Associate Teacher
About The Position
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
Requirements
- Must be at least 21 years old
- Minimum of 36 college credit hours OR eligibility for substitute teaching certification
- Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation
- Ability to pass background check, drug screen, and physical
Nice To Haves
- Bachelor’s degree preferred (Education, Psychology, Social Work, or related field)
Responsibilities
- 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
Benefits
- $1,000 sign-on bonus
- Full benefits
- School-year schedule
- Full-time, salaried employment
- 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
- Training and Career Development
- 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
- Wellbeing Committee
- DEI+B Committee
- Talent Development Programs
Stand Out From the Crowd
Upload your resume and get instant feedback on how well it matches this job.
What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
Education Level
Associate degree
Number of Employees
501-1,000 employees
