Long-Term Substitute Reading Intervention Teacher

St. Mary’s Academy Overview:

St. Mary’s Academy, located in Englewood, Colorado, is Metro Denver’s premier Catholic, independent school offering rigorous academics in its co-ed lower and middle schools, as well as its high school for girls. St. Mary’s Academy offers a safe and innovative program that embraces all student backgrounds and fosters character and moral development from Pre-Kindergarten to Graduation.

St. Mary’s Academy is a close community where faculty and staff serve as role models for the students in accordance with a mission to foster excellence in each child through academic achievement, spiritual development, and service. The qualities of a strong work ethic, desire for personal growth, and commitment to life-long learning that St. Mary’s Academy expects of students are likewise an expectation for faculty and staff. Each day, too, is an opportunity to live the Loretto School Values of faith, community, justice, and respect.

St. Mary’s Academy is committed to recruiting and retaining a diverse faculty and staff who are dedicated to their profession and to the well-being and life of the St. Mary’s Academy community. St. Mary's Academy does not discriminate on the basis of age, color, sex, disability, marital status, national or ethnic origin, race, sexual orientation or religion. This policy applies to all areas of student concerns: educational policies, admission policies (historically high school admission is open to women only), scholarship, and grant-in-aid programs, athletic and other school-administered programs as well as employee/personnel concerns. St. Mary's Academy is an equal-opportunity employer.

Job Description:

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, 2026, 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 values collaboration, communication, and professional partnerships.

In this role, you will provide small-group remedial literacy instruction to 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.

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 with teaching phonemic awareness (Heggerty or Kilpatrick)

● Completion of the READ Act training is 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.

Salary:

The salary for this long-term, exempt position is $8,325. The position starts on March 30, 2026, 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.

Job Type: Temporary

Pay: $4,162.50 per month

Work Location: In person