About Sidwell Friends School

Sidwell Friends School is a dynamic pre-kindergarten through grade 12 educational community, on campuses in Bethesda, Maryland, and Washington, DC. Sidwell is grounded in Quaker values of ethical leadership, global citizenship, environmental stewardship, and service. Through our curriculum and our approach to learning, we strive to help students discern deeper truths about themselves and our common humanity so that they may “let their lives speak.”

Sidwell Friends will open a new Upper School for grades 9-12 in September 2026. It will be the largest building on campus and will feature state-of-the art facilities, welcoming common spaces, and natural light throughout. The current Lower School, in Bethesda, Maryland, has been separated from the rest of the Sidwell campus for more than 60 years.

Starting in the summer of 2026, Sidwell Friends will begin construction of a new Lower School that will incorporate parts of the existing Upper School, with significant additions and modifications to accommodate the needs of our youngest students. The new Lower School, along with the creation of a new central green space that will unite the campus, will open in the fall of 2028.

Position Overview

We seek joyful, dependable, and flexible educators to join our Lower School community as Daily Substitutes. Grounded in Quaker values, our school nurtures the intellectual, social, emotional, and spiritual growth of each child. Daily Substitutes play an important role in sustaining a caring, inclusive, and engaging learning environment when classroom teachers are absent.

This is an on-call position serving students in Pre-Kindergarten through Fourth Grade. Successful candidates will be student-centered, collaborative, and able to build positive relationships with children while supporting the rhythms and expectations of the classroom.

Key Responsibilities

• Implement lesson plans and classroom routines established by the lead teacher
• Cultivate a warm, respectful, and engaging classroom atmosphere that supports learning and belonging
• Ensure the safety, well-being, and dignity of every child
• Support students’ academic, social, and emotional development throughout the school day
• Use positive and proactive classroom management strategies aligned with the school’s philosophy
• Communicate effectively with teachers, administrators, and other school personnel
• Leave notes for the classroom teacher regarding the day’s activities, student experiences, and any concerns that arise
• Model the values of kindness, integrity, stewardship, and respect in all interactions

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree preferred
• Experience working with children in an educational setting; classroom teaching experience preferred
• Understanding of, or willingness to embrace, Quaker values and educational practices
• Strong communication, collaboration, and interpersonal skills
• Ability to follow lesson plans while responding thoughtfully to students’ needs
• Flexibility, adaptability, and comfort working across multiple grade levels
• Commitment to fostering an inclusive and affirming environment for all students

Additional Requirements

• Successful completion of all required background checks
• Participation in required orientation and training programs
• Availability to work during regular school hours on an as-needed basis

Salary & Benefits

Sidwell Friends School offers a comprehensive benefits package designed to support employees’ health, well-being, and long-term financial security. Benefits include multiple medical, dental, and vision plan options; school-paid life and long-term disability insurance; wellness programs; and flexible spending accounts.

Sidwell contributes 7% of gross salary to a 403(b) retirement plan, with a 3% employee contribution, along with generous paid time off including school breaks, federal holidays, personal days, and paid family leave. Additional benefits include free lunch and parking, public transportation support, access to campus facilities, childcare and summer program discounts, and other community-focused resources.

Rate: $75.00 Half Day; $150.00 Full Day

To Apply
To be considered, qualified candidates must upload a cover letter, resume, and three references through our applicant tracking system (ClearCo). To learn more about our school and current openings, please visit our website.

Diversity Statement
Sidwell Friends School affirms the centrality of diversity and inclusion in all aspects of academic and campus life. Honoring a multiplicity of voices, we celebrate shared joys and address tensions productively. Together, we are guided by Quaker testimonies and seek to answer the question, “How do we nurture a sense of belonging in our community and demonstrate our commitment to a just world?"