St. Mary’s Academy is seeking a warm, enthusiastic Long-Term Lower School Instructional Specialist Substitute to join our Lower School community from March 30 to June 3, 2025, during a two-month maternity leave. This is a wonderful opportunity to step into a vibrant, mission-driven school and work closely with a supportive team of dedicated educators and an encouraging principal who value collaboration, communication, and professional partnership.

In this role, you will provide small-group remedial literacy instruction for students in K–5, as well as enrichment opportunities for students eager for greater academic challenge. Ideal candidates bring both strong instructional skills and the ability to routinely assess student needs and tailor instruction accordingly. Familiarity with Orton-Gillingham, i-Ready, and DIBELS is preferred, though a growth mindset and willingness to learn are equally valued.

Most importantly, we are seeking someone who brings joy to their work—someone who delights in supporting young learners, approaches each day with positivity, and contributes to the warm, connected culture of our lower school team. As part of a highly collaborative department, you will work closely with colleagues to plan, organize, and implement meaningful instruction that nurtures confidence, curiosity, and academic growth in every student.

Major Duties and Responsibilities:

• Teach reading intervention classes for kindergarten through 5th-grade students using the Orton-Gillingham approach (preferred).
• Teach enrichment classes for kindergarten through 5th-grade students, providing opportunities for deeper exploration and academic challenge.
• Provide small-group remedial literacy instruction using targeted, research-based strategies to support diverse learners.
• Routinely assess student progress using a variety of tools (including i-Ready and DIBELS) and tailor instruction to meet individual learning needs.
• Collaborate closely with Lower School teachers, instructional specialists, and the principal to ensure cohesive and consistent support for students.
• Maintain clear, positive communication with colleagues to promote alignment, shared goals, and a joyful, supportive team culture.
• Create a warm, engaging learning environment that nurtures student confidence, independence, and joy in learning.
• Participate in team meetings, planning sessions, and professional collaborations as needed during the assignment period.
• Maintain accurate records of student work, progress, and instructional plans to support continuity of learning.
• Uphold St. Mary’s Academy’s mission, values, and commitment to fostering a supportive and inclusive school community.

Salary:

The salary for this long-term, exempt position is $8,325 The position starts on March 30, 2025, and concludes on June 3, 2026; daily hours are 7:30-3:30 pm

How to Apply:

Interested candidates should send a cover letter and resume to Kristina Carothers at kcarothers@smanet.org. No calls, please.

Qualifications/Requirements:

Education and qualifications should include the following:

• Bachelor’s degree required; a Master’s degree preferred
• 3+ years of teaching experience grounded in knowledge of instructional practices 
• Certification in the Orton-Gillingham approach for reading instruction
• Experience administering and interpreting DIBELS and i-Ready assessments preferred
• Familiarity teaching phonemic awareness (Heggerty or Kilpatrick)
• Completion of the READ Act training preferred
• Certification or endorsement in Gifted & Talented education preferred
• A positive, growth-oriented mindset and a joyful approach to teaching and learning.
• A sense of resonance with the St. Mary’s Academy mission.

About St. Mary's Academy

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