Hardin School Districts 17H & 1 have the following position open for the 2026-2027 school year:
MIDDLE SCHOOL ALTERNATIVE EDUCATION TEACHER – BIG HORN ACADEMY
Applicant must have a valid Montana Educator License with an Elementary or any 5-12 curriculum endorsement. Benefit package includes: Health & Dental Insurance - District pays 80% of the Monthly Premium for All Levels of Coverage (i.e. Single, Two Party, Participant + Children, and Family); Flexible Spending Account for Medical and Dependent Care Expenses; District Retirement program; Discretionary Leave; District issued laptop and / or tablet; paid Professional Development Opportunities and possible teacher student loan forgiveness. Duties being in August 2026.
APPLICATION PACKET REQUIREMENTS:
District Online Employment Application
Cover Letter
Resume
Up-to-Date Transcripts (unofficial transcripts are acceptable for application process)
Three (3) Current Letters of Recommendation
Complete application and submit documentation listed above online at https://hardinpublic.tedk12.com/hire/index.aspx
Only complete online applications will be considered
DEADLINE FOR RECEIPT OF APPLICATION PACKET:
Open Until Filled
SCHOOL DISTRICTS 17H & 1
POSITION DESCRIPTION
POSITION TITLE: Middle School Alternative Education Teacher
FACILITY: Big Horn Academy
REPORTS TO: Building Principal
POSITION OVERVIEW:
-Big Horn Academy is seeking a Middle School Teacher to support students in a small, relationship-centered learning environment. The teacher will develop and implement a flexible middle school program that supports academic achievement, positive behavior, and personal growth while utilizing district-adopted, evidence-based curriculum.
-The successful candidate will create a structured and supportive classroom environment that meets students where they are academically and socially. This position focuses on helping students build the foundational skills necessary for success in middle school and future academic pathways while maintaining high expectations and consistent accountability.
-The teacher will work to establish strong, positive relationships with students, motivate them to develop the skills and work habits necessary for academic progress, and provide individualized support when needed. The teacher will also collaborate with parents, administration, and staff to monitor student progress, address attendance or behavioral concerns, and support
each student’s success within the program.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES and RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Plan and implement an approved program of study that meets the individual needs, interests, and abilities of the students
- Create a classroom environment that is conducive to learning and appropriate to the maturity, interest of the students; and in accordance to state requirements
- Establish and maintain standards of pupil behavior required to provide an orderly and productive learning environment
- Guide the learning process toward the achievement of curriculum goals and – in harmony with the goals – establish clear objectives for all lessons, units, projects, and the like to communicate these objectives to students
- Instruct pupils in citizenship and basic subject matter specified in state law and administrative regulations and procedures of the school district
- Develop instructional plans and organize class time to provide a balanced program of differentiated instruction, guided practice, and independent practice
- Adapt the curriculum to the needs of pupils with varying intellectual abilities, and to accommodate a variety of instructional activities
- Utilize appropriate technology in lesson planning and implementation
- Arrange and set up classroom
- Create an open relationship with parents, providing them with progress reports of their child; Communicate regularly with the parents within the normal school day by means of phone calls, conferences, emails, notes, newsletters, etc
- Evaluate pupils’ academic and social growth, maintain appropriate records and documentation, and prepare progress reports
- Coordinate schedules with building staff
- Identify pupils’ needs, make appropriate referrals, and implement strategies for individual education plans
- Is available to students and parents for education-related purposes
- Plan and coordinate the work of para-professionals, parents, and volunteers in the classroom and on field trips
- Establish procedures and instruct students in proper care, use, and storage of materials and technology equipment to prevent loss or abuse
- Create an environment for learning through functional and effective displays, interest centers and exhibits of student’s work
- Assist the administration in all policies and/or rules governing students
- Maintain professional competence through in-service education activities provided by the District and / or in self-selected professional growth activities
- Collaborate with staff and administration to improve academic, behavioral, and social outcomes
- Select and requisition instructional materials, books, etc., and maintain inventory records
- Cooperate in school-wide supervision of students during out-of-classroom activities during the normal school day
- Participate in faculty and / or District committees and the sponsorship of student activities
- Report cases of suspected child abuse according to state law (Mandatory Reporter)
Only minimum duties and responsibilities are listed. Other duties and responsibilities may be required as given or assigned.
