Long-term Substitute Teacher

Ready to make an impact in your community while getting paid? Become a long‑term substitute teacher with Kokua in New York City and create powerful moments that shift students’ perception of what’s possible.

We’re currently accepting applications for the 2025-26 school year, and you can begin interviewing right away!

In case you’re wondering, it’s pronounced Koh‑KOO‑ah. In Hawaiian, Kokua means to come together to fulfill a need and we’re excited to have you join us in connecting students with classroom role models who can empower them to be their best.

• Positively contribute to your community - spark a love for learning with your students
• Help solve the teacher shortage crisis in America
• Teach 5 consistent days/week in the same school and teaching assignment
• Add representation to the classroom to help kids learn from your unique experiences
• Autonomy - Choose the teaching assignments & locations you’re most excited about

• Completed Bachelor’s Degree (per NYC requirement)
• 1+ year(s) experience working with K-12 students
  • Pro tip: To put your best foot forward, please include all relevant experience working with students on your resume to be considered for this role!
• Confidence to manage a classroom of students
• Ability to pass a background check
• Availability within a 7:30am-4:30pm window, as start and end times vary by school
• Preference given to candidates who can work at least 3 days/week
• Preference is given to candidates willing to commute to 2+ boroughs

• Earn $210 daily with weekly paychecks
• A quick hiring process - receive an offer within 48 hours of applying
• Gain experience at a wide variety of private and charter schools across NYC
• Access full-time teaching opportunities at top rated K-12 schools
• Accrue paid sick days once you start teaching
• Ongoing professional development sessions to strengthen your teaching skills
• Transportation assistance - opportunity to enroll & use pre‑tax dollars for public transportation and parking
• A W-2 meaning no fussing with taxes at year end
• A support team of former teachers available from 6am-7:30pm who care about your success

Founded by a former teacher, Kokua has been connecting talented individuals to K-12 schools for over 13 years. We currently operate in schools across the country, and serve schools across Manhattan, Brooklyn, the Bronx, and Queens, building a growing and diverse network of dedicated substitute teachers who want to make a difference in students’ lives. We believe that one role model can change a student’s life forever.

As our Hawaiian name says, Kokua is about coming together as a community and paving a pathway for generations to come.