Middle School Teacher

Are you the right applicant for this opportunity Find out by reading through the role overview below.

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 :

_Education : _

• 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 required
• Occasional lifting, carrying, pushing, and pulling of equipment up to 25 pounds
• Potential exposure to blood and bodily fluids
• EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY :
• Safely Home, Inc. provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.

Job Type : Full-time

Pay : $45,000.00 - $48,000.00 per year

Benefits :

• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance
• Vision insurance

Application Question(s) :

• This position is year-round with half-days in the summer. Will you be able to work year-round?
• Safely Home is a drug- and alcohol-free facility. Employees may be subject to random drug and alcohol testing during employment. Are you willing to comply with this policy?
• Provide your Educator State ID :

Experience :

• Teaching : 3 years (Required)

License / Certification :

• Ohio non-tax certificate (Required)

Ability to Commute :

• Bedford, OH 44146 (Preferred)

Work Location : In person