Do you want to help improve the lives of at-risk youth in your community? Do you want to join a team of people who are hard-working and want to help others? Do you want to build a career while making a difference in the world?

If this sounds like you, let’s talk!  We’re looking for an English Teacher at Canyon State Academy in Queen Creek, an affiliate of Rite of Passage.  Our employees are dedicated and passionate individuals that are committed to inspiring positive change in the lives of youth.  Joining our team is more than just a job, it’s an opportunity to create a meaningful career with a company driven by its powerful mission to make a difference.

Rite of Passage is a leading national provider of programs and opportunities for troubled and at-risk youth from social services, welfare agencies and juvenile courts.  With an emphasis on evidence-based practices and positive skill development, combined with our supportive and therapeutic approach, our organization is respected by industry experts as a highly effective solution for our youth.  Since 1984, over 25,000 youths have entered and completed our programs.  ROP has built its reputation on running life-changing educational treatment programs that positively contribute to the community.

What you’ll do:

Develop and implement engaging English Language Arts (ELA) lessons that meet state standards and are tailored to the specific needs and academic levels of at-risk students. Use literature, poetry, and writing exercises to encourage creative expression and critical thinking, helping students see the value of storytelling, communication, and self-reflection. Foster a positive, supportive classroom environment where students feel safe to explore ideas, express emotions, and build confidence in their reading and writing skills. Introduce students to diverse voices and perspectives in literature, helping them relate to stories and characters that resonate with their own experiences and challenges. Use various instructional strategies, including project-based learning, collaborative discussions, and multimedia resources, to engage students with different learning styles and needs. Collaborate with counselors, social workers, and other staff to support the emotional, behavioral, and academic growth of each student. Provide one-on-one support and interventions to help students develop literacy skills, from reading comprehension to essay writing and public speaking. Mentor students, fostering their creativity and helping them recognize the power of language as a tool for personal expression, advocacy, and change. Monitor student progress through assessments and provide constructive feedback, helping students improve their skills and reach academic goals. Serve as a positive role model, demonstrating empathy, resilience, and a commitment to lifelong learning. Participate in professional development to stay informed about best practices in teaching and working with at-risk youth, including trauma-informed and social-emotional learning techniques.

 To be considered, you should:

Possesses a current and valid State teaching credential in English, Math, Science and/or Special Education. Have related experience working with at-risk youth Have three or more years of successful classroom teaching Possess a knowledge of: Instructional strategies and how they can be employed to deliver curriculum and assess student learning.  Various methodologies and research related to learning and working with at-risk, high school aged youth.  Effective classroom management techniques and behavioral management styles that result in understanding of how to manage and teach to various learning styles.  Effective communication techniques that enable positive and productive collaboration with site staff.  Technology and how it can be used as an educational tool. Have the ability to: Establish a teaching rapport with students which results in student achievement in all program areas.  Diagnose, prescribe and evaluate student progress on an ongoing basis.  Collaborate with staff to deliver a consistent curriculum and implement a team approach to working with students.  Confront inappropriate behavior appropriately and take the necessary action as outlined in the program procedures.  Accept additional tasks as assigned including flexible work schedule and extracurricular assignments. Be able to pass a criminal background clearance check, drug screen, physical and TB test. 

The Perks:

Eligible for Medical, Dental, Vision, and Life Insurance after 90 days of employment. Choice of supplemental benefits, including Short Term Disability and Life Insurance. Eligible for 100% 401k match of up to 6% of your salary after 1 year of employment. Paid Time Off that can be used as soon as it accrues. Free Meals on shift. Employee incentives including On-The-Spot Bonuses, Rams Bucks, and Longevity Awards. Growth opportunities nationwide – we have 40 programs in 16 states! Tuition Assistance.

Why Join Us? This position offers the opportunity to change lives through the power of language and storytelling. Our students have faced difficult circumstances, but with the right guidance, they can find their voices and express themselves in ways they never thought possible. As an English Teacher at our Canyon State Academy, you will play a crucial role in helping these youth develop the communication skills and self-confidence they need to navigate their future. If you are passionate about working with at-risk youth and are eager to inspire creativity and growth, we would love to hear from you.