As-Needed Substitute Teacher
2023-2024 School Year
Wonder what it would be like to go snowshoeing through a maple forest? Or what it may be like to grow your own food in a greenhouse? Students at West Michigan Academy of Environmental Science (WMAES) don't wonder what they know! Come be a part of our 62-acres of an outdoor classroom to expand your child's love of learning. Working gardens, nature trails, forests, wetlands and prairies are all available for students to explore. WMAES students transition from desks to dirt, creating an environment for all students to learn. WMAES knows that teachers are the heart of the school and are surrounded by a support system that is committed to the success of every child.
Qualities of a Successful Candidate:

• A comfortability in an outdoor setting and a knack for creativity and innovation, incorporating hands-on activities, experiential learning, and interactive teaching methods to make environmental/outdoor learning engaging and impactful.
• An unwavering belief that all children regardless of their background can learn and exceed at high levels.
• A strong desire to achieve outstanding results in the pursuit of excellence for students.

• Strong interpersonal skills, fostering positive relationships with children, parents and other staff members. They should be able to work collaboratively, promoting a harmonious learning environment.

As an as-needed Substitute Teacher, your core responsibilities will include, but are not limited to, the following:
Classroom Management:

• Maintains a classroom environment conducive to effective learning.
• Upholds established routines and procedures of the school and assigned classroom.
• Provides a classroom atmosphere based on firm, fair, and consistent practices, fostering respect for individual children and responsible citizenship development.

Curriculum and Instruction:

• Follows lesson plans left by the absent teacher, ensuring seamless instruction.
• Instructs assigned classes at designated times and locations.
• Plans appropriate learning activities when lesson plans are incomplete, aligning with grade level and subject.

Student Behavior and Discipline:

• Oversees student behavior during class, between classes, and lunch periods.
• Implements the regular teacher's discipline plan.

Academic Engagement and Support:

• Motivates students to achieve their highest potential through assignments, activities, and relationships.
• Utilizes resources effectively to support learning within the classroom, Academy, and community.

Professionalism and Improvement:

• Demonstrates professionalism and ethical behavior.
• Strives for continuous improvement in teaching methods, techniques, and interpersonal relationships.
• Displays personal qualities that reflect positively on oneself, the Academy, and the collective group.

Additional Responsibilities:

• Assumes any duties assigned by the school leader.
• Promotes responsible citizenship through role modeling.
• Understands, communicates, and enforces the Student Code of Conduct.
• Uses technology effectively for instruction, record-keeping, and communication.
• Ensures safety and orderliness of the learning environment and appropriate use of facilities and equipment.
• Supports the overall effectiveness of the Academy by assisting during peak periods or when there's an overload of duties.

Job Goal: To seamlessly integrate into various classrooms, fostering a dynamic learning environment that maintains the continuity of education in the absence of the regular teacher. The aim is to adeptly execute provided lesson plans, ensuring engaged student participation and academic progress. With a commitment to upholding established routines and discipline, the substitute teacher creates a safe and respectful classroom atmosphere that promotes responsible citizenship and mutual respect. This position will support and uphold the mission and vision of the classical academy.
Essential Skills and Competencies: While we will consider a broad range of backgrounds, the ideal candidate would have the following qualifications/experience:
Minimum Requirements:

• A minimum of 60 college credits with a GPA of 2.0 or higher.
• Able to use technology as an instructional tool in the classroom, as a means of analyzing academic achievement data, and as a tool to aid effective communications.
• Exemplary work habits verified by reference check.

Desired Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree or Valid Michigan Teacher's Certificate.
• Knowledge and skills working with staff, students and parents from all backgrounds.
• Strong interpersonal skills.
• Excellent verbal and written expression using proper grammar and vocabulary.

Work Location: 4463 Leonard ST SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49534
Please contact Abby Cervone at with any questions.
Working for Choice Schools Associates
West Michigan Academy of Environmental Science is part of the Choice Schools Community. As a comprehensive education service provider, Choice Schools offers a student-centered approach to tailored school operations support. Much like a superintendent's office, Choice Schools provides invaluable assistance in various crucial areas, including instruction, professional development, curriculum, human resources, finance, compliance, communications, and enrollment. By being a part of the Choice Schools Environmental Model, West Michigan Academy is a vibrant community of learning, comprised of multiple other outstanding environmental schools within the state. The Environmental Model will provide you with the support and collaboration of a large district while serving at a tight-knit community school in your area.
Choice Schools Associates is an equal opportunity employer. Choice Schools Associates does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, gender, sexual orientation, national or ethnic background. All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.
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