Long-Term Substitute Pre-K Teacher - Pre-K Program at Catherine Morrill Day Nursery

Long-Term Substitute Pre‑K Teacher - Pre‑K Program at Catherine Morrill Day Nursery

Portland Public Schools is seeking a Long‑Term Substitute Pre‑K Teacher for the Pre‑K classroom at Catherine Morrill Day Nursery. Coverage will begin approximately October 19, 2026 and continue through February 12, 2027.

We are looking for a teacher who has deep knowledge of evidence‑based early childhood pedagogy and curriculum, as well as the Maine Early Learning Development Standards. Candidates should be passionate about working with young children and bring an equity‑oriented approach to instruction. They will establish appropriate developmental expectations and provide differentiated support within a nurturing, joyful early learning environment.

Collaborate with the school’s administrator and PPS Director of Pre‑K Programs. Maintain strong working relationships with the partnering Pre‑K and Kindergarten co‑teacher, colleagues, administrators, students, parents, and community members. Attend school meetings, programs, activities, and events outside the instructional day as needed.

• Maximize intellectual, physical, social and emotional development for all students within a small, cohesive learning environment
• Establish a warm, caring and inclusive community of young learners that is coupled with positive and developmentally appropriate classroom management practices
• Plan learning experiences that are aligned to the Maine Early Learning Development Standards and are responsive to individual student needs
• Successfully implement early numeracy and literacy instruction and assessment
• Successfully implement differentiated instruction to develop, select and modify instructional plans and materials to meet the unique needs of all learners
• Successfully integrate outdoor learning experiences across the curriculum
• 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
• Collaborate with special educators, related support providers and Child Development Services to ensure IEP goals, accommodations and modifications are implemented appropriately
• 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
• Participate in a community of professional learning with other Pre‑K and Kindergarten teachers across Portland Public Schools
• Actively contribute to and learn from colleagues within the school and across the school district

• Strong equity orientation and an openness to personal reflection on deepening awareness of personal bias and being culturally responsive and respectful
• 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
• Strong relationship builder: ability to work effectively and respectfully with students, administrators, colleagues, families and community members
• Team player: an openness and desire to collaborate with colleagues and administration, including sharing lessons, assessments, student work and data
• Ability to maintain professionalism in challenging situations and/or amidst competing demands and priorities
• Excellent oral and written communication
• Digital competency with technology integration for learning, communication, data collection and analysis, and accessing online professional resources and learning opportunities

• Bachelor's degree in an applicable field of education from an accredited college or university
• Experience working in Pre‑K and/or Kindergarten classrooms preferred
• Experience with Pre‑K for ME and Teaching Strategies Gold preferred

• Maine State fingerprint (CHRC) authorization (more info)
• Maine State Teaching Certificate with one of the following (more info):
  • Endorsement 081 (Early Childhood Education, 0‑5)
  • Endorsement 029 (Early Elementary, PK‑3)

• Assignment: Temporary (October 2026 to February 2027)
• Schedule: Full time, 1.0 FTE
• Wage: $37.25 / hour (certification is required for this rate)
• Benefits: Eligible for benefits as outlined here

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.