Alternative Learning Environment Classroom Teacher

Huntsville School District
Job Description

Job Title: Alternative Learning Environment Teacher

Reports To: Principal

Contracted Days: 190

Job Summary: ALE (Alternative Learning Environment) teachers provide individualized instruction and behavioral support for students who require an alternative setting due to academic, emotional, or behavioral challenges. They design and deliver lessons aligned with district and state standards while adapting content to meet the unique needs of each student. ALE teachers foster a structured, trauma-informed classroom environment, implement behavior intervention strategies, monitor student progress, and collaborate with staff, families, and outside agencies to support student success both academically and socially. This role requires a high level of flexibility, patience, and a commitment to helping students overcome barriers to learning.

Essential Duties:

• Teaches district-approved curriculum based on state frameworks and standards.
• Prepares for assigned classes and shows written evidence of preparation upon request.
• Develops lesson plans and instructional materials and provides individualized and small group instruction to adapt and differentiate the curriculum to the needs of each pupil.
• Translates lesson plans into developmentally appropriate learning experiences.
• Employs a variety of instructional techniques and instructional media, consistent with the physical limitations of the location provided and the needs and capabilities of the individuals or student groups involved.
• Evaluates pupils’ academic growth through teacher-made tests, standardized tests, checklists, observations, demonstrations, and other performance assessments; keeps appropriate records and prepares progress reports.
• Identifies pupil needs, makes appropriate referrals, and develops strategies to support students with Individualized Education Plans (IEPs), 504 Plans, and other learning accommodations.
• Makes instructional modifications for G/T, ELL, LD, physically impaired, at-risk, and other students with diverse needs and learning styles.
• Creates a safe, orderly, and structured classroom environment that is conducive to learning and appropriate to the maturity, emotional regulation, and interests of ALE students.
• Implements behavioral support plans and uses trauma-informed practices and de-escalation techniques to manage student behavior and support emotional needs.
• Maintains consistent routines and expectations to promote emotional regulation and student engagement.
• Collaborates closely with the ALE coordinator, counselors, administrators, and mental health professionals to support students’ academic and behavioral success.
• Participates in and contributes to student staffing conferences, transition planning, and behavior intervention reviews.
• Maintains communication and coordination with external agencies as appropriate (e.g., juvenile services, DHS, mental health providers).
• Provides structured transition support for students entering or exiting the ALE program, including reintegration into traditional classrooms.
• Assists the administration in implementing all policies and rules governing student conduct, develops reasonable rules of classroom behavior and procedure, and maintains order in the classroom in a fair and just manner.
• Plans and coordinates the work of paraprofessionals, parents, and volunteers to support student learning and behavior goals.
• Is available to students and parents for education-related purposes during the instructional day and extended hours when necessary.
• Attends and participates in faculty meetings and professional development activities, especially those related to trauma-informed practices, behavior management, and alternative education.
• Collaborates with other members of the staff in planning instructional goals, objectives, and methods; assists in the selection of books, equipment, and other instructional materials.
• Supports and participates in school activities and initiatives as appropriate.
• Takes all necessary and reasonable precautions to maintain a safe and orderly environment to protect students, staff, equipment, materials, and facilities.
• Communicates regularly with internal and external stakeholders to develop and maintain a positive school and community relationship.
• Other duties as assigned

Qualifications:

• Valid teaching license for the grade level and subject area assigned.
• Meets requirements for Arkansas Qualified Teacher designation, if applicable to the teaching assignment.

Physical Demands:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to stand and talk or hear and sometimes walk and sit. While performing the duties of this job, the employee may occasionally push or lift up to 50 lbs. such as boxes of books and laptop carts. The employee is directly responsible for the safety, well-being, or work output of other people. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision such as reading handwritten or typed material, and the ability to adjust focus. The position requires the individual to meet multiple demands from several people and interact with the public and other staff.

Work Environment:

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

The noise level in the work environment is moderate to loud. Duties are performed indoors and occasionally outdoors.

Other:

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 necessary.