Associate Teacher – Special Education Career Pathway
 
 $40,000-$41,200 annually | $1,000 sign-on bonus | Full benefits | School-year schedule

A structured learning environment with comprehensive benefits and a pathway into special education teaching.

KVC Missouri offers a full-time, benefits-eligible classroom role designed for individuals who want to grow into a career in special education. This position provides structured training, consistent school-based work, and long-term support toward teacher certification while you are employed.

This is not an unpaid internship or volunteer pathway. It is a salaried, full-time position with full benefits, a consistent Monday–Friday school schedule, and school-year breaks.

What This Role Looks Like

As an Associate Teacher, you will work in a small, structured special education classroom supporting students with behavioral, emotional, and learning needs.

You will:

• Support students’ academic, social, emotional, and behavioral development within a therapeutic learning environment 
• Collaborate closely with licensed special education teachers, therapists, and other support staff to implement individualized student supports 
• Utilize trauma-informed practices and evidence-based behavioral support strategies throughout the school day 
• Build consistent, trusting relationships with students to support stability, engagement, and progress 

Why Professionals Choose This Path

This role is especially well-suited for individuals transitioning from behavioral health, social services, or direct care who are seeking a more structured school-based environment.

Employees are drawn to this role for:

• Full-time, salaried employment with full benefits and the work-life balance of a school-based schedule, including holidays, planned breaks, and summers off (per academic calendar)
• A consistent Monday–Friday schedule 
• No nights, weekends, or shift work 
• A clear, supported pathway into a long-term education career 

Training and Career Development

KVC Missouri provides structured support to help employees grow into certified teaching roles, including:

• New employee onboarding and classroom orientation 
• Ongoing training in special education practices and behavioral support strategies 
• One-on-one mentorship throughout the first year 
• KVC-funded participation in Missouri’s Pathways for Paraprofessionals program 
• Tuition reimbursement to support continued education and degree completion 
• Eligibility for Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) as a qualifying employer 
• Ongoing opportunities to pursue Special Education Teacher certification over time

Who This Role Is Designed For

We are seeking individuals with experience or academic backgrounds in:

• Those with degrees in education, behavioral sciences, psychology, sociology, criminal justice, non-profit leadership, nursing, liberal arts, etc. 
• Experience working with children/teens and students in an educational setting or behavioral health settings, juvenile justice, healthcare and intellectual and developmental disabilities programs. 
• Experience working in youth camps, learning programs, religious youth programs, youth clubs, in home care, mentor programs, etc.

Qualifications

• Must be at least 21 years old 
• Minimum of 36 college credit hours OR eligibility for substitute teaching certification 
• Bachelor’s degree preferred* (Education, Psychology, Social Work, or related field) 
• Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation 
• Ability to pass background check, drug screen, and physical 

About KVC

KVC is a nonprofit child placing and behavioral health agency with a long legacy of compassionately serving children and families. We are committed to providing our employees with a supportive and rewarding work environment. We also believe in the importance of work-life balance, and we offer a variety of programs and resources to help our employees achieve it (Wellbeing Committee, DEI+B Committee, Talent Development Programs, etc.).

At KVC Health Systems, our employees are our greatest asset. Based on the voice of our employees, KVC debuted with an 83 Work Wellbeing score on Indeed, a rating so high and rare that it places KVC among the top 1% of employers nationally. We are committed to providing a positive, supportive work environment where you can do your best work and love coming to work every day.

If you are a compassionate and caring individual who is looking for a rewarding career in the mental health/social services field, then we encourage you to apply!

To learn more about this position or to apply, please visit our website at www.kvc.org/jobs.

We hope you will consider joining our team!