SOESD - Alternative Education Teacher for the 2026-27 School Year

The Southern Oregon Education Service District (SOESD) Long Term Care and Treatment Program is hiring a teacher interested in working with youth placed in day treatment and residential mental health programs in Josephine County.

Long Term Care and Treatment (LTCT) provides education programs for students who have been placed by other state agencies, school districts, or private placement in day treatment and residential treatment facilities. The children served by these programs have a variety of therapeutic and educational needs. The programs serve children who require schooling in a protected environment in order to ensure the health and safety of themselves and/or others and allow the treatment process to extend into the school day in order to fully implement the treatment plan.

The goal of Long Term Care and Treatment Education Programs is to provide a high quality, therapeutic environment where children will gain the behavior skills and abilities to function successfully in a non-institutional environment. Treatment programs operate under strict mental health standards. The treatment program must encompass all aspects of the child's life and close coordination of the education and treatment plans is essential. The LTCT programs work with local schools and agencies to facilitate a successful transition back to the local public school and/or community whenever possible.

SOESD offers opportunities for professional development to further develop skills related to their work and for collaboration with educational specialists who support students while in treatment. Consider applying to be a part of our dedicated team of professionals!

About SOESD
 
Southern Oregon ESD is located in the Rogue Valley, the cultural and economic heart of southern Oregon, home to legendary snow-skiing, white-water rafting, kayaking, hiking, fishing, as well as numerous cultural venues and events such as art galleries, the Britt Music Festivals, the Ashland Independent Film Festival, and the renowned Oregon Shakespeare Festival.
 

Alternative Education Teacher

POSITION GOAL:  Provide high-quality, inclusive instruction and a predictable, supportive learning environment for students who are at risk and/or require intensified academic, behavioral, and social-emotional supports, so each student can access learning, build skills, and make progress toward graduation and postsecondary outcomes. This position advances educational access for every student by using culturally responsive, trauma-informed, and strengths-based practices that honor students' identities, languages, and lived experiences.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

1. Plan and implement developmentally appropriate instruction aligned to Oregon standards and individual student needs, interests, and strengths.
2. Provide structured, engaging instruction that supports active student participation and builds academic confidence.
3. Use Universal Design for Learning (UDL) and differentiated instruction to remove barriers and increase access for diverse learners.
4. Assess student learning using formative and summative measures; analyze data to adjust instruction and communicate progress.
5. Maintain accurate records and required documentation (attendance, grades, progress monitoring, behavior/SEL data, service logs, and other reports as assigned).
6. Collaborate with special education case managers and related service providers to support IEP implementation and IEP goal development, including collecting data and contributing instructional input for present levels and progress reporting.
7. Provide instructional accommodations and modifications as required by IEPs, 504 plans, behavior support plans, and other student plans.
8. Participate in IEP and multidisciplinary meetings as assigned; communicate in a respectful, student-centered manner with families/guardians and team members.
9. Create and maintain a classroom culture that is safe, predictable, affirming, and culturally responsive.
10. Implement proactive classroom routines and positive behavior supports; teach and reinforce expectations and self-regulation strategies.
11. Use de-escalation and conflict-resolution strategies (e.g., restorative practices) to support student dignity and safety.
12. Recognize indicators of student distress and follow required reporting, safety, and support procedures, consistent with law and SOESD practices.
13. Work collaboratively with program staff (including residential/day treatment partners when applicable), administrators, and district partners to support student success and continuity of services.
14. Communicate student progress and needs clearly, respectfully, and confidentially with families/guardians and relevant stakeholders.
15. Maintain professional relationships and appropriate boundaries with students; model respect, fairness, and integrity.
16. Engage in ongoing learning and implement evidence-based practices, particularly for students impacted by trauma, disability, exclusionary discipline, hooking/credit deficiency, or interrupted schooling.
17. Maintains all licenses and requirements needed to maintain your professional standing and the requirements to complete all assigned reports.
18. Participate in professional growth activities.
19. Establish and maintain cooperative work relationships with SOESD employees, local education agency representatives, and others contacted during the course of the workday.
20. Follow established SOESD policies and procedures.
21. Perform physical requirements unaided or with the assistance of reasonable accommodation.
22. Perform other job-related duties as assigned by the supervisor.

