Substitute Teacher – Weekend School

Position Snapshot

Position: Substitute Teacher – Weekend School

Reports to: Principal / Academic Coordinator

Location: SALAM Islamic Center, Sacramento, CA (in-person)

Schedule: On-call, Sundays, 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM (arrive 9:50 AM for morning assembly/athkar)

Two semesters: Fall and Spring

Classification: Independent Contractor (1099)

Compensation: $20.00 per hour

Start date: Immediate; ongoing through the 2026–2027 school year

About SALAM Weekend School

SALAM Weekend School is a Sunday Islamic education program serving children from Pre-K through high school in Sacramento, California. Our mission is to provide a nurturing and engaging environment where Muslim children can learn the Quran and Islamic studies while building a strong sense of community, faith, and friendship.

Each Sunday, students rotate through three core subjects: Quranic Arabic (taught using the Qaida Noorania method), Quran (reading, tafseer, memorization, and tajweed), and Islamic Studies.

Position Summary

We are building a pool of reliable Substitute Teachers who can step in when a regular teacher is absent. Substitutes cover all three subjects (Quranic Arabic, Quran, and Islamic Studies) at whichever level needs coverage that Sunday. The substitute follows the regular teacher's lesson plan, keeps the class on track, and makes sure students have a safe, structured, and productive day.

This is a part-time, in-person, on-call contract role on Sundays only. There is no minimum number of Sundays; you accept the assignments that fit your schedule. Ideal candidates have classroom experience, a strong foundation in Islamic knowledge, fluency or strong proficiency in Quranic Arabic, and the flexibility to adapt quickly to different age groups.

Key Responsibilities

Instruction (all three subjects)

Quranic Arabic: Deliver the planned Qaida Noorania lesson, supporting letter recognition, pronunciation, and reading at the student's level.

Quran: Lead Quran reading, memorization (hifz) review, and basic tajweed following the regular teacher's plan and each student's current progress.

Islamic Studies: Teach the planned lesson on the pillars of Islam, seerah (life of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ), or Islamic values, using the curriculum provided by the school.

Classroom and program duties

Arrive by 9:50 AM for the morning assembly; remain on-site through 2:00 PM dismissal.

Review the lesson plan and class materials provided by the regular teacher or the school before class begins.

Manage classroom behavior with kindness, consistency, and developmentally appropriate expectations.

Take attendance and leave a brief end-of-day note for the regular teacher covering what was taught, student behavior, and anything that needs follow-up.

Direct any parent questions to the regular teacher or school office; the regular teacher remains the primary parent contact.

Uphold child safety, supervision, and conduct policies at all times.

Required Qualifications

Practicing Muslim with a strong personal commitment to Islamic values and to serving as a positive role model for children.

Demonstrated ability to teach all three subjects: Quranic Arabic (Qaida Noorania or equivalent), Quran reading and memorization, and Islamic Studies.

Strong proficiency in Quranic Arabic, including correct pronunciation (makharij) and basic tajweed.

Solid foundational knowledge of aqeedah, seerah, and the pillars of Islam appropriate to teaching K–12 students.

Prior experience teaching, tutoring, mentoring, or working with children (formal classroom experience preferred).

Excellent classroom management, communication, and interpersonal skills.

Dependable and responsive to short-notice requests (typically by Saturday evening).

Preferred Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in Education, Islamic Studies, Arabic, or a related field.

Prior experience in a weekend or full-time Islamic school setting.

Comfortable teaching across a range of ages and levels.

Bilingual communication.

Compensation, Schedule, and Terms

Pay rate: $20.00 per hour, paid monthly.

Hours: Approximately 4.5 paid hours per Sunday worked.

Classification: Independent contractor (1099).

The substitute is responsible for their own taxes; SALAM does not withhold federal, state, FICA, or unemployment taxes. A W-9 will be required at onboarding, and a 1099-NEC will be issued at year-end if compensation meets the IRS threshold.

Calendar: As-needed during the SALAM Weekend School academic calendar (Fall and Spring semesters).

Work environment: On-site at SALAM Islamic Center, Sacramento, CA.

How to Apply

To apply, please submit the following:

A current resume.

A short cover letter (1 page) describing your teaching experience with each of the three subjects and your typical Sunday availability.

Names and contact information for two professional or community references.

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. Shortlisted candidates will be invited for an interview and a brief teaching demonstration.