After having supported and inspired Elevations’ families and students as a math teacher since 2018, Jon Kortman, M.Ed, is now stepping up into the role of Academic Director. He will continue to teach students while guiding and supporting teachers in his new position. Elevations’ education department is a tight-knit group of professionals who are eager to see what new ideas Jon will bring to the table. 

“My role as academic director is to facilitate communication, problem-solving, and interventions when we see that there is something that needs to be addressed,” says Kortman. “Teachers are integrated into the treatment team, and as a result, students are getting plentiful therapy and group time. Then when they come over from the dorms to the school, they get to practice a lot of these skills and the things they are working on. In many ways, I think of our teachers as mental health workers who are utilizing curriculum and instruction to help students develop and make progress toward their goals.”

Elevations teachers work as an integrated team alongside clinical and psychiatric staff. Jon will work closely with teachers, clinical, and psychiatric staff to facilitate the best programming and support for students and families during their time at Elevations. Students have commented on how Jon makes math interesting and accessible through his teaching style. His current focus is examining what is working well within the academic department to identify where the team can improve. 

About Elevations RTC

Elevations RTC is an all-gender residential treatment center providing youth ages 13-17 with personalized, interdisciplinary care. Elevations offers psychiatric care, specialized and intensive clinical groups, accredited academics, and experiential therapy to students with trauma, depression, anxiety, mood disorders, suicidality, and self-harm.
Helping youth rediscover themselves.