7th and 8th Grade ELA Long Term Substitute Teacher

School Name: St. Therese Academy

Location: 6440 Saint Therese Way, San Diego, CA 92117

Reports to: Principal

Employment Type: Full Time (December 2025 - April 2026)

FLSA Status: Exempt

Pay Rate: $ 49,000 - $60,000

Job Summary:
St. Therese Academy seeks a passionate, organized, and faith-filled long-term substitute teacher to teach 7th and 8th Grade English Language Arts from December 2025 through April 2026. The ideal candidate will provide rigorous instruction aligned with our ELA curriculum covering Reading/Literature, Writing, and Vocabulary, while fostering independent thinking, collaboration, and spiritual growth. The long-term substitute will join a supportive junior high team and serve as a key guide for students as they prepare for high school. 

Primary Responsibilities:

• Provide engaging and developmentally appropriate instruction in 7th and 8th grade English Language Arts, aligned with Common Core, California State Standards, and the Diocese of San Diego Religion Standards 
• Plan and implement lessons from ELA curricular materials, as well as independent novel studies each quarter 
• Establish a structured and positive classroom culture that supports Restorative Practices and emphasizes respect, responsibility, and academic growth 
• Maintain accurate records of student progress and provide timely feedback, grades, and progress reports 
• Support students in maintaining consistent study habits and guide them in meeting late work and academic expectations as outlined in the junior high ELA program 
• Provide after school (3:05-3:35pm) academic support sessions twice weekly (Mondays and Wednesdays) for reteaching, test make-ups, and additional help 
• Communicate consistently with parents/guardians regarding student progress and expectations 
• Collaborate with colleagues in the junior high team and participate in school duties as needed 

General Administrative/ Other Responsibilities:

• Return voice-mail/e-mail messages in a timely manner
• Communicate regularly with parents
• Maintain a neat and orderly classroom
• Demonstrate a respectful demeanor with staff, students, and parents
• Observe utmost confidentiality regarding parent, student, staff information/conversations
• Supervise playground and other areas of duty as the role may require
• Other duties as assigned

Religious Qualifications:

• Active, practicing Roman Catholic (preferred)
• Respects and understands a Catholic school philosophy

Professional Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree required; teaching credential (single subject in English or multiple subject) preferred 
• Previous teaching experience, ideally with middle school students 
• Strong classroom management skills and ability to create a structured, respectful learning environment 
• Familiarity with Google Classroom and digital learning tools to support instruction 
• Commitment to the mission of St. Therese Academy: fostering a faith-filled Catholic Christian community in an environment of academic excellence where students are empowered to realize their full potential 
• Positive professional references and recommendations 
• Clear criminal background check (a clear Livescan for the Diocese of San Diego is a condition of employment) 

Physical Requirements:

To successfully meet the needs of the students in his/her care, the teacher must:

• Spend the majority of the day standing in the classroom. While standing the teacher will frequently hold objects they are working with or demonstrating
• Sit on an occasional basis when developing lesson plans, grading, etc.
• Walk through the classroom and be able to maneuver in tight spaces between desks. Walk on both even and uneven surfaces
• Deal with students while kneeling or squatting, stooping, or bending
• Reach at, below, or above shoulder height with the dominant upper extremity; may require trunk or neck rotation to look back at the class
• Assist in moving children's desks and chairs to change the layout of the classroom to influence the learning situation. It is occasionally necessary to lift and carry boxes weighing up to 25 pounds from the office to classrooms

While performing the duties of this job the employee is regularly required to be inside the classroom. The employee is required to be mobile to, from, and within the classroom and preschool environment, as well as maneuver throughout the school facility to attend meetings, trainings, and other work-related events. The employee may be required to conduct trips to, from, and within various city and county-wide locations to attend trainings or workshops.

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Please note this position description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

St. Therese Academy, as part of the Catholic Diocese of San Diego, is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, gender, national origin, genetics, disability, age or veteran status.