Classroom Instructor / Academic Coordinator

Growth Centers of America

Position Overview

The Academic Coordinator is responsible for overseeing and supporting the academic progress of adolescents within the program while maintaining a structured, engaging, and supportive educational environment. This role serves as the primary liaison between the client, family, charter school, treatment team, and outside academic institutions to ensure each student remains on track academically while receiving treatment services.

The ideal candidate is passionate about youth development, organized, adaptable, and capable of balancing educational support with behavioral and emotional needs in a therapeutic setting.

What You’ll Do

Academic Coordination & Instruction

• Evaluate each client’s curriculum, educational needs, and academic standing upon intake
• Develop individualized academic treatment plans within 72 hours of admission
• Plan and implement age-appropriate educational activities and lesson support
• Ensure assigned coursework and academic goals are completed within required timelines
• Support students in developing accountability, organization, and independent study habits
• Maintain a classroom environment that is structured, welcoming, safe, and conducive to learning

Student Progress & Documentation

• Generate weekly academic progress reports detailing achievements, challenges, and overall functioning
• Monitor student participation, attendance, assignment completion, and educational engagement
• Facilitate daily student scheduling and assignment tracking
• Maintain organized written plans and classroom materials for substitute coverage when needed

School & Family Collaboration

• Serve as the liaison between charter schools, home schools, families, and the treatment team
• Coordinate the exchange of assignments, testing, transcripts, and educational records
• Assist with referrals for additional academic services, including IEP evaluations and accommodations
• Provide weekly communication updates to parents and guardians regarding academic progress and concerns
• Transport students to assigned charter schools bi-weekly and provide supervision and support during visits

Team Collaboration & Client Support

• Participate in weekly treatment team meetings and communicate academic progress or concerns
• Maintain professionalism and confidentiality in all client interactions
• Serve as a calm and supportive presence during moments of emotional dysregulation or crisis
• Ensure services remain aligned with company expectations, licensing standards, and accreditation requirements
• Support the overall therapeutic and educational mission of the program

Who You Are

You are compassionate, patient, and passionate about helping adolescents succeed academically, emotionally, and personally. You thrive in structured yet dynamic environments and understand how to balance educational support with behavioral and emotional needs in a therapeutic setting.

You are someone who:

• Demonstrates strong classroom management, crisis intervention, and de-escalation skills
• Communicates professionally and builds positive relationships with students, families, and staff
• Maintains a calm, structured, and supportive learning environment
• Is adaptable, organized, and able to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced setting
• Understands trauma-informed care and adolescent development
• Brings professionalism, emotional intelligence, accountability, and teamwork into the educational environment

What You Bring

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required (Education, Psychology, Child Development, or related field preferred)
• Experience working with adolescents ages 12–17
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment
• Basic computer proficiency and documentation skills
• Valid driver’s license with an acceptable driving record

Preferred Qualifications

• Teaching credential or academic instructional certification
• Experience in behavioral health, residential treatment, special education, or therapeutic settings
• Knowledge of IEP processes, academic accommodations, and educational advocacy
• Experience working with adolescents with behavioral, emotional, or co-occurring disorders
• Crisis intervention and de-escalation experience

Why Join Growth Centers of America?

At Growth Centers of America, you’ll join a mission-driven team dedicated to creating meaningful change in the lives of adolescents and families. We value compassion, collaboration, accountability, and personal growth — both for the clients we serve and the professionals who serve them.

This is more than an academic role — it is an opportunity to mentor, guide, and positively influence young people during critical moments in their lives.