At West Michigan Academy of Environmental Science our goal is clear; to create an environment where children advance in learning because they learn through discovery.
Long Term Substitute Teacher - Secondary ELA
Start of the 2025-2026 School Year
About WMAES:
Wonder what it would be like to go snowshoeing through a maple forest Or what it may be like to grow your own food in a greenhouse Students at West Michigan Academy of Environmental Science (WMAES) dont wonder what they know! Come be a part of our 62-acres of an outdoor classroom to expand your childs love of learning. Working gardens nature trails forests wetlands and prairies are all available for students to explore. WMAES students transition from desks to dirt creating an environment for all students to learn. WMAES knows that teachers are the heart of the school and are surrounded by a support system that is committed to the success of every child.
Qualities of a Successful Candidate:
- A comfortability in an outdoor setting and a knack for creativity and innovation incorporating hands-on activities experiential learning and interactive teaching methods to make environmental/outdoor learning engaging and impactful.
- An unwavering belief that all children regardless of their background can learn and exceed at high levels.
- A strong desire to achieve outstanding results in the pursuit of excellence for students.
- Strong interpersonal skills fostering positive relationships with children parents and other staff members. They should be able to work collaboratively promoting a harmonious learning environment.
As the Long Term Substitute Teacher your core responsibilities will include but are not limited to the following:
- Guides the learning process toward the achievement of curriculum goals and implementation of personal learning plans of students.
- Selects appropriate materials for implementation of the curriculum and adapts materials and methods to the learning styles and abilities of students.
- Is creative and adaptive in responding to situations to maintain order and continued learning.
- Motivates students to achieve at their highest level of ability and potential through classroom activities assignments relationships participation and feedback; holds high expectations and demonstrates sensitivity to different abilities and readiness.
- Demonstrates exceptional classroom techniques which include the art of questioning to build independent learners; clarity of communication and clear directions; building an atmosphere of mutual respect independent thought and expression; and positive engaging student and teacher experiences in large and small groups.
- Works cooperatively with guardians and generates guardians confidence.
- Uses technology effectively for instruction record-keeping communication and other administrative tasks.
- Accepts responsibility for their personal growth and implementation of professional development; contributes to a cooperative and collaborative learning community in and out of the classroom.
- Conducts himself or herself according to professional and ethical principles.
- Carries out other duties assigned by the principal and/or Choice Schools Associates.
For the full job description please email
Essential Skills and Competencies: While we will consider a broad range of backgrounds the ideal candidate would have the following qualifications/experience:
Minimum Requirements:
- Valid Michigan teaching certificate with endorsements in appropriate grade and subject levels meeting the requirements of the Michigan Department of Education and Federal guidelines. Except as otherwise provided by law the Academy shall use certificated teachers according to the state board rule.
- Or minimum of a Bachelors degree and an alternative pathway which includes passing the MTTC test(s) for endorsements in appropriate grade and subject levels.
- Or minimum of a Bachelors degree.
- Ability to use technology as an instructional tool in the classroom as a means of analyzing academic achievement data and as a tool to aid effective communications.
Desired Qualifications:
- Excellent verbal and written expression using standard grammar and vocabulary.
- Strong interpersonal skills.
- Recent teaching experience coursework or other activity in the area of primary instruction
- Demonstrated knowledge of current instructional strategies appropriate for students at the specified grade level
- Desire and ability to work with students at the specified age level with diverse backgrounds and levels of ability toward accomplishing their educational goals.
Start Date: Approximately November 2024
Work Location: 4463 Leonard ST SW Grand Rapids MI 49534
Please contact with questions.
Choice Schools is a team of educators literacy specialists student advocates and many other professions but first and foremost we are parents moms dads guardians grandparents aunts and uncles who love kids. As a nationally accredited and regionally recognized full-service education service provider student learning is our organizations mission. We provide a student-focused approach to customized school operations support including instruction finance compliance communications human resources enrollment curriculum and professional development. Our student-centric philosophy drives us to the path to greatness allowing everyone - students staff teachers board members and stakeholders to thrive. After more than 20 years of serving diverse models of schools Choice is committed to being Michigans most trusted education service provider with the highest-performing schools.
Choice is an Education Service Provider for charter schools in Michigan and is the employer. Please visit for more information. EEOC
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