Salem High School's Bridge Academy is an alternative learning community within the school. It assists students in achieving the high school's college and career focused mission by providing a smaller, more personalized learning environment that offers flexible learning opportunities. Using a student-centered approach, the Bridge Academy supports each student's social emotional needs while recovering credits and becoming re-engaged in their school experience.

The Special Education Instructor and Program Coordinator will provide leadership necessary so that the Bridge Academy meets its purpose for all student members. This person will work collaboratively with program and school personnel to develop and implement systems that support ongoing progress monitoring of students, strong family/community engagement structures, and instructional practices that promote student engagement.

Additionally, the Special Education Instructor and Program Coordinator will support daily management of the classroom; including therapeutic, curricular, and inclusive experiences. This position requires the use of experiential education to provide opportunities for youth to make positive choices, gain self-confidence and learn skills that are critical to their lifelong development.

Experience working with students with significant social and emotional needs is a must. A strong sense of professionalism is required. Candidates must be team-oriented and possess strong oral and written communication skills, organizational ability, and effective time management skill.

Position Status: Full-time with benefits

Reports to: Assistant Superintendent and the High School Principal

Responsibilities will include :

• Working collaboratively with building principal to create a flexible schedule that meets the academic and social emotional needs of students with in the program
• Managing of all aspects of assigned student's services both educational and mental health
• Teaching curriculum content modified and accommodated to meet the student's IEP
• Ensuring staff, student and family comprehension of behavior and treatment goals
• Fostering inclusion and acceptance of students with disabilities within the broader school community
• Presenting evidence of student progress toward goals and objectives through regular progress reports & Team meetings
• Facilitating child study team meetings to monitor progress of students with in program and on-board new students into the program
• Working collaboratively with the externship coordinator to support internship and work study opportunities for Bridge Academy students
• Monitoring attendance of students and providing necessary supports to increase regular attendance
• Developing and implementing effective family and community engagement strategies
• Striving at all times to foster a positive approach to problem solving
• Using effective communication skills to present information accurately and clearly
• Safety Care Training required and provided
• Completing needed paper work and job-related functions in a timely manner
• Other duties as assigned by supervisor

Qualifications:

• MA Certifications in Moderate Special Needs
• Experience working with students with social emotional/behavioral issues
• Masters degree
• Bilingual (Spanish), preferred
• Proven leadership in developing and executing a vision of high expectations for all
• Successful experience in diverse communities
• Demonstrated aptitude and competence for assigned responsibilities
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively with students, families, staff, and community

Excellent communication

New Teacher Orientation for all first year teachers and all teaching staff new to the Salem Public Schools for the 2018/2019 School Year will be held on August 21st and 22nd, 2018. This is a required commitment of all new teaching staff. Professional Development for all teaching staff (new and returning) will begin on August 28, 2018. The full 2018/2019 School Year Calendar can be found on the Salem Public Schools' website.

Position Type: Full-time

Equal Opportunity Employer
Salem Public Schools is committed to maintaining a work and learning environment free from discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, pregnancy, gender, sexual orientation, marital/civil union status, ancestry, place of birth, age, citizenship status, veteran status, political affiliation or disability, as defined and required by state and federal laws.

Contact Information
Liza Bento, Director of Human Capital
29 Highland Avenue
Salem, Massachusetts 01970
Phone: 978-740-1115
Fax: 978-740-1279
Email: humancapital@salemk12.org