Position Type:
SUBSTITUTES/TEMP SUPPORT/LONG TERM SUBSTITUTE TCHR
Date Posted:
7/20/2026
Location:
Pre-K
Date Available:
10/19/2026
Closing Date:
Open until filled
TITLE: Long-Term Substitute Pre-K Teacher (starting October 2026) Pre-K Program at Catherine Morrill Day Nursery
POSITION OVERVIEW:
** Portland Public Schools is seeking a Long-Term Substitute Pre-K Teacher in the Pre-K classroom at Catherine Morrill Day Nursery. Coverage will start approx. October 19, 2026 and extend to approx. February 12, 2027. **
The ideal candidate would be someone who has deep knowledge of evidence-based early childhood pedagogy and curriculum, as well as the Maine Early Learning Development Standards. We seek a teacher who has a passion for working with young children and brings an equity-oriented approach to their instruction. The successful teacher would establish appropriate developmental expectations, recognizing that varied support to meet expectations and standards would be provided within a cohesive, nurturing and joyful early learning environment. The ideal teacher would be committed to Portland Public Schools' equity focus, and have experience working with diverse populations.
We seek a collaborative teammate who is open to giving and receiving feedback in service of the shared goals of the school and the district. The Pre-K Teacher would report to and receive support from the school's administrator and would also receive support from the PPS Director of Pre-K Programs.
ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES:
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Maximize intellectual, physical, social and emotional development for all students within a small, cohesive learning environment
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Establish a warm, caring and inclusive community of young learners that is coupled with positive and developmentally appropriate classroom management practices
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Plan learning experiences that are aligned to the Maine Early Learning Development Standards and are responsive to individual student needs
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Successfully implement early numeracy and literacy instruction and assessment
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Successfully implement differentiated instruction to develop, select and modify instructional plans and materials to meet the unique needs of all learners
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Successfully integrate outdoor learning experiences across the curriculum.
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Establish and maintain a strong working relationship with the partnering Pre-K and Kindergarten Co-Teacher that reflects respect, collaboration and professionalism
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Establish and maintain strong working relationships with colleagues, administrators, students, parents and community members that reflect recognition of and respect for each individual
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Collaborate with English Language Learning (ESOL) specialists, Ed Techs, and Special Ed Ed Techs to ensure that lessons and the classroom environment are culturally and linguistically responsive and to ensure individual student plans are implemented appropriately
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Collaborate with special educators, related support providers and Child Development Services to ensure IEP goals, accommodations and modifications are implemented appropriately
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Collaborate and create schedules with Ed Techs and other staff (music, library, art, PE) to support children and to ensure that there are always a ratio of 2:16
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Participate in a community of professional learning with other PreK and Kindergarten teachers across Portland Public Schools
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Actively contribute to and learn from colleagues within the school and across the school district
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Attend school meetings, programs, activities and events outside the instructional day as needed
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:
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Strong equity orientation and an openness to personal reflection on deepening awareness of personal bias and being culturally responsive and respectful
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A growth mindset: a sincere belief that all students can rise to high expectations, embracing a passion for differentiation in support of ensuring all students meet their goals
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Strong relationship builder: ability to work effectively and respectfully with students, administrators, colleagues, families and community members
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Team player: an openness and desire to collaborate with colleagues and administration, including sharing lessons, assessments, student work and data
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Ability to maintain professionalism in challenging situations and/or amidst competing demands and priorities
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Excellent oral and written communication
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Digital competency with technology integration for learning, communication, data collection and analysis, and accessing online professional resources and learning opportunities
EDUCATION, TRAINING, AND EXPERIENCE:
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Bachelor's degree in an applicable field of education from an accredited college or university
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Experience working in Pre-K and/or Kindergarten classrooms preferred
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Experience with Pre-K for ME and Teaching Strategies Gold preferred
CREDENTIAL REQUIREMENTS:
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Maine State fingerprint (CHRC) authorization (more info)
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Maine State Teaching Certificate with one of the following (more info):
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Endorsement 081 (Early Childhood Education, 0-5)
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Endorsement 029 (Early Elementary, PK-3)
EMPLOYMENT DETAILS:
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Assignment: Temporary (October 2026 to February 2027)
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Schedule: Full time, 1.0 FTE
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Wage: $37.25 / hour (certification is *required* for this rate)
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Benefits: Eligible for benefits as outlined here
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Portland Public Schools is committed to maintaining a work and learning environment free from discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, pregnancy, gender, sexual orientation, marital/civil union status, ancestry, place of birth, age, citizenship status, veteran status, political affiliation or disability, as defined and required by state and federal laws.
