Ready to make an impact in your community while getting paid? Become a substitute teacher with Kokua in New York City and create powerful moments that shift students’ perception of what’s possible.
We're currently accepting applications for the 2025-26 school year, and you can begin interviewing right away!
In case you’re wondering, it’s pronounced Koh-KOO-ah. In Hawaiian, Kokua means to come together to fulfill a need and we’re excited to have you join us in connecting students with classroom role models who can empower them to be their best.
Perks of substitute teaching:
- Positively contribute to your community - spark a love for learning with your students
- Help solve the teacher shortage crisis in America
- Flexible schedule - up to 5 days/week, allowing you to pursue other passions and fit substitute teaching into your life
- Add representation to the classroom to help kids learn from your unique experiences
- Autonomy - Choose the teaching assignments & locations you’re most excited about
You’ll need:
- Completed Bachelor’s Degree (per NYC requirement)
- 1+ year(s) experience working with K-12 students
- Pro tip: To put your best foot forward, please include all relevant experience working with students on your resume to be considered for this role!
- Confidence to manage a classroom of students
- Ability to pass a background check
- Availability within a 7:30am-4:30pm window, as start and end times vary by school
- Preference given to candidates who can work at least 3 days/week
- Preference is given to candidates willing to commute to 2+ boroughs
With Kokua, you’ll get:
- Earn up to $210 daily with weekly paychecks
- $182/day for daily positions and $210/day for long-term positions
- A quick hiring process - receive an offer within 48 hours of applying
- Gain experience at a wide variety of private and charter schools across NYC
- Access full-time teaching opportunities at top rated K-12 schools
- Accrue paid sick days once you start teaching
- Ongoing professional development sessions to strengthen your teaching skills
- Transportation assistance - opportunity to enroll & use pre-tax dollars for public transportation and parking
- A W-2 meaning no fussing with taxes at year end
- A support team of former teachers available from 6am-7:30pm who care about your success
About Kokua Education
Founded by a former teacher, Kokua has been connecting talented individuals to K-12 schools for over 13 years. We currently operate in schools across the country, and serve schools across Manhattan, Brooklyn, the Bronx, and Queens, building a growing and diverse network of dedicated substitute teachers who want to make a difference in students’ lives. We believe that one role model can change a student’s life forever.
As our Hawaiian name says, Kokua is about coming together as a community and paving a pathway for generations to come.
