Document 5 of 9
Staff Qualifications & Instructor Framework
5.1 Head of School
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Name | Robert Von Der Becke |
| Title | Head of School, Lead Instructor, and Founding Director |
| Professional experience | 22 years in education, behavioral intervention, and martial arts instruction (since 2004) |
| Credentials | Masters-level preparation in Applied Behavior Analysis; Masters-level Taekwondo instructor certification; Masters program in Education; Masters program in Clinical Mental Health Counseling |
| ABA competencies | Task analysis, pivotal response training, discrete trial instruction, behavioral intervention planning, data-based decision making, functional behavior assessment |
| Taekwondo | Master-level rank; certified instructor; curriculum design and rank assessment |
| Role at school | Administers all academic programs; leads Taekwondo instruction; supervises all instructors; manages school operations; conducts family intake and progress conferences |
5.2 Instructor Requirements
All instructors at The VA School, whether full-time, part-time, or volunteer, are required to meet the following standards as a condition of serving in an instructional role.
Required for all instructors
- Completion of foundational training in ABA principles as applied to classroom instruction, provided by the Head of School
- Completion of introductory Taekwondo orientation — values, terminology, and classroom integration
- Demonstrated subject-matter competency in the assigned instructional area
- Background check clearance prior to any student contact
- Signed Instructor Agreement acknowledging school policies, the behavioral framework, and confidentiality obligations
Preferred credentials
- Bachelor's degree or higher in education, a content area, or a related professional field
- Experience in individualized or special education settings
- Knowledge of the K12/Stride curriculum platform
- Experience in youth mentorship, coaching, or career development
Current recruitment
The VA School is actively recruiting instructors and parent volunteers. Interested candidates should contact Robert Von Der Becke at teamvcorp@thevacorp.com. All applicants undergo an interview, background screening, and orientation before working with students.
5.3 Instructor Log
The school maintains a formal log of all instructional staff. Compliance items — ABA foundational training, Taekwondo orientation, subject-matter competency, background check clearance, and the signed Instructor Agreement — are recorded for each individual.
| Name | Role | Credentials | Start date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Robert Von Der Becke | Head of School / Lead Instructor | See Section 5.1 | 2012 |