Skip to main content

This job has expired

Director for Social Emotional Learning

Employer
Cambridge Public Schools
Location
Cambridge, MA, US
Salary
Competitive
Position: Director for Social Emotional Learning

Cambridge, Massachusetts is a dynamic, diverse urban city with a strong commitment to investing in our public schools. Educating approximately 7,000 students preK-12, the Cambridge Public Schools consists of award-winning faculty, cutting edge technology, and innovative programs. While each of our public schools is unique, they are joined by a shared vision of rigorous, joyful, and culturally responsive learning. Over 30% of CPS students speak a language other than English at home and over 70 languages are spoken by our families. Among the most common are Spanish, Haitian Creole, Amharic, Arabic, Bengali, Chinese, and Portuguese. Our schools proudly embrace this diversity.

The Role:
The Director for Social Emotional Learning is a member of the district's Instructional Council and CPS's Administrative Council. Informed by current research and best practices in the SEL field and through active partnership with school-based/district leaders, educators, clinical staff including school-based (non-Office of Student Services social workers), and fellow Instructional Council colleagues, the director will perform a variety of administrative responsibilities in coordinating the successful development, implementation, and evaluation of a comprehensive & integrated approach to social emotional learning and academics throughout the school district.

Responsibilities:
  • Collaborate with and provide appropriate supervision, evaluation, mentoring, and professional growth and development opportunities to the Lead Teacher for Social Emotional Learning, the District Social Worker for Social Emotional Learning, and other SEL-related assigned staff.
  • Provide leadership and direction toward educator capacity building that supports increased student achievement consistent with the district's vision of rigorous, joyful, culturally responsive teaching & learning.
  • Oversee district policies and practices related to social-emotional learning through an equity lens
  • Partner with school-based/district leaders, educators, clinical staff, and fellow Instructional Council colleagues to align SEL goals to district priorities and ensure a cohesive approach to addressing students' SEL and developmental needs.
  • Lead the continuous improvement of an SEL strategic plan aligned to the district's vision, instructional framework, and best practices from the SEL field.
  • Partner with District and school leaders to implement Multi-Tiered Systems of Support as it relates to SEL.
  • Collaborate with the Office of Research, Assessment & Evaluation and building principals to train staff in using relevant data to problem solve and identify interventions to support students.
  • Collect and analyze data to understand the impact on scholar culture and academic outcomes, make decisions, and determine appropriate adjustments to SEL practices, initiatives, and/or programs.
  • Observe classrooms, as requested, and provide feedback and strategies to support students in need of SEL intervention including providing strategies for data collection related to SEL competencies.
  • Coordinate and lead professional development that deepens educators' understanding of teaching and learning in relation to SEL for the full range of learners.
  • Work toward greater alignment of the district's SEL approach with after-school and out-of-school programs.
  • In partnership with the communications office, communicate SEL initiatives and programs to scholars, educators, caregivers and community partners through messaging, updating district website and other forms of communication.
  • Manage an operational budget to ensure effective allocation of SEL and mental behavioral health resources.
  • Perform other duties as may be assigned by the Superintendent of Schools and Deputy Superintendent.
Your Skill Set:
As the incoming Director for Social Emotional Learning (SEL), you will possess many, though perhaps not all, of the following skills and experiences:
  • Cultural competency and ability to elevate anti-racist diversity, equity, and inclusion practices in classrooms and work spaces throughout the district
  • Knowledge of the CASEL's SEL framework for establishing and sustaining equitable learning environments that advance students' learning and development.
  • Experience working in in urban, diverse school settings
  • Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
  • Strong organizational skills with a keen attention to detail
  • Ability to create a District-level professional development program.
  • Experience in supervision and evaluation of staff, budget development, and program administration.
  • Strong understanding and/or successful experience in the administration of social emotional learning programs at the building or district level.
  • Demonstrated knowledge of current research and best practices in SEL and school climate
  • Knowledge of best practices in multi-tiered systems of support to meet students' social and emotional needs.
Job Requirements:
  • Master's Degree or higher in Education, Counseling, or Educational Administration preferred with specific experience in developing and leading Social and Emotional Learning programs
  • Massachusetts Supervisor/Director Certification
  • Massachusetts School Psychologist Certification
  • Applicants should have a minimum of five (5) years' professional experience in an SEL-related field
  • Passion for social-emotional learning as a key lever for equity and improving student outcomes
Terms of Employment:
Full-time, 11 months (September - July). This is a two year grant funded position (SY:21-22 & SY:22-23). The position will be reviewed for effectiveness and impact at which time a decision will be made regarding continuation of the position.

Salary: In accordance with the Cambridge Education Association Unit B Salary Schedule

How to Join Our Team:
Please upload a resume and thoughtful cover letter, outlining how your skills, experience, and commitment to equity in education meet the qualifications of the position as well as stating how you heard about this opportunity.

The Cambridge Public Schools is committed to cultivating an environment where diverse perspectives and backgrounds are embraced, acknowledging that a team reflecting diversity of race, color, ancestry, national origin, religion, age, gender, marital/domestic partner status, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability status, and veteran status allows us to serve our communities better. To that end, we welcome and encourage applicants to bring their authentic selves when considering employment opportunities within our school district.

Get job alerts

Create a job alert and receive personalized job recommendations straight to your inbox.

Create alert