Employment

Teacher – LIFES Academy 

Solutions That Empower People, Inc. (STEP) is seeking a qualified Middle School/High School Teacher with a Special Education K-12 endorsement to join the LIFES Academy team. LIFES Academy is a Virginia-approved private day school serving students with emotional and behavioral disabilities. 

This position is responsible for planning and implementing academic instruction and educational activities for students with emotional and behavioral disabilities. The successful candidate will work collaboratively with school staff, families, and community partners to ensure students receive appropriate educational services, behavioral support, and opportunities for academic success. 

Qualifications: 

– Bachelor’s degree or higher from an accredited college or university 

– Valid Virginia teaching license with Special Education K-12 endorsement, or eligibility to obtain Virginia licensure 

– Candidates eligible for a Virginia provisional teaching license are encouraged to apply. STEP is committed to supporting qualified candidates through the licensure process. 

– Ability to utilize a variety of instructional methods and behavioral management strategies appropriate for students with emotional and behavioral disabilities 

– Strong communication, collaboration, and classroom management skills 

Salary: Starting at $42,757 annually

Apply Here

This position will be posted until filled.

STEP, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer. 

Project Discovery Coordinator

STEP, Inc. has an opening for a Coordinator for our Project Discovery Program. Project Discovery is a post-secondary access program which encourages students to stay in and graduate high school and provides resources for students to successfully make the transition to post-secondary education.

This is a part time position at 20-25 hours per week. The successful applicant will be responsible for maintaining positive relationships with school personnel and students, monitoring participant progress and maintaining accurate student records. Additional responsibilities include advocating for low income, first generation college students and making appropriate referrals to college campuses and community resources. Qualifications:  Associate’s Degree, experience working with youth & diverse populations.

Salary range for this position will be $17.11-$20.27 per hour. 

Apply Here

This position will be posted until filled.

STEP, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer. 

Before & After Care Aide – Patrick County

STEP, Inc. has an opening for a Before and After-School Aide in Patrick County. This is a part-time position averaging 19 hours per week, with a schedule of Monday through Friday from 6:45 AM to 8:00 AM and 3:00 PM to 5:30 PM. The Aide is responsible for assisting teaching staff in the Before and After-School Program.

Qualifications for this position include one year of experience working with toddler and pre-school age children, excellent written and oral communication skills, basic computer skills, and the ability to possess or attain CPR/AED/First Aid Certification. The pay rate for this position is $13.50 per hour.

Qualified applicants MUST complete an application and the pre-employment assessments found on our website at

Apply Here

This position will be posted until filled.

STEP, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Before & After Care Aide – Franklin County

STEP, Inc. has an opening for a Before and After-School Aide in Franklin County. This is a part-time position averaging 19 hours per week, with a schedule of Monday through Friday from 6:45 AM to 8:00 AM and 3:00 PM to 5:30 PM. The Aide is responsible for assisting teaching staff in the Before and After-School Program.

Qualifications for this position include one year of experience working with toddler and pre-school age children, excellent written and oral communication skills, basic computer skills, and the ability to possess or attain CPR/AED/First Aid Certification. The pay rate for this position is $13.50 per hour.

Qualified applicants MUST complete an application and the pre-employment assessments found on our website at

Apply Here

This position will be posted until filled.

STEP, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Pre-K Teacher – Franklin Co.

Solutions That Empower People, Inc. (STEP) is seeking a highly qualified Pre- K Teacher (Bachelor’s Level) to join our team in Franklin County, VA. This is a full-time, 10-month contracted position designed to attract experienced, professional educators committed to excellence in early childhood education.

This role serves as a lead instructional professional responsible for delivering a high-quality, research-based early learning program and overseeing the daily operations of a Head Start classroom. The Teacher plays a critical role in advancing school readiness outcomes by fostering children’s cognitive, social-emotional, and developmental growth through intentional instruction, strong classroom leadership, and data-informed practices aligned with Head Start Performance Standards.

Key Responsibilities:
– Plan and implement a comprehensive, developmentally appropriate curriculum aligned with school readiness goals
– Lead classroom instruction using evidence-based teaching strategies and ongoing child assessment data
– Establish and maintain a structured, engaging, and well-managed classroom environment
– Support individualized learning and inclusive practices for all children
– Collaborate with families, specialists, and program staff to promote child and family outcomes
– Ensure full compliance with all Head Start Performance Standards and program requirements

Minimum Qualifications:
– Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, or a closely related field (required)
– Minimum of three (3) years of experience in early childhood or preschool education
– Demonstrated expertise in instructional planning, classroom management, and child development
– Strong written and verbal communication skills
– Proficiency in basic computer applications and data systems

Compensation & Benefits:
This is a contracted 10-month position with a competitive compensation package designed to attract highly qualified educators. Compensation is commensurate with education and experience and reflects STEP’s commitment to increasing teacher quality and program outcomes.

Benefits include:
– Health, dental, and vision insurance
– Disability insurance
– 401(k) retirement plan
– Paid time off (PTO)

Join STEP and be part of a mission-driven organization dedicated to empowering children, families, and communities through high-quality early education.

Apply Here

This position will be posted until filled.

STEP, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer

Infant and Toddler Teacher – Franklin Co.

Solutions That Empower People, Inc. (STEP) has an opening for a full-time Infant/Toddler Teacher in Franklin County. The Infant/Toddler Teacher will be responsible for providing a safe, nurturing, and engaging environment for infants and toddlers enrolled in the Early Head Start Program.

The qualifications for this position include a high school diploma or equivalent, a CDA credential in Infant/Toddler Development or equivalent, experience working with infants and toddlers, and experience working with low-income families.

Salary range for this position is $15.56 – $19.06 per hour.
Benefits include health, dental, and vision insurance, disability insurance, paid time off, and 401K.

Qualified applicants MUST complete an application found on our website at:

Apply Here

This position will remain open until filled.
STEP, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Substitute Teacher Positions

STEP, Inc., is currently seeking Substitute Teachers to ensure our children and students continue to thrive when teachers need to be out of the classroom. STEP substitutes provide consistency and continuity in the classroom and make a substantial difference in our educational settings.

STEP, Inc offers Substitutes the following benefits:

• Opportunities to make a difference in the lives of our students.
• Flexible work schedules and locations that are tailored to substitute needs.
• Professional relationships with STEP, Inc. educational staff.
• Pathways that can lead to a full-time career with STEP, Inc.

Come Work With Us!

Substitute Teacher pay is $110 per day for anyone with a high school diploma/GED.  For those who have a Bachelor’s Degree, the pay is $130.00 per day.

Qualified applicants MUST complete an application to be considered for employment.

STEP, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer

Apply Here