English Language Arts Teacher – Adirondack Academy (HFM BOCES Alternative Education Program)
Location: Johnstown, NY
Grade Levels: 9–12
Full-Time | Tenure-Track | Start Date: 9/1/2025
About the Program:
Adirondack Academy offers a truly unique experience for potential educators who are seeking opportunities that will allow them to impact the lives of students holistically in a way that many traditional schools aren’t able to.
We cater to students in grades 9-12 who struggle in a traditional school setting. Many of these students have been faced with overwhelming challenges in their lives and need extra guidance, support, and skill building. Adirondack Academy is designed to meet the needs of these students, by offering a unique schedule, small class sizes as well as additional support from paraprofessionals and counseling staff.
Our teachers have the ability to develop a curriculum to meet their students' needs, to collaborate with fellow staff members, to develop strong relationships with both students and colleagues, and to rethink the way education has traditionally been offered and take advantage of upcoming changes to graduation pathways to create impactful lessons.
Why Adirondack Academy?
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Small class sizes and a supportive team environment
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Opportunities to make a meaningful impact on students’ lives
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Professional development and collaboration across the HFM BOCES network
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A unique setting that values creativity, flexibility, and student voice
Position Overview:
We are seeking a forward-thinking, flexible, and resourceful English Language Arts (ELA) Teacher who is passionate about working with diverse learners. The ideal candidate understands the power of connection and creativity in education and is committed to helping students grow through innovative, student-centered instruction.
Responsibilities Include:
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Design and deliver engaging ELA lessons aligned with NYS Learning Standards
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Differentiate instruction to meet the academic and social-emotional needs of each student
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Create a supportive, respectful classroom environment that encourages participation and risk-taking
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Collaborate with a dedicated team of teachers, counselors, and support staff
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Utilize restorative practices and trauma-informed approaches to classroom management
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Monitor student progress and communicate regularly with families and caregivers
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Encourage literacy through relevant, culturally responsive materials and real-world applications
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NYS Certification in English Language Arts (Grades 7–12) required
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Experience or strong interest in working in alternative education or with at-risk youth
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Ability to build strong, positive relationships with students
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Strong classroom management skills and the ability to adapt to changing needs
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Commitment to innovation, equity, and student success
TEACH Clearance
Per Regulations of the Commissioner of Education, to be employed in a position designated by a school district or BOCES as involving direct contact with students, a clearance for employment from the State Education Department is required. Formal job offer/selection is contingent on candidate's ability to obtain a fingerprint security clearance through the TEACH system prior to working. For more information: http://www.highered.nysed.gov/tsei/ospra/.
Equal Opportunity / Non-Discrimination
HFM BOCES is committed to equal opportunity in educational programs, admissions and employment. HFM BOCES does not discriminate on the basis of an individual’s actual or perceived race, color, religion, religious practice, national origin, ethnic group, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, political affiliation, age, marital status, military status, veteran status, disability, weight or any other basis prohibited by New York state and/or federal non-discrimination laws in its programs and activities, including admissions and employment, and provides equal access to the Boy Scouts and other designated youth groups. Inquiries regarding the BOCES non-discrimination policies should be directed to Dr. Aaron Bochniak (abochniak@hfmboces.org), Assistant Superintendent for BOCES Operations and Component District Services, (518) 736-4305, HFM BOCES, 2755 State Highway 67, Johnstown, NY 12095. Inquiries may also be addressed to the Office for Civil Rights at the US Department of Education, 32 Old Slip, 26th Floor, New York, NY 10005, 646-428-3800, OCR.NewYork@ed.gov. (Revised 9/2020)