Teacher, Special Education Teacher

Location: City of Utica

About UsThe House of the Good Shepherd (HGS) has been changing children’s lives for over 150 years. We provide individualized, compassionate care to youth and families through a range of residential, educational, community, and foster care programs across Central New York, the Mohawk Valley, and the North Country. Our agency is built on a foundation of empathy, resilience, and the Sanctuary Model of care, which guides our commitment to healing and hope.

What You’ll DoAs a Teacher at Tilton School, you’ll be much more than an educator; you’ll be a catalyst for healing, growth, and opportunity. Our students have often faced significant adversity and educational gaps, yet they demonstrate incredible capacity for progress.

You’ll help unlock their potential by providing structure, stability, and creativity to students with unique learning needs. Instruction is personalized, grounded in each student’s goals, and supported by a structured environment with small class sizes and a high staff-to-student ratio. Many students make meaningful academic and personal gains, and your role in their journey will be remembered for years to come.

What We’re Looking For We’re looking for a passionate, purpose-driven educator who sees the promise in every student. Someone who understands that learning and healing go hand-in-hand and who’s ready to be a difference-maker in the trajectory of a young person’s life.

Qualifications and

Preferred Experience Bachelor’s degree and a valid NYS teaching certificate required, or an equivalent teaching certificate obtained through a NYS-approved pathway that leads to a master’s degree in education and permanent certification

Certification in Special Education strongly preferred

Prior experience teaching students with IEPs or emotional/behavioral challenges is a plus

Must meet all NYSED and agency training requirements

Key Skills and Attributes Skilled at building rapport with students who have experienced adversity

Able to create engaging, age-appropriate lessons that support academic and emotional growth

Organized and responsive to deadlines and documentation requirements

Comfortable working as part of a multidisciplinary team

Open to learning and reflective practice

Why Work with Us?

We believe caring for our staff is just as important as caring for our students. That’s why we offer:$2,000 Sign-On Bonus Generous Paid Time Off (PTO)
Competitive medical, dental, and vision benefits
403(b) retirement plan with agency match

Tuition reimbursement

Ongoing training and professional development

Opportunities for advancement

Supportive, mission-driven work environment

Equal Opportunity Employer The House of the Good Shepherd is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We value a diverse workforce and an inclusive culture. HGS encourages applications from individuals of all backgrounds and identities, including people of color, LGBTQ+ individuals, veterans, and those with disabilities. We are committed to providing reasonable accommodations to ensure equal access throughout the hiring process.