ASL Substitute Teacher Job Description
Introduction to ASL
ASL was founded in 1951 by Stephen L. Eckard, an American journalist and teacher, who opened the School with a handful of students in his Knightsbridge flat. With a steadfast determination to take advantage of all the cultural opportunities that London has to offer, Eckard’s aspirations for his burgeoning school stand true today, nearly 70 years later. ASL now houses an average of 1400 students, ages 4 to 18, and 370 staff from 70 countries around the globe.
Our mission is to empower each student to thrive as a lifelong learner and courageous global citizen by fostering intellect, creativity, inclusivity and character. To achieve our mission, ASL is committed to our core values: Respect, Responsibility, Kindness, Integrity and the Courage to Act. This extends to our students, teachers, parents, staff and friends who come together to create an extended yet focused family.
We are deeply committed to the values espoused in our Diversity, Equity and Inclusion statement, which demonstrates our dedication to fostering an inclusive school environment and affirming the dignity of every member of our community. We pride ourselves in being an international school which reflects the world around us, harnessing difference, equity and trust into our practices, in order for our members to thrive and students to flourish.
We believe our community is our strength, and so we provide an environment rich with creativity and collaboration, and the resources for our faculty, staff and students to reach their full potential. The success of our school lies in the dynamic student teacher relationship. We deliver a creative and inquiry based curriculum while encouraging the pursuit of personal and academic excellence.
Our bank of substitute teachers are crucial in supporting this mission and we look to find like minded individuals that wish to share in our commitment.
Key Responsibilities
• Maintains and respects the confidentiality of student and school personnel information
• Maintains discipline and classroom control that fosters a safe and positive learning environment for all students and staff in accordance with school and county policies
• A solid understanding of K to 12 school organisation, programmes and students
• Flexible and willing to adapt to change at short notice
• Willingness to help supervise extra curricular activities
• Ability to teach day to day assignments or longer term positions such as maternity leave or long term illness
• Uses initiative to solve problems when they arise and is willing to make decisions based on the best interest of students
• Ability to communicate well with school students of varying ages and backgrounds
• Experience in curriculum and assessment development
• Can take over classes with little advance notice and improvise lessons in emergency situations where the teacher is unable to provide lesson plans
• Recent and relevant professional development
• Previous K to 12 school teaching experience
• Strong ability to communicate with parents, understanding that communication style may vary depending on age group
• A positive attitude with a strong sense of humour and desire to contribute to a close school community
• Expertise in building active, collaborative classroom environments that encourage critical thinking and problem solving
• Proven ability to differentiate instruction and integrate learning
• Ability to quickly adjust to different specialist subjects including Art, PE, Music and Spanish, and across different age groups
School Structure
Lower School
Our academic programmes are designed to actively engage students through inquiry and investigation. This approach encourages curiosity, creativity and collaboration. Core subjects in literacy, maths, science and social studies are enriched by specialist teaching in music, art, PE, technology and Spanish.
Middle School
The Middle School programme is rigorous and focused on developing deep understanding. Students are encouraged to think, question, express and create. Learning is hands on, collaborative and student centred. The curriculum includes English, mathematics, social studies, world languages, science, physical education, music and the arts, alongside a wide range of electives.
High School
Students have access to a broad range of academic and extracurricular opportunities. Subjects include English, maths, social studies, sciences, world languages, journalism and the arts. The school’s London location enhances learning through cultural and experiential opportunities, including travel and service programmes, preparing students to become responsible global citizens.
Substitute Teachers are recruited on an ongoing basis depending on the school’s needs. If your experience aligns with current requirements, we will be in touch regarding next steps.
This position description is current at the date shown but may be updated to reflect changes in the role.
The American School in London is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All appointments are subject to appropriate checks including enhanced DBS, identity, right to work, employment history, references and relevant regulatory checks.
All posts involving direct contact with children are exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. Certain spent convictions may be protected and not subject to disclosure. Shortlisted candidates will be required to provide relevant information prior to interview, and all disclosures will be checked with the Disclosure and Barring Service before appointment is confirmed.
ASL is dedicated to fostering courageous global citizenship in a diverse and inclusive environment. We welcome applications from candidates with diverse backgrounds, experiences and perspectives. The American School in London does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, gender, disability, sexual orientation, age or any other protected characteristic under local law.