Middle School Teacher - Cornerstone Alternative Education Program

South Bend Community School Corp•South Bend, IN

1d•Onsite

About The Position

Cornerstone Alternative Education Program is seeking a compassionate, relationship-driven, and highly structured middle school teacher who is committed to supporting students with behavioral, emotional, academic, and attendance challenges. Applicants must hold a valid middle school teacher's license in English, math, science, or social studies. The ideal candidate understands that student success in an alternative setting begins with trust, consistency, accountability, and meaningful relationships. This position requires a teacher who can balance strong classroom structure with empathy and restorative practices, while helping students reconnect with education through engaging, relevant instruction. The successful candidate must be flexible, calm under pressure, team-oriented, and able to work with students who may struggle in traditional school environments. Instruction should emphasize both academic growth and social-emotional development while maintaining high expectations for student achievement and behavior.

Requirements

Valid Indiana middle school teaching license or appropriate endorsement
Bachelor’s degree required
Strong collaboration and communication skills required

Nice To Haves

Experience working with at-risk, alternative education, or behaviorally challenged students preferred
Knowledge of trauma-informed instructional practices preferred
Experience with classroom behavior systems, restorative practices, and differentiated instruction preferred
Strong classroom management rooted in relationships, consistency, and accountability
Ability to remain calm and professional during challenging student behaviors
Genuine belief that all students can improve and succeed
High emotional intelligence and strong communication skills
Patience, flexibility, and resilience
Ability to motivate disengaged learners
Understanding of trauma-informed practices and restorative approaches
Willingness to work collaboratively in a highly supportive team environment
Creativity in lesson design and student engagement
Commitment to helping students feel valued, respected, and capable of success

Responsibilities

Provide instruction through the Edmentum platform while adapting lessons to meet the diverse academic levels and emotional needs of students
Build positive relationships with students through consistency, fairness, restorative conversations, and respectful communication
Create a structured classroom environment with clear expectations, routines, and accountability systems
Utilize differentiated instructional strategies to engage reluctant learners and students with significant academic gaps
Integrate social-emotional learning, communication skills, and real-world application into daily instruction
Collaborate with staff to reinforce the CH.I.P. framework: Character Development Healthy Relationships Insight & Self-Management Personal Growth & Progress
Maintain accurate documentation regarding student progress, behavior, attendance, and intervention supports
Use student data to guide instructional planning and intervention strategies
Work collaboratively with social workers, paraprofessionals, counselors, administrators, and home schools to support student growth
Participate in restorative practices, student support meetings, and family conferences as needed
Communicate regularly and professionally with parents and guardians regarding student progress and concerns
Support students in developing conflict resolution, self-regulation, and workplace readiness skills
Maintain flexibility and a team-first mindset in a dynamic alternative education environment
Supervise students during transitions, activities, and non-instructional times as needed
Utilize district technology platforms, including Canvas, PowerSchool, and other required instructional tools
Attend professional development, staff meetings, and required trainings
Perform other duties as assigned by the administration