THRIVE Future Ready Teacher

THRIVE Academy - Manson Northwest Webster CSD Grades Served: Middle School & High School Position Type: Full-Time Teaching Position Location: THRIVE Academy - Manson, Iowa Reports To: Principal / Building AdministratorTHRIVE Academy is a therapeutic, trauma-informed educational program serving students with academic, behavioral, social-emotional, and mental health needs. The Future Ready Teacher provides practical, real-world instruction focused on preparing students for adulthood, independent living, employment, relationships, and responsible decision-making.Position SummaryThe Future Ready Teacher is responsible for developing and delivering applied instruction that equips middle school and high school students with the skills necessary to function successfully as independent, productive, and responsible adults. This position blends components of life skills, employability, financial literacy, personal development, career readiness, parenting awareness, and independent living into a comprehensive "Adulting 101" style curriculum.Instruction is aligned to multiple State SCED course areas including Life Skills, Personal and Career Readiness, Career Exploration, Employability Skills, Consumer Economics/Personal Finance, Personal Development, Child Development/Parenting, and Food Preparation & Health Management.This position emphasizes relationship-building, mentorship, social-emotional support, and real-world application of skills through highly engaging, hands-on instruction. Teachers also serve as Homeroom Advisors, providing ongoing guidance, accountability, and support for a small group of students.Essential Duties & ResponsibilitiesInstruction & CurriculumPlan and deliver engaging, practical instruction focused on preparing students for adult life and future success.Develop and implement curriculum aligned to State SCED course standards and student transition needs.Teach and facilitate instruction in areas including:Life Skills & Independent LivingCareer Exploration & Employability SkillsFinancial Literacy & BudgetingConsumer Awareness & Personal FinanceDecision-Making & Problem-SolvingGoal Setting & Self-AdvocacyTime Management & ResponsibilityCommunication & Interpersonal SkillsChild Development & Parenting BasicsBasic Cooking Skills & Meal PreparationWellness, Healthy Habits, & Personal ResponsibilityUtilize hands-on, project-based, experiential, and community-connected learning opportunities whenever possible.Connect instruction to real-world situations, workplace expectations, independent living, and post-secondary readiness.Differentiate instruction to meet varying academic, behavioral, developmental, and emotional functioning levels.Integrate social-emotional learning, executive functioning supports, and trauma-informed practices into daily instruction.Student Support & AdvisementServe as a Homeroom Advisor, building positive, consistent relationships with assigned students.Monitor student academic, behavioral, social-emotional, and personal growth.Support students in developing independence, self-confidence, accountability, and resilience.Reinforce workplace readiness skills, including attendance, communication, teamwork, initiative, and professionalism.Support students in developing coping strategies, self-regulation skills, and positive decision-making habits.Utilize de-escalation, co-regulation, and restorative practices during times of student dysregulation.Classroom Environment & Behavioral SupportCreate a structured, safe, supportive, and engaging learning environment.Maintain clear expectations, routines, and procedures that support student success.Apply MTSS, restorative, and trauma-informed frameworks to support student growth.Collaborate with support staff and special education teams to implement accommodations, modifications, and intervention plans.Support students with behavioral plans, IEP goals, transition goals, and individualized learning needs.Collaboration & CommunicationCollaborate closely with paraprofessionals, counselors, student support staff, special education staff, administrators, families, and partner districts.Participate in IEP meetings, intervention planning meetings, transition planning, and multidisciplinary collaboration.Maintain regular communication regarding student progress, concerns, and successes.Support school-wide initiatives focused on student engagement, resilience, independence, and post-secondary readiness.Assessment & DocumentationMaintain accurate grades, documentation, progress monitoring, and student records.Monitor student progress toward academic, behavioral, transition, and independent living goals.Utilize student performance data to guide instructional planning and interventions.Assist in documenting accommodations, modifications, and progress toward individualized student goals.Professional ResponsibilitiesParticipate in ongoing professional development related to trauma-informed care, SEL, transition planning, employability skills, and therapeutic education.Demonstrate professionalism, flexibility, collaboration, and relationship-centered practices.Maintain confidentiality and comply with district, state, and federal requirements.QualificationsRequiredValid Iowa Teaching LicenseStrong communication, classroom management, and collaboration skillsAbility to build positive relationships with students experiencing academic, behavioral, emotional, or mental health challengesCommitment to relationship-based, trauma-informed educational practicesPreferredExperience teaching life skills, career readiness, transition services, FCS-related courses, at-risk education, or alternative educationKnowledge of SEL, restorative practices, PBIS, executive functioning supports, and trauma-informed instructional strategiesExperience supporting students with disabilities, behavioral challenges, or social-emotional needsAbility to create engaging, applied, real-world learning experiencesPhysical RequirementsAbility to actively supervise students in classroom, community-based, and school environmentsAbility to participate in hands-on instructional activities and demonstrationsAbility to respond appropriately during behavioral or crisis situationsWork EnvironmentTHRIVE Academy is a therapeutic, trauma-informed educational environment serving students from multiple partner districts across Iowa. Future Ready classrooms maintain small class sizes with dedicated paraeducator support to provide individualized instruction, relationship-building, and behavioral support.Mission AlignmentThe Future Ready Teacher plays a vital role in helping students develop the practical, emotional, behavioral, and independent living skills necessary for adulthood. This position supports THRIVE Academy's mission of helping students build resilience, confidence, healthy habits, and meaningful futures through individualized, relationship-centered educational practices.