26-27 Teacher / Counselor - Science & Math

Position Summary

Next Wave / Full Circle (NWFC) is seeking a Math/Science Teacher to join a small, close-knit therapeutic alternative school within Somerville Public Schools. This position combines direct instruction in mathematics and science with service as a Teacher/Counselor - a caseload advisor who builds a lasting, trusting relationship with a small group of students and supports their academic, social, and emotional growth from the point of referral through graduation. The ideal candidate is a skilled, flexible content-area teacher who is equally invested in relationship-building, restorative practice, and providing holistic support to students in a dynamic, student-centered setting.

Essential Functions & Responsibilities

The essential functions or responsibilities listed below are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the position

• Plan and deliver engaging, standards-aligned math and/or science instruction to middle and high school students with a range of academic and social-emotional needs.
• Adapt curriculum, pacing, and materials to support access for students with IEPs and other individualized learning needs, in coordination with special education staff.
• Track and communicate student progress and grades, connecting classroom learning to students' post-secondary pathways and goals.
• Participate in academic progress monitoring, including use of the school's gradebook and progress-tracking systems.
• Engage in a whole school competency-based grading system to track soft skills for students as they progress towards graduation.
• Serve as the primary Teacher/Counselor for an assigned caseload of students (approximately 8 counselees), maintaining that relationship through 8th grade or through graduation.
• Lead a daily morning check-in and a counseling group that meets three times per week, covering individual check-ins, goal setting, team building, and celebrating student success.
• Conduct one-to-one academic conferencing with counselees to check progress and align coursework with students' interests and post-secondary plans.
• Help counselees understand graduation requirements, post-secondary pathways, and their progress toward mastering required skills and competencies.
• Serve as the point-of-contact and liaison between counselees' parents/adult supporters and their subject teachers, clinical counselors, and guidance staff.
• Establishes and maintains culturally responsive and two-way communication with parents/adult supporters.
• Participates in professional growth opportunities, reflects on current practices, and incorporates new methodologies into instructional planning and delivery.
• Additional duties as assigned by the Principal/Supervisor and in accordance with the SEU Collective Bargaining Agreement.
  
  

Qualifications, Knowledge, Abilities, & Skills

• Massachusetts DESE licensure in Moderate Disabilities (5-12)
• Massachusetts DESE licensure in Mathematics (5-12) and/or Science (5-12)
• DESE SEI endorsement Required
• Bilingual Educator Preferred
• Experience or strong interest in working with students in a therapeutic, alternative, or high-support educational setting.
• Demonstrated ability to build trusting relationships with students and maintain consistency and de-escalation strategies.
• Familiarity with restorative practices, social-emotional learning, and trauma-informed approaches, or willingness to be trained.
• Strong communication skills, including experience or comfort serving as a liaison between families and school staff.
  
  

Physical Requirements

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the position’s essential functions.

• Mobility: Frequent walking, standing, and navigating stairs.
• Lifting/Strength: Ability to lift, push, pull, or carry objects ranging from 10 to 30 lbs (e.g., books, supplies, equipment).
• Physical Dexterity: Bending, crouching, kneeling, stooping, and reaching to assist students.
• Stationary Tasks: Remaining in a stationary position (sitting/standing) for long periods.
  
  

Reporting Relationships

• Position Reports to: The School Building Principal
  
  

Terms of Employment

• Position Type: Full Time
• School Year Schedule: 184 work days
• FLSA Classification: Exempt
• Union Status: Somerville Educators Union, Unit A
• Salary and benefits are determined in accordance with the Somerville Educators Union, Unit A collective bargaining agreement and the policies of the Somerville School Committee.
• Proration Clause: Your compensation and working days for the initial pay period will be adjusted proportionally based on your official start date.
  
  

Pre-Employment Requirements

MA Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI) Clearance

Fingerprints

The Somerville Public School does not discriminate in its programs, facilities or employment of educational opportunities on the basis of race, color, age, religion, disability, pregnancy, home status, marital/civil union status, sex/gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, citizenship status, place of birth, national origin, ancestry, cultural identity, genetics or military status, and does not tolerate any form of retaliation, or bias-based intimidation, threat or harassment that demeans individuals' group or interferes with their ability to learn or work.