DESIRED MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
EDUCATION / CERTIFICATION:
Valid Montana Teacher Certification
SPECIAL KNOWLEDGE / SKILLS / ABILITIES:
Ability to apply knowledge of current research and theory to instructional program
Ability to plan and implement lessons based on division and school objectives and the needs and abilities of students to whom assigned
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with students, staff, parents, and school community
Ability to be flexible in scheduling and planning
Ability to effectively use technology in the instructional/learning process
Ability to communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing
Ability to handle stressful situations
Ability to maintain confidentiality of employee and student matters
Ability to perform duties with awareness of all District requirements and School Board policies
EQUIPMENT USED:
Audio-visual equipment, interactive board, computer, tablet, various software, printer, copier, general school equipment
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:
Students
WORK ENVIRONMENT:
While performing the duties of this position, the employee is frequently required to sit, occasionally walk and stand. The employee must be able to lift and / or move up to 50 pounds. Will travel from building to other sites.
Specific vision abilities required by this position include close vision, distance vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.
While performing the duties of this position, the employee rarely performs routine work. The employee frequently exercises flexibility (ability to shift from one task to another). Guidance and reinforcement are usually available. The employee frequently works within time constraints and maintains attentiveness intensity. The employee is frequently involved in social interactions which require oral and written communications.
The physical demands and work-environment characteristics described within this position description are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential duties and responsibilities of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential duties and responsibilities.
The information in the position description is for compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (A.D.A.) and is not an exhaustive list of the duties performed for this position. Employee may perform other duties to meet the ongoing needs of the School District.
Compensation: Salary Range SY26-27- $43,063-$69,444
Credit on the salary schedule will be given for up to eleven (11) years contracted teaching experience. A bonus of $2,500.00 will be added to the contracted amount for those teachers who hold an MA degree.
Teacher Loan Forgiveness Program: Hardin Public Schools receive federal Title 1 funds which is one criterion for eligibility in the Teacher Loan Forgiveness Program. There is also the possibility of qualifying for the critical teacher shortage loan assistance program. Several positions in our District may/will qualify.
School Districts 17H & 1: Our Districts have strong academic programs utilizing a variety of techniques for our students. There are programs for special education students and vocational students. There are a variety of music, drama, art, and sports opportunities for students of all ages. We are a Class A district, early childhood (age 4) through 12th grade, with approximately 1,700 students. The student body is 84% Native American.
Our Schools:
Crow Agency Public School – Early Childhood-Grade 5
Hardin Primary School – Early Childhood-Grade 2
Hardin Intermediate School – Grades 3-5
Hardin Middle School – Grades 6-8
Hardin High School – Grades 9-12
Big Horn Academy – Grades 7-12
Community: Big Horn County, Montana is rich in history, culture and time-honored traditions. It Includes the Crow and Northern Cheyenne Reservations. Hardin (county seat) is situated on the banks of the Bighorn River and the edge of the Crow Reservation. The town is surrounded by productive farms and ranches. Coal mining has also contributed greatly to the local economy. Hardin, is located 46 miles southeast of Billings (largest city in the State) by way of Interstate 90. The Big Horn County Museum, Little Big Horn Battlefield and Chief Plenty Coups State Park provide interesting and important history of the area. The scenic Big Horn, Pryor and Wolf Mountain ranges are part of the Big Horn County landscape. Yellowtail Dam offers a majestic view of the water below. The spectacular Big Horn Canyon National Recreation Area is host to water sports. This area of Big Sky Country also offers fishing, hunting, hiking, snowmobiling, camping, etc. for the outdoor enthusiast. Annual events in Big Horn County include: Little Big Horn Days, Native Days, 4-H County Fair, Crow Fair, & rodeos.
Check out our District’s YouTube video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4fQL74r7pl4
Our website is https://www.hardin.k12.mt.us/
To apply for this position, go to https://hardinpublic.tedk12.com/hire/index.aspx
Only complete online applications will be considered
School Districts 17H & 1 are an equal Opportunity Employer