Teacher Pathway Program

KVC Health Systems • Columbia, MO

20h • Onsite

About The Position

KVC Missouri’s Teacher Pathway Program is a salaried, full-time classroom role with full benefits and a school-year schedule. Associate Teachers work 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 long-term support toward teacher certification while employed. It is a paid position, not an unpaid internship or volunteer pathway.

The role is designed for people transitioning from behavioral health, social services, or direct care who want a structured school-based environment and a pathway into a special education teaching career. Employees receive onboarding and classroom orientation, ongoing training, first-year mentorship, participation in Missouri’s Pathways for Paraprofessionals program funded by KVC, and support toward continued education and teacher certification. The schedule is Monday through Friday, follows the academic calendar, and includes school-year breaks, holidays, and summers off.

The position starts at $40,000 annually. A $1,000 sign-on bonus is available for positions at the residential location. KVC is a nonprofit child placing and behavioral health agency that serves children and families and describes its work environment as supportive and rewarding.

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.
• $1,000 sign-on bonus available for positions at the residential location.
• 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.
• New employee onboarding and classroom orientation, ongoing training, and one-on-one mentorship throughout the first year.
• School-year breaks, holidays, and summers off per the academic calendar.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed