Lead Teacher

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.

Required Qualifications

• 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

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
• Onsite only position in the Massachusetts Berkshire Foothills
• Compensation: $68,000 – $88,000, depending on work experience
• Benefits: Medical, retirement plan

How to Apply: 

Interested candidates are encouraged to submit a cover letter and their resume (with a request for references to follow) to: Allison Druin, Head of School at [email protected]. 

For best consideration please submit by May 12, 2025. 

The Review Process: 

• Screening call: A 10-15 minute conversation with Allison Druin, Head of School, to discuss qualifications and interest
• If applicable, a zoom interview will follow: An in-depth interview with the hiring team to explore your experience and suitability for the role
• If you are a finalist for the position, then three references will be requested so that follow-up phone calls can be made
• Applicants will be reviewed and interviewed on an ongoing basis until the position is filled