Middle School Teacher

About Us:

Safely Home offers residential and educational services for youth aged 7 to 17 who face emotional and behavioral challenges resulting from neglect, abuse, or trauma. Our mission is to promote healing and growth in youth and families affected by behavioral health issues.

We provide personalized educational support through specialized programs designed for children and adolescents with learning differences or behavioral concerns. With a teacher-to-student ratio of 1:6, we ensure individualized attention and model prosocial skills to foster positive behaviors. Our small class sizes create an intimate setting that promotes learning for both youth and educators.

Our goal is to help each child process their past while developing essential life skills for future success and fulfilling relationships. We are committed to serving vulnerable community members with a comprehensive and thoughtful approach.

If you seek meaningful work in a supportive, team-oriented educational environment, Safely Home is the ideal place for you!

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Middle School Teacher delivers trauma-informed instruction aligned with Ohio Learning Standards to grades 6-8 (and optionally grades 4 and
5). This role supports general and special education students in a non-public charter school located within a residential treatment facility, collaborating with a multidisciplinary team that includes therapists and staff to promote academic and therapeutic success. Additionally, the teacher oversees the adherence to Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), ensuring compliance with IDEA and state regulations.

CLASSROOM SIZE:
Currently three students, but could reach up to 10

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

_Instruction and Curriculum_

Plan and assess standards-aligned lessons per the curriculum and Ohio Learning Standards
Create a classroom environment that supports emotional safety, engagement, and behavior regulation
Differentiate instruction for students with IEPs, 504 Plans, or RT strategies
Maintain lesson plans one week in advance and prepare substitute documentation
Use various instructional strategies and technologies for diverse learners
Integrate trauma-informed practices and model self-regulation techniques
Evaluate student learning with formative and summative assessments to inform instruction

_Classroom and Behavior Management_

Implement positive behavior supports to manage classroom behavior
Keep accurate records for attendance, grades, IEPs, and incidents
Ensure student safety and respond to behavioral crises per agency protocols
Use CPI techniques for escalations or emergencies

_Collaboration and Communication_

Collaborate with therapists and staff to align academic programs with treatment goals
Update families and districts on student progress and services
Participate in meetings to contribute to student planning and reviews

_Professional Responsibilities_

Uphold professional standards of conduct
Participate in staff meetings and training
Demonstrate cultural competence and maintain confidentiality per FERPA and HIPAA
Support Safely Home, Inc.'s mission through teamwork

QUALIFICATIONS:

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Education:

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Bachelor's degree in Education or a related field required

_Licensure (by Ohio Administrative Code):_

Required:

An Ohio non-tax certificate may be accepted with appropriate experience and credentials
Highly Preferred:
Valid Ohio teaching license for Middle Childhood Education (Grades 4-9) or Intervention Specialist (Mild/Moderate or Moderate/Intensive). Intervention Specialist licensure will come with a starting salary increase.

_Experience_

At least 3 years of experience in special education, teaching, or IEP coordination
Meet the "highly qualified teacher" requirements by the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce (ODEW)

Experience with IEP development, implementation, and compliance is strongly preferred
Experience working in residential, clinical, or therapeutic educational environments is a plus

SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES

Strong planning and classroom management skills
Excellent written and verbal communication
Knowledge of IDEA, Section 504, and Ohio special education law
Proficient in instructional technology (e.g., Google Workspace, Microsoft Office, SIS/IEP platforms)
Effective team collaboration and solution-focused
Ability to communicate with stakeholders across disciplines
Culturally competent and sensitive to trauma and behavioral health needs

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

Must be at least 21 years of age
Must pass a BCI/FBI background check and physical exam
Must maintain required Crisis Intervention Certification (eg, CPI)
This is a 12-month, full-time, on-site position with some extended hours and local travel as needed

PHYSICAL AND WORK ENVIRONMENT REQUIREMENTS

Must be able to walk, stand, bend, and kneel throughout the day
Ability to lift up to 25 pounds
Perform CPI physical interventions as needed
Work primarily in a classroom within a youth residential treatment facility
Occasional local travel for events, supplies, or educational opportunities may be…