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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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…