Alternative Education Teacher-Shelburne Middle School (2026-27 School Year)

Staunton City Schools, located in historic Staunton, Virginia in the heart of the Shenandoah Valley, is seeking highly qualified applicants for an Alternative Education Teacher opening at Shelburne Middle School for the 2026-27 academic school year. 

SUMMARY:

The Middle School Alternative Education Teacher provides instruction and support to students who require a non-traditional learning environment due to academic, behavioral, or social-emotional needs. This role focuses on creating a structured, supportive classroom that promotes student growth, engagement, and success while helping students develop positive behaviors and coping strategies.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS/TYPICAL TASKS:

The minimum performance expectations include, but are not limited to, the following

functions/tasks:

• Works collaboratively with teachers, administrators, parents, school and agency counselors and related service providers in the overall educational plan for students enrolled in the alternative education setting.  Frequent collaboration with multidisciplinary teams, including special education teams and behavioral support teams.  
• Assists in the development and implementation of educational services and transition plans for students enrolled in the alternative education setting.
• In collaboration with the teacher of record, develops lesson plans and supplementary materials compatible with the division’s basic instructional philosophy and congruent with course / SOL standards; provides individualized and small group instruction in order to adapt the curriculum to the needs of each student and subgroups of students. Translates lesson plans into learning experiences so as to best utilize the available time for instruction and to actively engage students.
• Establishes and maintains standards of student behavior needed to achieve a functional learning atmosphere in the classroom by providing positive reinforcement of acceptable behaviors and modifying unacceptable behaviors.  Evaluates academic and social growth of students, prepares report cards, and keeps appropriate records to include attendance reports, checklists, census forms, and other recordkeeping activities as necessary.
• Communicates regularly (weekly) with parents or guardians through conferences and other means to discuss student progress.
• Supervises and monitors student movement and escorts students to resources, bathrooms, buses, cafeteria, room changes and other activities in the building.
• Administers standardized testing in accordance with division testing practices.
• Working in a classroom setting with students who may demonstrate behavioral or emotional challenges.
• May require de-escalation and crisis intervention support/professional development.

Other Duties:

• Maintains professional knowledge by attending staff development programs, curriculum development meetings and other professional activities.
• Participates in various student and parent activities
• Creates an effective physical learning environment
• Performs any other related duties as assigned by the Principal or other appropriate administrator.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Must possess: thorough knowledge of subject(s) taught; thorough knowledge of secondary and special education principles, practices and procedures; thorough knowledge of the principles and methodology of effective teaching; thorough knowledge of school division rules, regulations and procedures; the ability to establish and maintain standards of behavior; the ability to deliver articulate oral presentations and written reports and; the ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with staff, students, administration, and parents.

QUALIFICATIONS/EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

• Must possess or be eligible for a Virginia Collegiate Professional License or Postgraduate Professional License with appropriate endorsement to teach secondary school.
• Experience in working with secondary school students in an alternative setting is preferred.

200 Day (10-month) Contract beginning late July 2026.

Salary Range: $53,033 to $82,172 (based on 2025-26 Salary Scale).

Positions opened until filled.

POST OFFER OF EMPLOYMENT REQUIREMENTS:

All offers of employment are contingent upon the successful completion of a background check, employment reference check, and receipt of the Child Abuse and Neglect Training Certificate. 

Full Benefits Package

Staunton City Schools is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE) and is fully committed to the principles and practices of equal employment.

Salary : $53,033 - $82,172