Lead Teacher

Ombudsman Educational Services, a growing, dynamic organization with a social mission to offer hope, is seeking a Lead Teacher to join our award-winning Alternative Education team and perform meaningful work in a culture that welcomes innovation, encourages creative expression and offers limitless potential for personal and professional satisfaction!

If you're passionate about empowering students with diverse learning needs, thrive in a collaborative and dynamic educational environment, and bring creativity, patience, a solution-focused mindset, a sense of humor, and an unwavering commitment to student growth — We Should Talk! ðŸ“²

As a Lead Teacher, you will ensure adherence to curriculum standards and support high-quality IEP development while coaching and mentoring site teachers in research-based instructional strategies, academic rigor, problem-solving techniques, and effective classroom management. This role also includes fulfilling core teaching responsibilities such as planning, preparing, and implementing instruction for each student. Responsibilities include delivering engaging instruction, utilizing curriculum materials and educational software, and developing daily lesson plans and classroom schedules aligned with state and school requirements while supporting the academic, social, emotional, and physical needs of every learner.

‖ Responsibilities Include:

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  Monitoring adherence to curriculum standards by reviewing lesson plans, instructional materials, and classroom practices to ensure compliance with state and program requirements.

  
  


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  Communicating regularly with teachers regarding curriculum updates and supporting the selection of supplemental materials that enhance differentiated instruction.

  
  


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  Overseeing IEP development by reviewing goals and objectives, monitoring data collection practices, and supporting the administration of formal and informal academic, transition, and social-emotional assessments while reporting student progress toward goals as required.

  
  


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  Mentoring teachers through classroom observations, providing actionable feedback, and modeling research-based instructional strategies, strong classroom systems, and academic rigor.

  
  


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  Guiding teachers in applying effective instructional problem-solving techniques and classroom management strategies for challenging student situations while supporting time management and task prioritization.

  
  


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  Leading professional growth by facilitating professional development opportunities and demonstrating best practices in program implementation.

  
  


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  Supporting student, class, and staff scheduling to ensure academic, social, and emotional needs are met while communicating individual student or staff needs to the Program Director or designated supervisor.

  
  


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  Planning, preparing, and delivering Ombudsman-approved instructional strategies that promote active learning while utilizing provided materials and resources to support the instructional vision of the site.

  
  


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  Using assessment data to guide instruction and implement targeted academic interventions while preparing and maintaining classrooms and site resources to ensure smooth daily operations.

  
  


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  Instructing and monitoring students in the use of instructional materials and learning tools to maintain fidelity of instruction and support accurate student evaluation.

  
  


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  Assigning, grading, and providing meaningful feedback on student work while observing and evaluating student performance and development.

  
  


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  Encouraging and monitoring individual student progress according to established academic and behavioral timelines.

  
  


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  Maintaining accurate and comprehensive student records while updating documentation in accordance with legal requirements, Ombudsman policies, and district guidelines.

  
  


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  Preparing reports detailing student progress, achievement, and engagement activities.

  
  


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  Managing the classroom environment by upholding the Ombudsman philosophy and implementing appropriate behavioral and academic interventions when necessary.

  
  


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  Supporting and counseling students experiencing academic challenges while encouraging persistence, confidence, and engagement in learning.

  
  


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  Participating in site meetings, classroom meetings, district meetings, and student or parent conferences while communicating essential updates regarding student progress and needs.

  
  


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  Maintaining professional knowledge by staying current on research-based practices, instructional resources, and relevant professional development opportunities.

  
  


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  Participating in quality assurance and accreditation activities to ensure the site meets or exceeds performance expectations.

  
  


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  Responding constructively to formal and informal feedback to strengthen instructional effectiveness and leadership impact.

  
  


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  Collaborating with colleagues and leadership to support the success and continuous improvement of the center.

  
  


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  Performing additional duties and special projects as assigned.

  
  

‖ Qualifications Required:

• Bachelor's degree or higher in education or a closely related field of study.


• Licensed currently or in the process of obtaining a valid MS state teaching credential.


• Ability to obtain and maintain certification in company approved crisis management training.


• Prior experience and highly knowledgeable in curriculum development, differentiation and instruction; preferably in an alternative, special education and/or behavioral health program setting.


• Prior experience teaching mathematics and/or English at a high school level preferred.


• Proven success in developing and implementing effective education plans for at-risk students with diverse needs.


• Prior experience working in an educational leadership or school administrator position preferred.


• Effective management skills and comprehensive knowledge of administrative and school operations, functions, and compliance requirements.


• Proficiency in providing motivation and having critical conversations with students that help move them toward realistic goals.


• Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from groups of staff members, students, parents, and the public.


• Ability to think and act quickly and calmly in an emergency and make independent decisions.


• Proven ability to effectively prioritize tasks and meet deadlines while maintaining organization and attention to detail.


• Advanced oral and written communication, organization, conflict resolution, multitasking, problem solving and decision-making ability.


• Knowledge of relevant technology including experience with instructional technology, Microsoft Office Suite, database entry and basic office equipment.


• Skilled leader who exhibits the characteristics of servant leadership, looking to the needs of the team and seeking to help solve problems and promote personal development.

Ombudsman Educational Services is a division of ChanceLight Behavioral Health, Therapy, & Education, the nation’s leading provider of alternative and special education programs for children and young adults.  For more than 50 years, and in partnership with over 235 school districts nationwide, we have helped change the direction of more than 240,000 student lives!

💻 Learn more about our history, our mission and the program services we provide by visiting the link below:

• https://bit.ly/m/WorkWithPurpose

At ChanceLight we believe in providing more than just a job, as a member of our team you'll receive the opportunity to make meaningful impacts, the support needed to achieve success, and all the tools essential to reaching your personal & professional fulfillment!  Your path to a truly rewarding career starts here – where growth, empowerment, and collaboration define our culture; and every day is a Chance to transform lives through education! 

‖ Perks and Benefits Include: 

• Comprehensive Medical, Dental and Vision Plans


• FREE Telehealth and Virtual Counseling Sessions


• FREE Health Advocacy Services and 24/7 Nurse Line


• Company Paid Life & Disability Insurance


• Company Paid Employee Assistance Program


• Flexible Spending and Health Savings Accounts


• Personal Protection Insurance Plans


• Cigna Healthy Pregnancies, Healthy Babies Program


• Legal Services Insurance 


• Pet Health Insurance


• Accrual-based Paid Time Off 


• School Hours and Paid Holiday Schedule


• Extensive Personal and Life Event Paid Leave Policy


• 401k Retirement Saving Plan


• Perks at Work Employee Discount Program


• Opportunities for Growth & Development


• And So Much More!

If you're ready to start making lasting impacts on the lives of students and contribute to the creation of a brighter future — This Is Your Chance! 

Join us and together, we can empower students to overcome challenges, build confidence and unlock their full potential! 

Careers, With ChanceLight 💙 Work. With Purpose.

^{Copyright © 2026 ChanceLight Behavioral Health, Therapy, & Education, a ChanceLight® company  *Benefit plans and eligibility requirements may vary based on role and employment status.}