Elementary Teacher - Cornerstone Alternative Education Program

Job Details

Job ID: 5772178

Job Description

Job Title: Elementary Teacher – Cornerstone Alternative Education Program

Position Overview

Cornerstone Alternative Education Program is seeking a compassionate, relationship-driven, and highly structured teacher for grades 3 through 5 who is committed to supporting students with behavioral, emotional, academic, and attendance challenges. 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.

development while maintaining a structured and engaging classroom environment.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Provide instruction aligned to Indiana Academic Standards 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

Qualifications

• Valid Indiana Elementary teaching license or appropriate endorsement

• Bachelor’s degree required

• 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 collaboration and communication skills required

• Ability to build trust and positive relationships with students, families, and staff

Preferred Characteristics The ideal candidate will demonstrate:

• 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

Physical Requirements

• Primary functions require sufficient physical ability and mobility to work in a school environment; standing, walking, bending, lifting, and supervising students throughout the school day; emotional stability to respond effectively during high-stress situations; and the ability to maintain professionalism and composure when working with students experiencing emotional or behavioral difficulties.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Equal Employment Opportunity South Bend Community School Corporation provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training

Position Type: Full-Time

Job Categories:

Classroom Teacher, Alternative Learning Environment

Job Requirements

At least 2 year(s) of relevant experience preferred.

Bachelor degree preferred.

Citizenship, residency or work visa required

Contact Information

Anne Coglianese, Vice Principal Cornerstone

Email: [email protected]