At-Risk Teacher

The Teacher at Ember Recovery Campus serves students living at Ember Recovery Campus who are receiving addiction treatment and who may also qualify as at-risk — including students experiencing high absenteeism, course failure, social disconnection, or significant gaps in academic progress. This position provides trauma-informed, specially designed instruction through cognitive-based, problem-solving-oriented methods integrated within academic content, with the goal of helping each student build resilience, belonging, and the skills to overcome life's challenges.

Under the general supervision of the Director of Special Programs, the Teacher facilitates student success in academic and interpersonal skills by implementing district-approved curriculum, documenting student progress, addressing individualized educational needs, and maintaining consistent communication with students, families, administration, and community partners.

Essential Responsibilities

• Develops, delivers, and adapts curriculum and lesson plans aligned with Iowa state standards and district goals to meet the individualized needs of each student.
• Implements evidence-based instructional strategies and adapts methods based on ongoing assessment of student learning, including individualized and small-group instruction.
• Instructs students in the principles of Ballard's Portrait of a Graduate.
• Administers standardized tests in accordance with district testing programs.
• Establishes and manages a positive, safe, and predictable trauma-informed classroom with clear behavioral expectations and structures.
• Assists in maintaining student safety and responds to crisis situations in accordance with district and Ember protocols.
• Builds and maintains professional, empathic relationships with students, families, and Ember staff grounded in high expectations and belief in student potential.
• Communicates regularly with families and Ember staff regarding student progress, achievements, and strategies for reinforcing classroom goals.
• Collaborates with a multidisciplinary team to support programming decisions and individual student supports.
• Maintains accurate and complete records including grades, attendance, behavior logs, and intervention documentation in compliance with district procedures and applicable law.
• Participates in staff meetings, professional development, and committee work as assigned.
• Participates in Ember campus events, which may occur on evenings or weekends.
• Collaborates regularly with families and the resident district to ensure accurate course enrollment and successful transitions back to the least restrictive environment.

Required:

• Bachelor's Degree in Education
• Valid Iowa Department of Education teaching license with a secondary endorsement

Preferred:

• Experience in at-risk, alternative, or special education settings
• Degree in special education
• Strategist II license with BD endorsement, or willingness to obtain
• Experience working with students with behavioral and emotional needs, trauma histories, and/or crisis situations
• Familiarty with addicition recovery settings or alternative education environments

Benefits Include:

• Competitive salary with credit for previous experience
• Iowa Public Employees Retirement System (IPERS)
• Employer-paid individual health/major medical insurance including prescription drug (Rx) coverage
• Employer-paid long-term disability and group life insurance
• Flexible spending and dependent care accounts (American Fidelity)
• Paid personal illness and personal business days
• Voluntary benefits including Delta Dental, Delta Vision, and AFLAC
• 403(b)/Tax Sheltered Annuities through Iowa's Retirement Investor's Club (RIC)