MINIMUM PREREQUISITES:

1. Hold current or be able to obtain an Oregon Teaching Certificate with proper endorsement(s) in the subject matter and grade level assigned prior to start date.
2. Designated as Highly Qualified by TSPC where appropriate.
3. Maintain a valid Oregon Driver's License and personal transportation.
4. Pass the required criminal background check.

LENGTH OF POSITION: 190 day (academic year) /  1.0 FTE
SALARY RANGE: Per Collective Bargaining Agreement.  $62,576.96-$107,893.12
IMMEDIATE SUPERVISOR: Supervisor or Coordinator, Special Programs

SOESD Benefits (For .50 FTE and Over):  

• Southern Oregon ESD contributes up to 2185.00 per month (family coverage) for health, dental and vision insurance premiums for qualified employees.
• Employer-paid PERS (Public Employee Retirement System), including additional 6% individual investment account with PERS.
• 9 paid holidays
• A generous sick, vacation and discretionary (personal) leave packet is also provided to qualified employees.  

Health Insurance:  

• OEBB MODA
• Includes medical, dental, vision & prescription insurance
• Monthly premium deducted pre-tax  

Options:  

• Health Savings Accounts
• Flexible Spending Accounts – medical, day-care expenses
• Optional Coverage for Additional Life, AD&D, Short Term Disability Insurance through Aflac or American Fidelity
• 403(b)
• Mercy Flights Membership  

The following physical requirements are essential functions of the Teacher Multiple and Severe Disabilities (STEPS Program) job description.

1. Stand/Walk:............................ [ ] None [ ] 1 4 Hrs/Day [X ] 4 6 Hrs/Day [ ] 6 8 Hrs/Day
2. Sit/Sit on the Floor:................. [ ] None [X ] 1 4 Hrs/Day [ ] 4 6 Hrs/Day [ ] 6 8 Hrs/Day
3. Drive:...................................... [ ] None [X ] 1 4 Hrs/Day [ ] 4 6 Hrs/Day [ ] 6 8 Hrs/Day
4. Bending:..................................[X ] Frequently [ ] Occasionally [ ] Limited [ ] Not At All
5. Squat:..................................... [X ] Frequently [ ] Occasionally [ ] Limited [ ] Not At All
6. Climb Stairs:............................[ ] Frequently [X ] Occasionally [ ] Limited [ ] Not At All
7. Single Grasping: .....................[X ] Frequently [ ] Occasionally [ ] Limited [ ] Not At All
8. Pushing:...................................[ ] Frequently [X ] Occasionally [ ] Limited [ ] Not At All
9. Pulling: ....................................[ ] Frequently [X ] Occasionally [ ] Limited [ ] Not At All
10. Fine Manipulation:.................[X ] Frequently [ ] Occasionally [ ] Limited [ ] Not At All
11. Lifting (less than 25 lbs): .......[X ] Frequently [ ] Occasionally [ ] Limited [ ] Not At All
12. Lifting (25 50 lbs): .................[X ] Frequently [ ] Occasionally [ ] Limited [ ] Not At All
13. Lifting (50 75 lbs): .................[ ] Frequently [X ] Occasionally [ ] Limited [ ] Not At All
14. Lifting (75 100 lbs): ...............[ ] Frequently [ ] Occasionally [X ] Limited [ ] Not At All

Note: This is not necessarily an exhaustive or all-inclusive list of responsibilities, skills, duties, requirements, efforts, functions or working conditions associated with the job.  This job description is not a contract of employment or a promise or guarantee of any specific terms or conditions of employment.  The school district may add to, modify or delete any aspect of this job (or the position itself) at any time as it deems advisable. 
 
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY  
SOESD is an equal opportunity employer that complies with applicable employment discrimination laws, including ORS Ch. 659, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972, the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Americans with Disabilities Act and the Age Discrimination in Employment Act.