POSITION SUMMARY: The Teacher is a member of the Education Department. Primarily responsible for implementing and adhering to the principles of Positive Operational Culture and providing instructional services to students. Works collaboratively with staff in a supportive fashion emphasizing a positive attitude toward students, staff and program. Teachers report to the Vice Principals and/or Principal.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

1. Adheres to the facility, daily and school schedule.
2. Delivers curriculum utilizing Target Teaching methodologies.
3. Tracks student attendance and maintains and provides student grades (weekly and exit) for the purpose of providing documentation of student progress.
4. Adheres to school policies pertaining to grading, posting students’ grades and quarterly reports.
5. Responds to the questions and needs of the students who have a variety of ability levels.
6. Prepares in advance for each class with written lesson plans that adhere to Target Teaching.
7. Develops and implements effective classroom management strategies for the purpose of ensuring a safe and secure learning environment. Maintains a clean, positive and inviting learning environment.
8. Conducts large and small group instruction as well as individual instruction when needed.
9. Works collaboratively with all site staff on implementing a “team” based program and maintains effective working relationships with Case Management and Group Living staff to ensure accurate and timely communication of information.
10. Maintains a three-day supply of emergency lesson plans that follow the clinical teaching format and define student learning objectives and evaluation procedures for the purpose of ensuring instructional continuity.
11. Maintains a daily and monthly inventory of all supplies, materials and equipment to ensure all items are accounted for. Utilizes a safety data sheet when applicable.
12. Handles the responsibility for all instruction, curriculum, tools, identification of Special Education students in each class, and levels of completion in compliance with city, county, state and federal law, licensing agency and Rite of Passage Rules and Regulations.
13. Completes required reports and documentation in a timely manner, provides management with required reports and advises of any problematic situations.
14. Complies with and implements the Rite of Passage Policies and Procedures as detailed in the appropriate manuals/handbooks. Provides input and submits proposals for the revision of existing and/or new policies and procedures.
15. Assists with and presents proposals to correct identified deficiencies and quality improvement efforts.
16. Attends all required meetings. Is punctual and prepared to participate in all staff meetings and after-hour extracurricular program events for the purpose of receiving and/or providing information and supporting the program. Attends a minimum of two Positive Skills Development Group Meetings per week.
17. Reviews and analyzes current program elements, provides suggestions and direction to the Principal to ensure the highest standards are maintained to prevent illegal, unethical, or improper conduct and to ensure the program remains in compliance with agency licensing and Rite of Passage policies and procedures. Supports the policies and procedures outlined in the Normative Culture program manual for the purpose of complying with the ROP educational guidelines.
18. Commits to attending all training/staff development classes in order to ensure sufficient hours of training are completed on an annual basis. Notifies supervisor if annual training hours are deficient.
19. Ability to work with, provide assistance, and support staff and students in a Residential Court School environment.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

1. Possesses a current and valid State teaching credential if required. Must possess AR licensure in Special Education or Endorsement, core content/electives.
2. Related experience working with at-risk youth.
3. Three or more years of successful classroom teaching.
4. Knowledge of: Instructional strategies and how they can be employed to deliver curriculum and assess student learning. Various methodologies and research related to learning and working with at-risk, high school aged youth. Effective classroom management techniques and behavioral management styles that result in understanding of how to manage and teach to various learning styles. Effective communication techniques that enable positive and productive collaboration with site staff. Technology and how it can be used as an educational tool.
5. Ability to: Establish a teaching rapport with students which results in student achievement in all program areas. Diagnose, prescribe and evaluate student progress on an ongoing basis. Collaborate with staff to deliver a consistent curriculum and implement a team approach to working with students. Confront inappropriate behavior appropriately and take the necessary action as outlined in the program procedures. Accept additional tasks as assigned including flexible work schedule and extracurricular assignments.
6. Ability to work in a cooperative and collaborative manner and demonstrate a positive work ethic.
7. A working knowledge of the Positive Operational Culture.
8. If required to operate a company vehicle during the course of employment, must meet the requirements to be an eligible ROP driver. Must possess a current State Driver’s License and have an acceptable driving record for the past three (3) years.
9. Strong knowledge of overall company operations and policies and procedures.
10. Ability to pass a criminal background clearance check, drug screen, physical and TB test.
11. Ability to perform work with little or no supervision.
12. Ability to utilize resources available to complete assigned projects.
13. Ability to prepare written reports and correspondence.
14. Ability to understand and follow verbal and written instructions.
15. Ability to effectively communicate, verbally and in writing.
16. Ability to work the designated schedule with the possibility of a varied schedule.
17. Must be able to maintain a high level of confidentiality.
18. Must have excellent organization and time management skills.
19. Ability to build and maintain positive internal and external relationships.
20. Ability to provide exemplary customer service to all employees and outside constituents.
21. Ability to function independently and as a member of a team in a multi-task environment.
22. Must be flexible and able to handle multiple priorities, with the ability to adjust to high pressure and rapidly changing business conditions.
23. Proficient in the use of computers and associated software. Knowledge of computer applications that relate to the development and implementation of technology within the educational program and overall organization.

Rite of Passage is a leading national provider of programs and opportunities for troubled and at-risk youth from social services, welfare agencies and juvenile courts. For 35 years, we have developed and operated a continuum of programs based on the needs of youth and our placing agencies. With an emphasis on evidence-based practices and positive skill development, combined with our supportive and therapeutic approach, our organization is respected by industry experts as a highly effective solution for our youth. Since 1984, over 25,000 youths have entered and completed our programs. Rite of Passage has built its reputation on running life-changing educational treatment programs that positively contribute to the community.

Our employees are dedicated, passionate individuals that are committed to inspiring positive change in the lives of youth. Becoming a member of the Rite of Passage team is more than just a job, it’s an opportunity to build a meaningful career with a company driven by its powerful mission to make a difference.