The J.S. Bryant School, opening September 2025, is a private, not-for-profit, 12-month therapeutic high school dedicated to empowering LGBTQIA+ teens to be their most authentic selves. Experiential learning and robust wellness support are foundational to our program.  This is a non-traditional interdisciplinary educational environment in which teachers are expected to teach diverse subject area content and develop and deliver lessons that are project-based, inquiry-based, place-based, career-connected, and celebrate the LGBTQIA+ experience. Creativity, flexibility, sensitivity, and on the spot problem-solving are required.  Many of our students are navigating mental health or social-emotional challenges that have previously disrupted their learning. Our school’s facilities are located in the Massachusetts Berkshire Foothills. We seek a Lead Teacher who is certified in Special Education and has 5+ years high school teaching experience in progressive learning environments.

Responsibilities

Management of Special Education Learning (20%)

• Support the 1-4 other teachers in meeting the  special education needs of their students 

• Manage the individualized education plans (IEPs) of those students who need specific learning supports (e.g., goals, accommodations, and transition plans)

• Oversee the meeting and documentation requirements of DESE and local districts for students who have been placed in the school
  

Interdisciplinary Classroom Teacher (70%)

• With the support of Teaching Artists, Teaching Farmers, and other aides, develop the curriculum for and teach  2 out of the 5 core courses: Worldview, Community Leadership, Environmental Activism, Creative Activation, Personal Identity – more information about our core courses

• Partner with the Director of Farming to integrate farm-based activities into content area learning

• Participate in wraparound support including parents/guardians, therapist, and nurse

• Provide social-emotional support to students

• Create a positive, collaborative, student-centered learning environment

• Develop curriculum models within the learning framework in collaboration with other teachers and our Learning Task Force.

• Assess and document all student progress.

• Advise students

School-Wide Support (10%)

• Conduct staff professional development training on special education topics and accommodations

• Attend staff and school-wide meetings as specified by school leadership

• Lead a 1-hour “wellness club” 3 times a week during the school day in modalities of the students’ choosing (hiking, farm animal care, book club, art, music, etc.)

• Participate and assist in end of the day farming activities

• Learn and implement  all-school safety procedures and participate in taskforce leadership

• Support the unexpected start-up activities of the new school

Additional Information

• Full-time (9am-5pm school day, Monday to Friday - school calendar)

• Start Date: August 1, 2025

Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree 

• Active Special Education License in Massachusetts (9th-12th grade certification)

• Active Teaching License in Massachusetts

• 5+ years experience teaching high school students including in a special education setting 

• Ability to create positive,  inclusive, and collaborative learning experiences in a multi-age classroom

• Ability to incorporate nature and land-based learning experiences into the curriculum

• Experience supporting students with diverse disabilities (particularly social-emotional and behavioral needs as well as learning disabilities), providing specialized instruction to help them succeed academically and socially

• Experience using teaching strategies that are experiential, project-based, and interdisciplinary, and that empower students to progress academically and discover their most authentic selves

• Deep background in supporting the LGBTQIA+ community, through work and/or lived-experience

• Excellent communication and collaboration skills

• Experience in supervising other teachers is preferred

For best consideration please submit by May 12, 2025. 

About J.S. Bryant School

Connections working at J.S. Bryant School