Saturday Academy Floating Substitute Lead Teacher

Description

Horizons Greater Washington  

Saturday Academy Floating Substitute Lead Teacher 

About Horizons Greater Washington  

Horizons Greater Washington (HGW) provides year-round academic enrichment and summer learning opportunities for more than 400 students in grades 1–9. Through long-term partnerships with students, families, schools, and communities, we inspire the joy of learning while supporting academic achievement, social-emotional growth, and confidence. 

Position Summary  

The Floating Substitute Lead Teacher is a vital member of the Saturday Academy instructional team, providing flexible classroom coverage and instructional support to ensure students experience consistent, high-quality learning. This position promotes the academic, social, emotional, and intellectual development of students in grades 1–8 by maintaining engaging, student-centered classrooms in the absence of a regularly assigned Lead Teacher. 

In addition to providing substitute classroom instruction, the Floating Substitute Lead Teacher supports classrooms requiring additional instructional or behavioral assistance and collaborates with teachers, specialists, Program Support Staff, and administrators to meet the evolving needs of the program. The Floating Substitute Lead Teacher may also supervise groups of up to 20 students during field trips, transportation, and other program activities. 

The Floating Substitute Lead Teacher reports directly to the Saturday Academy Site Director. 

2026-2027 Program Dates 

16 Saturdays: September 19, 2026 – April 10, 2027 

2026: Sept 19, Sept 26, Oct 10, Oct 17, Oct 24, Nov 7, Nov 21, Dec 5 

2027: Jan 9, Jan 16, Jan 30, Feb 6, Feb 13, Feb 27, Mar 13, April 3 

With the opportunity to be on call on swim days:  

2026: Oct 3, Oct 31, Nov 14, Dec 12 

2027: Jan 23, Feb 20, Mar 6, April 10 

Schedule 

Saturdays from 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. (or until student dismissal).  

Program Location 

Bancroft Elementary School, 1755 Newton St. NW, Washington, DC 20010 

Core Duties and Responsibilities   

Teaching & Student Engagement  

• Provide classroom instruction in the absence of the assigned Lead Teacher  
• Deliver engaging, project-based, student-centered lessons that promote critical thinking, collaboration, creativity, and joyful learning.  
• Differentiate instruction to meet the diverse academic, developmental, and social-emotional needs of students.  
• Establish positive classroom routines and maintain an environment that is safe, inclusive, and conducive to learning.  
• Build positive relationships with students while reinforcing high expectations for behavior and participation.  

Classroom & Program Support:  

• Provide instructional or behavioral support in classrooms as assigned throughout the program day.  
• Collaborate with classroom teachers, specialists, and Program Support Staff to ensure continuity of instruction and positive student experiences.  
• Adapt quickly to changing classroom assignments and program needs while maintaining professionalism and flexibility.  
• Assist with classroom setup, transitions, and other instructional responsibilities as needed.  
• Supervise groups of approximately 15–20 students during classroom activities, transitions, field trips, recess, lunch, and bus transportation, as assigned.  
• Promptly communicate student concerns, behavioral incidents, or safety issues to the Site Director.  
• Maintain reliable attendance and actively contribute to a positive team culture. 

Qualifications 

Required 

• High school diploma or GED equivalent 
• Teaching certification is strongly preferred; candidates with significant teaching experience or relevant content expertise will also be considered.  
• Experience implementing effective classroom management strategies and fostering positive student behavior.  
• Knowledge of child development, social-emotional learning, and strategies that support the development of focus, perseverance, empathy, self-regulation, and resilience.  
• Ability to engage diverse learners through student-centered instruction.  
• Excellent communication, organizational, interpersonal, and time management skills.  
• Ability to work collaboratively as part of a multidisciplinary team.  
• Willingness to receive coaching and implement instructional feedback to support continuous professional growth. 

Preferred 

• Bachelor's degree preferred or equivalent experience 
• Experience teaching elementary and/or middle school students in classroom or out-of-school time settings.  
• Experience implementing project-based or experiential learning.  
• Knowledge of instructional strategies that support multilingual learners.  
• Bilingual proficiency in English and Spanish. 

Pay Rate and Hours:  

$32.19 per hour. 

Background Check Requirements  

Employment is contingent upon successful completion of required DC background screenings, including: 

• FBI Fingerprinting  
• DC Child Protection Registry  
• Metropolitan Police Criminal Background Check  
• National Sex Offender Registry 

How to Apply 

Please submit: 

• Resume  
• Brief cover letter describing your interest and relevant experience 

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. 

Environmental and Physical Conditions 

This position requires standing, walking, lifting up to 20 pounds, supervising children indoors and outdoors, and responding appropriately during emergencies. 

Horizons Greater Washington is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in employment opportunities or practices on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, marital status, personal appearance, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, family responsibilities, political affiliation, disability, genetic information, matriculation, source of income, place of business or residence, pregnancy, homeless status, or any other status protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.