About the Role
Position Overview
The On-Call Substitute Teacher provides high-quality instruction and classroom leadership on a short-term or daily basis across Kindergarten through Grade 12. This role ensures continuity of learning by actively delivering instruction, maintaining academic standards, and supporting student engagement during teacher absences. On-call substitutes are expected to teach prepared lessons, manage classrooms effectively, and adapt instruction as needed in alignment with the school’s academic expectations and multicultural environment.
Key Responsibilities
Implement lesson plans and instructional activities as provided by the classroom teacher.
Maintain classroom routines, behavioral expectations, and academic rigor.
Actively engage students in learning and ensure a productive classroom environment.
Monitor student understanding and provide basic feedback as appropriate.
Follow all school policies and procedures during assignments.
Leave clear notes or reports for the returning teacher.
Family Support and Communication
Follow school protocols regarding communication with families.
Refer parent inquiries to the appropriate school administrator or teacher.
Support a respectful and professional school-home relationship.
Program Administration
Accurately document attendance, classroom activities, and any relevant incidents.
Provide feedback to administrators or lead teachers when requested.
Comply with school guidelines, safeguarding policies, and confidentiality standards.
Represent the school’s mission, values, and academic expectations in all assignments.
Requirements
Personal Attributes
Reliable, punctual, and responsive to short-notice assignments.
Professional demeanor with strong classroom presence.
Adaptable and confident working across multiple grade levels and subject areas.
Respectful, culturally responsive, and inclusive.
Calm, organized, and capable of managing diverse classroom situations.
Education and Experience
Bachelor’s degree in Education or a related field (required or preferred, depending on school policy).
Teaching certification or licensure (preferred).
Prior experience teaching or substituting in K–12 settings.
Experience in international, bilingual, or multicultural school environments (preferred).
Familiarity with structured curricula and academic standards is an asset.
Skills and Competencies
Ability to deliver clear, effective instruction using provided lesson plans.
Strong classroom management aligned with high academic expectations.
Flexibility to adapt instruction to student needs and classroom dynamics.
Effective communication skills in English; additional languages are a plus.
Basic proficiency with classroom technology and learning platforms.
Strong organizational and time-management skills.
About the Company
School Overview
The International American School of Cancun, Mexico, is a private, non-profit, non-sectarian, co-educational institution offering a bilingual, bicultural education for students from preschool through high school. The school was founded in 1990 and is dedicated to an American style education, high academic standards and the caring environment a small school can offer. The International American School of Cancun is accredited by Cognia (SACS/AdvanCED) and SAIS in the United States and by Mexico’s Ministry of Education (SEP) and the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM).
Mission and Vision
The International American School of Cancun is a values-driven, multicultural community committed to bilingualism and academic excellence. IAS promotes an environment of meaningful learning experiences with strong emphasis on character development, emphasizing our six core values and graduate profile. Our Core Values are Responsibility, fairness, caring, trustworthiness, respect, and citizenship. Our Profile of a Graduate emphasizes the development of active, community-centered, lifelong learners who are also values-driven student leaders who have a positive impact on the world around them.
Faculty
The International American School of Cancun maintains a highly trained professional staff, composed of teachers from the U.S., Mexico, England, and Canada. Thirty-three percent of the teachers hold a graduate degree. These teachers support the efforts of the school community to provide an American model of education in a bilingual, bicultural setting. The school enjoys a blend of staff members who are permanent residents of Cancun and others with shorter time commitments, as well as diversity in age and experience. This is yet another aspect that helps create a professional atmosphere where ideas are exchanged freely and challenges and goals are addressed in many different and unique ways.