Job Summary
A substitute at Roots means you are the steady, caring adult who holds the rhythm of the day when a lead teacher is out. Our approach is hands-on, outdoors as much as indoors, project-based, and calm. You do not need to design curriculum; the lead teacher leaves a plan. You do need to bring warmth, presence, good judgment, and a genuine delight in children.
Duties
Care & supervision
- Provide safe, attentive supervision of children at all times. This will be indoors, outdoors, on the trail, and during transitions.
- Adhere to Roots Learning Center behavior procedure and policy for students.
Instruction & daily flow
- Follow the lead teacher's written plans and the posted daily rhythm.
- Facilitate lessons, projects, read-alouds, and outdoor/nature activities as planned.
- Adapt to a multi-age group
- Keep learning materials and shared spaces orderly and cared for.
Guidance & environment
- Use positive, developmentally appropriate guidance; redirect gently and consistently.
- Be comfortable outdoors in Pacific Northwest weather.
Communication & safety
- Follow all health, safety, emergency, and sign-in/sign-out procedures.
- Administer basic first aid as needed and report incidents to the director promptly.
- Leave brief end-of-day notes for the returning lead teacher.
- If you are a certified teacher: As a mandated reporter, report any suspected child abuse or neglect per Washington law. Notify the director of need to report.
- Maintain required adult-to-child ratios.
- Support each child's emotional safety with a calm, respectful, encouraging presence.
Qualifications
- Prior classroom experience or substitute teaching experience preferred.
- Cleared background check before the first day.
- Strong knowledge of curriculum development, implementation, and lesson planning across various subjects.
- Experience working with children of diverse backgrounds, including those with disabilities or developmental disabilities.
- Proficiency in classroom management techniques and behavior management strategies.
- Excellent communication skills and the ability to adapt instruction to meet individual student needs.
- Demonstrated ability to mentor students and foster a positive learning environment through creative teaching approaches.
- 18 years or older with a high school diploma or equivalent.
- Reliable, punctual, and able to respond to on-call requests.
- Genuine warmth with children and steadiness under a busy classroom.
Preferred
- Experience with children in a classroom, camp, childcare, or caregiving setting.
- Familiarity with Montessori, Waldorf, nature-based, or child-led approaches.
- Comfort leading outdoor and hands-on activities.
- Current CPR/First Aid certification (or willing to obtain before starting).
Pay: From $23.00 per hour
Education:
- High school or equivalent (Required)
Work Location: In person
