIES (including but not limited to):

The teacher is responsible for planning, developing and overseeing the online academic curriculum of the Independent High School that aligns with District guidelines and Montana state standards.

Instructional Philosophy and Curriculum Delivery

The core of this position is to deliver high-quality instruction and oversee the online learning platform  rather than rigid state testing standards.

• Establish an engaging learning environment that balances core academic standard practices with a unique educational philosophy.
• Cultivate and implement place-based, outdoor, or expeditionary learning opportunities.
• Motivate students to engage deeply in academic coursework tailored to their unique educational development.
• Develop standards for critical thinking, self-direction, and personal growth.
• Discover and nurture students' special talents through independent learning frameworks and smaller class settings.

Essential Operational Functions

• Differentiated Instruction: Actual curriculum must often be tailored for three or more levels of academic ability and previous achievement within the same course.
• Assessment & Monitoring: Deliver high-quality instruction, grade assignments, provide actionable feedback on student performance, and maintain accurate, complete records as required by law and board policy.
• Supervision & Trips: Responsibilities extend beyond the classroom to include leading multi-day, out-of-town experiential trips, as well as monitoring halls, study periods, the lunchroom, and supervising classroom aides.

Student Support and Safety

• Behavioral Management: Teachers have the authority to maintain order and, in conjunction with administration, administer discipline. This may include prescribing extra assignments or detention for misconduct.
• Intervention and Counseling: Serve as an academic advisor to a small cohort of students, counseling those with academic or behavioral difficulties and consulting with specialists regarding potential learning disabilities or substance abuse.
• Mandatory Reporting: Legally required to report cases of suspected child abuse and maintain strict confidentiality regarding student and employment matters.

EQUIPMENT USED:

• A variety of electronic and technology devices, copier, telephone/voice mail, fax.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

While performing the duties of this job, the employee regularly works inside and outside. The employee must be able to meet deadlines with severe time constraints. The employee frequently will work irregular or extended work hours while performing the duties of this job. The employee is directly responsible for the safety, well-being, and work output of students. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit, walk, and stand.  Twist at neck and waist; kneel.  Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.  The employee is required to be able to hear conversations in quiet environments.  May be required to lift or move up to 20 pounds.

MENTAL/MOTOR DEMANDS:

While performing the duties of this job, the employee rarely performs routine work. The employee frequently exercises flexibility (ability to shift from one task to another). Guidance and reinforcement are usually available.  The employee frequently works within time constraints and maintains attentiveness intensity.  The employee is frequently involved in social interactions which require oral and written communications.

The physical demands, work-environment characteristics, and mental/motor demands described within this job description are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations shall be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT:

School year working days as set by the Board of Trustees.  Salary, benefits and other working conditions as negotiated by the WEA and as assigned by the Administration.

EVALUATION:

Performance of said duties will be evaluated in accordance with provisions of the Board's Policy on Evaluation of Profes­sional Personnel.

Updated 6/26

Salary : $271 - $416