Teacher Pathway Program

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.

About KVC Missouri

KVC Missouri Teacher Pathway Program Starting $40,000 annually | Full benefits | School-year schedule | Additional $1,000 sign-on bonus available for positions at the residential location.

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.

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.

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!

Responsibilities

• 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.
• 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.
• No nights, weekends, or shift work A clear, supported pathway into a long-term education career

Requirements

Special Education Teacher certification over time

• Who This Role Is Designed For We are seeking individuals with experience or academic backgrounds in: Behavioral Health or Mental Health Services Social Work or Case Management Psychology or Human Services Direct Care, Residential, or Community Support Roles Related degree programs in behavioral or social sciences
• Successful candidates demonstrate strong communication skills, emotional awareness, patience, and a commitment to supporting youth with diverse needs.

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

Benefits

• 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
• Based on the voice of our employees, KVC debuted with an 86 Work Wellbeing score on Indeed, a rating so high and rare that it places KVC among the top 1% of employers nationally.

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

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!