Special Education Teacher

Make a Difference. Teach with Purpose. Change Lives.

Three Rivers Treatment Center is seeking a compassionate, dedicated, and highly motivated Special Education Teacher to join our educational team serving adolescents ages 11–17 in a residential treatment setting.

Our teachers play an important role in helping students experience academic success while supporting their emotional, behavioral, and social development. The ideal candidate will be a patient and creative educator who understands that students in a therapeutic environment may require individualized instruction, structure, consistency, and strong relationships to reach their full potential.

Position Responsibilities

Provide high-quality, individualized instruction to students with disabilities in accordance with their Individualized Education Programs (IEPs).

Develop and implement engaging lesson plans that address individual academic needs and learning styles.

Monitor student progress and make instructional adjustments based on student performance and needs.

Maintain accurate and timely educational records, progress reports, lesson plans, and other required documentation.

Participate in the development, implementation, and review of IEPs.

Collaborate with clinicians, residential staff, administrators, parents/guardians, and other members of the treatment team.

Support students in developing academic, behavioral, social, and independent-living skills.

Establish and maintain a structured, safe, respectful, and supportive classroom environment.

Utilize positive behavioral supports and trauma-informed teaching strategies.

Recognize and respond appropriately to students experiencing emotional or behavioral challenges.

Maintain appropriate professional and therapeutic boundaries with students.

Communicate effectively with students, families, staff, and outside educational professionals.

Follow all applicable Virginia Department of Education, DBHDS, Joint Commission, and Three Rivers Treatment Center policies and requirements.

Maintain confidentiality and comply with HIPAA and applicable student privacy requirements.

Participate in staff meetings, training, professional development, and interdisciplinary treatment team meetings.

Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Required:

Bachelor's degree in Special Education, Education, or a related field.

Current Virginia Special Education teaching license or eligibility for Virginia licensure.

Candidates holding a provisional, professional, or other current Virginia teaching license appropriate for special education will be considered.

Ability to obtain and maintain all required credentials and clearances.

Strong written and verbal communication skills.

Ability to work effectively as part of a multidisciplinary team.

Ability to maintain appropriate boundaries and professionalism when working with adolescents.

Commitment to creating a safe, inclusive, and supportive learning environment.

Preferred:

Experience working with students with emotional, behavioral, developmental, or learning disabilities.

Experience working in a special education, therapeutic, behavioral health, residential, alternative school, or similar setting.

Experience developing and implementing IEPs.

Knowledge of trauma-informed education and positive behavioral interventions.

Experience working with adolescents with complex emotional and behavioral needs.

What We Are Looking For

The successful candidate will demonstrate:

Compassion – understands that every student has unique needs and strengths.

Patience – remains calm and supportive during challenging situations.

Emotional Intelligence – recognizes and appropriately responds to students' emotions and behaviors.

Creativity – finds meaningful ways to engage students in learning.

Consistency – provides structure, predictability, and clear expectations.

Teamwork – works collaboratively with teachers, clinicians, residential staff, and leadership.

Professionalism – maintains appropriate boundaries, confidentiality, and ethical standards.

Resilience – understands that progress may take time and celebrates incremental success.

Why Join Three Rivers Treatment Center?

At Three Rivers, education is an important part of the treatment process. Our teachers have the opportunity to work closely with clinical and residential teams to help students develop the academic skills, confidence, coping skills, and relationships necessary for success.

If you are an educator who believes that every student deserves an opportunity to learn, grow, and succeed, we would love to hear from you.

Three Rivers Treatment Center

Kenbridge, Virginia

Healing Youth. Supporting Families. Restoring Hope.

Three Rivers Treatment Center is an Equal Opportunity Employer.