Special Education Teacher

Special Education Teacher – Youth Behavioral Health

Location:

Cleveland, TN (Cleveland Youth Academy)

Job Type: Full-Time

Pay: $60,000 - $65,000 /year

Sign On Bonus: $10,000

About Youth Opportunity & Cleveland Youth Academy

Youth Opportunity is a nationally recognized leader in residential and behavioral health treatment for at‑risk youth. Cleveland Youth Academy in Cleveland, Tennessee is a 15‑bed Youth Academy providing trauma‑informed residential care for girls ages 12 to 17. Serving young women in need of intensive mental health services, the center combines clinical therapy, recreation, art, music, and educational support in a structured, supportive environment.

Youth typically remain in care for 3 to 6 months, participating in individual, family, and group therapy, life skills training, victim‑impact awareness, restorative justice programming, and pre‑vocational preparation. Programming is delivered 24/7 in small group living units to support emotional stabilization, family engagement, and successful transition back into the community.

We are hiring a Special Education Teacher for students in grades 6-12 in English, Language Arts, Mathematics, Science, and Social Studies to join our team at Cleveland Youth Academy. This role is ideal for educators passionate about helping at‑risk youth with behavioral health and emotional regulation needs succeed in the classroom. You will be responsible for providing direct instruction, developing individualized education plans (IEPs), and supporting youth through trauma‑informed, evidence‑based education programs.

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) with up to 4% employer match with Immediate Vesting
• Paid time off (PTO) and holidays – Earn 4 hours of PTO every pay period
• Free RX delivery on most medications
• Tuition reimbursement and professional development
• Robust Employee Assistance Program
• Supportive, mission‑driven work environment

• Be part of a team making a difference in the lives of vulnerable youth
• Help shape the academic success of youth in mental health treatment
• Work in a secure, structured, and therapeutic educational environment
• Develop your skills through training, mentorship, and advancement opportunities

• Develop and deliver individualized lesson plans for youth with diverse learning needs
• Instruct students in academics, interpersonal skills, and activities of daily living
• Administer assessments and create individualized education plans (IEPs)
• Adapt classroom work for inclusion and specialized learning environments
• Track student progress through documentation, grades, and behavioral records
• Counsel students on academic, social, and behavioral issues as appropriate
• Collaborate with other teachers, clinical staff, administrators, and guardians
• Maintain a safe, trauma‑informed classroom environment that promotes learning
• Comply with state regulations and facility policies related to education and special education

• Bachelor’s degree in Education or Special Education
• Valid Tennessee Teaching License with Special Education Endorsement
• Ability to pass background check and drug screen
• Strong organizational skills and commitment to youth success
• Willingness to work with youth in behavioral health and challenging environments

• 3+ years teaching in special education settings
• Experience working with youth with developmental, intellectual, or behavioral disabilities
• Familiarity with trauma‑informed education, IEP development, and EMR systems

• Physical Demands:
  Ability to sit for extended periods and tolerate prolonged data entry. Must be free of communicable diseases as defined by the state and to the extent that knowledge is attainable under the law.
• Other:
  Must maintain an appropriate and valid state driver’s license. Must meet state criminal background check requirements.

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