Full-Time Building Substitute | Elementary School

Position Title: Building Substitute | Elementary School

Location: New Haven

Reports To: School Principal

Employment Type: Full-time, Exempt

Start Date: SY25-26 (Immediate Opening/Hire)

Salary Range: $43,000 - $50,000, commensurate with experience

About Booker T. Washington Academy

Booker T. Washington Academies (BTWA) in New Haven, CT, serves K–4 scholars at its Elementary campus and grades 5–8 at its Middle School campus. Founded in 2014 around Booker T. Washington’s credo—“Excellence is doing common things in uncommon ways”—BTWA balances a rigorous academic program with the cultivation of morals, character, self-discipline, responsibility for one’s actions, lifestyle, work ethic, and educational uplift.

Scholars develop proficiency in reading, writing, critical thinking, discussion, and problem-solving to meet college and career goals, while embracing and demonstrating the morals, character, self-discipline, and work ethic to be leaders in life and community.

Recognized as a Connecticut School of Distinction in 2018 (Category 1) and again in 2024 (Category 2)—the only New Haven public school honored that year—BTWA equips graduates to work hard, harness the power of education, elevate themselves, and give back to their communities in a transformational way.

For more information about EC Prep, please visit www.btwanewhaven.org

About the Opportunity

Booker T. Washington Academy Elementary School seeks a passionate and committed Building Substitute to ensure seamless instruction and culture at our grades K-4 campus. This full-time, school-based role provides daily coverage for teacher absences, contributes to a consistent learning environment, and supports broader student needs when not leading a classroom. The ideal candidate is adaptable, mission-driven, and passionate about middle school learners.
This role offers a unique chance to:

• Observe a variety of teaching styles and grade-level teams

• Co-plan and co-teach alongside veteran teachers

• Build relationships with scholars through both instructional and extracurricular support

• Deepen expertise in restorative practices and culturally responsive pedagogy in a high-need urban setting

• Grow as an educator and pursue a potential career in education through our Resident Teacher Pathway

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Key Responsibilities of the Role

As a Full-Time Building Substitute / Resident Teacher at BTWA ES, you will be primarily responsible for:

Instructional Excellence

• Deliver rigorous, standards-aligned lessons using existing teacher plans, adapting in real time to meet scholar needs

• Lead small-group interventions and pull-out sessions to reinforce grade-level skills

• Utilize formative data (exit tickets, quick writes, checks-for-understanding) to monitor progress and adjust supports

Classroom Culture & Student Experience

• Establish consistent routines, expectations, and restorative approaches that foster a safe, inclusive, and joyful learning environment

• Build strong relationships to empower student voice, leadership, and self-advocacy

• Supervise and engage scholars during lunch, recess, hall transitions, and emergency drills

Collaboration & Professional Learning

• Co-plan and co-teach alongside grade-level teams and content-area specialists

• Participate in weekly professional learning communities, coaching cycles, and peer observations

• Share emerging best practices in behavior management, culturally responsive instruction, and differentiation

Program Support, School Partnership & Flexibility

• Serve as point person for daily substitute placement and classroom coverages.

• Step into other school-based roles as needed (study hall supervisor, hall monitor, small group instruction, behavioral supports, lunch/recess duty)

• Uphold all school policies, emergency protocols, and compliance requirements

• Model a growth mindset, professional adaptability, and a solutions-focused approach to unanticipated challenges

• Contribute to school-wide events, committees, and culture-building initiatives

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Qualifications of the Ideal Candidate

While no one candidate will embody all the qualifications enumerated below, the ideal candidate will possess many of the following professional and personal abilities, attributes, and experiences:

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution

• Connecticut substitute teaching certification or eligibility upon hire

• Minimum 1 year of experience working with elementary scholars, preferably in urban or high-need environments

• Strong classroom management skills and ability to build rapport quickly

• Excellent verbal, written, and restorative communication skills

• Reliable attendance, punctuality, and professional demeanor

Preferred Qualifications

• Connecticut provisional or professional teaching certification in any content area

• Interest in pursuing a career in teaching via our Resident Teacher Pathway Program

• Prior experience as a long-term substitute, resident teacher, or intern

• Familiarity with restorative justice practices and culturally responsive pedagogy

• Experience differentiating instruction for diverse learners, including ELs and students with IEPs

• Background in project-based or inquiry-driven instructional models

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Mindsets We Value

Our team is passionately committed to the vision and values of Elevate Charter Schools and Booker T. Washington Academy. The ideal candidate will have a positive mindset, a very strong work ethic, an inner drive for excellence, and will thrive working in an entrepreneurial and results-driven environment

Additionally, we deeply value, and are actively seeking candidates who demonstrate the following mindsets and beliefs:

• Mission-Driven: In addition to deeply aligning and embodying the mission and values of ECS and BTWA, you believe in the brilliance and promise of all students, particularly students of color, and want to be part of their success story.

• Growth-Oriented: You welcome feedback, are deeply reflective on your personal practices, and are constantly seeking to improve your craft.

• Entrepreneurial: You are flexible, solutions-focused, and energized by the opportunity to build something from the ground up.

• Collaborative: You thrive in a team-based culture and believe that collective effort drives school success.

• Commitment to Excellence: You hold yourself, and others, to the highest of standards and have a student-centric, “whatever it takes” mentality to create a learning community where all students and stakeholders can grow and thrive.

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Compensation and Benefits

At Elevate Charter Schools, we are committed to ensuring fair and equitable compensation based on the skills and qualifications required for the role. Our salaries are set through a lens of equity and based on an individual’s skills, education, and years of experience relevant to the role.
The salary range for the Building Substitute/Resident Teacher is $43,000 to $50,000, commensurate with experience and qualifications, and reflective of the responsibilities and expertise needed to succeed in this position. Final salary may be adjusted based on experience and qualifications.
In addition to competitive compensation, Elevate offers a range of comprehensive benefits packages to all regular, full-time employees at a competitive value.
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Physical Requirements

This position requires the ability to perform the following physical activities with or without reasonable accommodation:

• Mobility: Ability to move around the school building and classrooms, attend meetings, and participate in professional development activities.

• Vision: Clear vision to engage with students and stakeholders in a variety of settings and to monitor classrooms/school environments for student safety and well-being.

• Hearing: Ability to hear conversations and presentations in various settings.

• Communication: Clear speech to effectively communicate with teachers, staff, administrators, and families/caregivers.

• Occasional Physical Demands: Ability to lift and carry light materials (such as books and documents), bend or reach to access files or materials, and stand for extended periods during meetings or presentations.

• Stamina: Ability to lead instruction across the school day with sustained energy and focus.

Elevate Charter Schools is committed to providing a supportive work environment and will make reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the role.

Elevate Charter Schools is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Elevate Charter Schools is a non-profit charter management organization serving charter schools in Connecticut's inner cities. Our scholars are 99% Black and brown, and Elevate greatly values inclusion and diversity in our staff.
Guided by a commitment to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and equitable environment for all stakeholders, Elevate encourages individuals of all backgrounds and experiences to apply, especially those who share a similar background to the communities we serve.
If you have questions about the application process, experience any challenges, or need support completing your application, please reach out to our talent team at [email protected]. We are committed to ensuring an accessible and welcoming experience for all candidates.