Teacher Pathway Program

KVC Health Systems • Columbia, MO

1h • $0 - $40,000

About The Position

KVC Missouri offers a full-time, salaried, benefits-eligible classroom role for people seeking to build a career in special education. The Associate Teacher works in a small, structured special education classroom supporting students with behavioral, emotional, and learning needs. The position includes structured training, consistent school-based work, and support toward teacher certification while employed. It follows a Monday–Friday school schedule with school-year breaks, holidays, and summers off according to the academic calendar, and does not require nights, weekends, or shift work.

KVC Missouri provides onboarding and classroom orientation, ongoing training in special education and behavioral support strategies, one-on-one mentorship during the first year, and funded participation in Missouri’s Pathways for Paraprofessionals program. Tuition reimbursement is available to support continued education and degree completion. Employees may pursue Special Education Teacher certification over time and may be eligible for Public Service Loan Forgiveness through KVC as a qualifying employer.

Requirements

• Must be at least 21 years old.
• At least 36 college credit hours or eligibility for substitute teaching certification.
• Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation.
• Ability to pass a background check, drug screen, and physical.
• Strong communication skills, emotional awareness, patience, and commitment to supporting youth with diverse needs.

Nice To Haves

• Bachelor’s degree preferred, in Education, Psychology, Social Work, or a related field.
• Experience or academic background in behavioral health or mental health services, social work or case management, psychology or human services, direct care, residential or community support roles, or related behavioral or social science degree programs.

Responsibilities

• Support students’ academic, social, emotional, and behavioral development in a therapeutic learning environment.
• Collaborate with licensed special education teachers, therapists, and other support staff to implement individualized student supports.
• Use 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.

Benefits

• Full benefits.
• Tuition reimbursement to support continued education and degree completion.
• KVC-funded participation in Missouri’s Pathways for Paraprofessionals program.
• Eligibility for Public Service Loan Forgiveness as a qualifying employer.
• Additional $1,000 sign-on bonus available for positions at the residential location.
• School-year schedule with holidays, planned breaks, and summers off per the academic calendar.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: Associate degree