Empowering Futures: Become a Supervisory Teacher with the Indian Health Service

Are you an experienced educator looking to move into a leadership role that directly transforms lives? The Indian Health Service (IHS) is currently seeking a highly motivated Supervisory Teacher to join the team at the Great Plains Area Youth Regional Treatment Center (GPAYRTC) in Wakpala, South Dakota. This is more than just a classroom position; it is an opportunity to lead educational programming within a vital clinical environment.

Job Responsibilities

As a Supervisory Teacher, your responsibilities extend beyond the traditional classroom. You will:

Instructional Leadership: Develop and adapt instructional methods to meet the unique needs of students with diverse learning and behavioral challenges.
Staff Management: Supervise paraprofessional staff to ensure high-quality educational assistance.
Regulatory Compliance: Maintain accreditation standards mandated by state, tribal, and federal entities.
Student Advocacy: Work within an Individual Education Plan (IEP) framework to ensure student success.

Requirements

To be considered for this GS-09 position, you must meet several key criteria:

Education: A Bachelor's degree (or higher) with foundational coursework in pedagogy, human development, and psychology.
Certification: You must hold a valid state-issued teaching license with a Special Education (SPED) endorsement.
Credentials: Possession of a Level 1 Elementary or Secondary Principal Credential is required.

Quick Qualification Comparison

Requirement	Essential/Preferred
Bachelor's Degree	Essential
SPED Endorsement	Essential
Principal Credential	Essential
Administrative Exp	Preferred

Salary and Benefits

The salary range for this position is $61,722 to $80,243 per year. Employees enjoy a robust federal benefits package, including competitive health insurance, retirement options, and potential eligibility for recruitment or relocation incentives.

Application Tips

The IHS employs a multi-hurdle review process. To stand out:

Tailor Your Resume: The SME panel only reviews the first two pages. Ensure your specialized experience is prominent.
Documentation: Have your transcripts and certification documentation ready before the application window closes on July 29, 2026.
Clarity: Clearly state your hours worked per week for all previous teaching roles.

This role offers a unique intersection of education and administration. If you have the drive to lead and the passion to serve, we encourage you to submit your application today.

Why This Teacher (Supervisory) Job Matters

Make a meaningful impact on student lives in South Dakota by joining the Indian Health Service as a Supervisory Teacher.

Teacher (Supervisory) Job Overview

The Indian Health Service (IHS) is seeking a dedicated Supervisory Teacher for the Great Plains Area Youth Regional Treatment Center (GPAYRTC) in Wakpala, South Dakota. This role is essential to providing high-quality, individualized instruction to students managing various disabilities and behavioral challenges. You will lead an interdisciplinary team, manage paraprofessional staff, and ensure educational standards are met in alignment with state, federal, and tribal regulations.

Requirements for Teacher (Supervisory)

U.S. Citizenship.
Bachelor's degree with specific coursework in psychology, human development, history/philosophy of education, and teaching methods.
Active state, District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, or U.S. territory teacher certification with a Special Education (SPED) endorsement.
Level 1 Elementary or Secondary Principal Credential.
Successful completion of a federal background investigation.
Ability to pass the E-Verify employment verification check.
Compliance with financial responsibility and suitability requirements.

Preferred Qualifications for Teacher (Supervisory)

Experience in educational administration within a residential or clinical treatment environment.
Demonstrated ability to lead paraprofessional staff members effectively.
Proficiency in navigating accreditation standards such as CARF or North Central Association.
Previous experience working with students managing both learning and behavioral difficulties.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Federal competitive salary with annual leave accrual.
✓Opportunities for professional development and training workshops.
✓Comprehensive health insurance and benefit packages (via IHS portal).
✓Potential recruitment or relocation incentives for qualified candidates.
✓Impactful work within a supportive interdisciplinary clinical team.

💡 How to Apply Teacher (Supervisory) Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Teacher (Supervisory) Job

Create or update your USAJOBS account.
Prepare a resume that highlights your specialized education and supervisory teaching experience within the last two pages.
Submit all required documents, including unofficial transcripts and proof of certification.
Complete the online eligibility questionnaire.
Ensure your application is confirmed before the deadline on July 29, 2026.

💡 General Tips

Focus your resume's first two pages on the specialized experience required, as SMEs will only review this portion.
Ensure your teacher certification and SPED endorsement are clearly visible on your resume.
Double-check that your transcripts list credit hours and course grades.
If claiming Indian Preference, ensure you attach the BIA-4432 form.
Submit your package well before the closing date to avoid system congestion.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the primary focus of this teaching position?

The role focuses on providing special education services to youth at the Great Plains Area Youth Regional Treatment Center, focusing on students with learning and behavioral challenges.

Is a background check required?

Yes, this is a position with contact with Indian children, requiring a rigorous federal background investigation and financial suitability review.

Are there specific education requirements?

Yes, you must hold at least a Bachelor's degree with specific foundational coursework in education and meet the certification requirements for the role.

Can I apply if I am not a federal employee?

Yes, this position is open to various hiring paths, including the public and competitive service.

Is relocation assistance offered?

Recruitment or relocation incentives may be authorized for qualified candidates.

Job from Indian Health Service

The Indian Health Service (IHS) is a premier federal agency dedicated to improving the health outcomes of over 2 million American Indians and Alaska Natives. Our interdisciplinary teams are known for their creativity, compassion, and commitment to service. Working at the GPAYRTC means you will be part of a mission-driven organization that values professional growth and community impact.