Student Development Counselor (SY25-26)

The Edward M. Kennedy Academy for Health Careers (EMK) seeks an exceptional School Development Counselor who is highly qualified and knowledgeable to join our community of teachers, learners, and leaders. Kennedy Academy teachers and leaders are committed to the vision of high expectations for achievement, equal access to high levels of instruction, the achievement of academic proficiency for all students, and the closing of the achievement gap among subgroups within the schools.

Kennedy Academy is a Horace Mann In-District Charter High School. It is a college preparatory and vocational high school for Boston students exploring careers in health and health-related careers. The Academy provides a supportive learning environment that promotes respect and embraces diversity. Students will attain the life skills needed to become productive and positive members of society. Kennedy Academy is a great place for those who seek to work in an environment that supports their creativity and innovation and respects their skills and abilities as an educator. 

In addition, over the next five years, Kennedy Academy will double in size, add new health career pathways, college courses, work-based learning, and offer graduates access to good-paying careers at Mass General Brigham thanks to Bloomberg Philanthropies' $38 million grant, which marks the largest philanthropic investment in Boston Public Schools history.

REPORTS TO:  Head of School or Designee

The School Development Counselor will provide academic, social-emotional, and career development support specifically to Grade 9 students. The counselor will collaborate with students, families, teachers, and staff to ensure a smooth transition into high school and support students' long-term academic and personal success.

RESPONSIBILITIES: 

Student Support and Counseling

• Provide individual and group counseling to support students' academic, emotional, and social development.
• Assist students in setting realistic academic and personal goals, creating action plans, and monitoring progress.
• Address barriers to learning by providing crisis intervention and referrals to community resources when necessary.
• Conduct needs assessments to identify challenges specific to Grade 9 students and develop targeted interventions.

Academic Guidance

• Monitor academic progress and work with teachers to provide support for struggling students.
• Organize and lead workshops on time management, study skills, and goal-setting tailored to freshmen.
• Support students in understanding high school graduation requirements and planning for future academic paths.

Transition Support

• Design and implement programs to ease the transition from middle to high school, focusing on building relationships, routines, and expectations.
• Facilitate orientation sessions for incoming Grade 9 students and their families.
• Serve as a liaison between Grade 8 schools and EMK staff to ensure alignment in support for incoming students.

Career Development

• Introduce students to health career pathways and related opportunities, such as internships or volunteer programs.
• Provide resources and information on career exploration, focusing on health and science fields aligned with EMK's mission.
• Host guest speakers and career days to inspire interest in health careers.

Collaboration and Communication

• Works closely with the SESS Coordinator to understand the post-secondary needs of Special Education students.
• Partner with teachers, families, and external agencies to provide comprehensive support for students.
• Works with the local colleges and universities to organize college tours. 
• Maintain accurate records of counseling sessions and interventions while ensuring confidentiality.
• Serves as a member of the Student Support Team and Grade Level Team Meetings
• Assists the school with Graduation, Awards Night, Honor Roll, AP Night, Parent/Teacher Conferences, etc.

Performs other related duties as requested by the Head of School. 

CORE COMPETENCIES: Using the Rubric of Effective Teaching, the Office of Human Capital has identified priority skills and abilities that all BPS teachers should possess:

1. Accountability for Student Achievement 

(II-A-1. Quality of Effort and Work, II-D-2. High Expectations, I-B-2. Adjustments to Practice)

• Sets ambitious learning goals for all students, creates cognitively demanding tasks, and models the belief that all students can master challenging material through effective effort
• Assesses students’ understanding regularly with ambitious learning goals in mind and takes ownership of making necessary adjustments to instruction to reach goals despite setbacks
• Passionate and optimistic about their students, their content, and the teaching profession

1. Communicating Content Knowledge

(I-A-1. Subject Matter Knowledge, I-A-4. Well-Structured Lessons)

• Demonstrates mastery of and enthusiasm for the content area and the pedagogy it requires
• Demonstrates understanding of how the subject matter applies in real-world settings and connects to other content areas and relevant standards
• Can convey content in creative and engaging ways that align with standards

1. Equitable & Effective Instruction 

(II-A-3. Meeting Diverse Needs, II-A-2. Student Engagement, II-B-1. Safe Learning Environment)

• Scaffolds and differentiates instruction in order for all students to do complex thinking and rigorous academic work
• Uses instructional practices that are likely to challenge, motivate, and engage all students and facilitate equitable, active student participation
• Builds a productive learning environment where every student participates and is valued as part of the class community

1. Cultural Proficiency 

(II-C-1. Respects Differences, II-C-2. Maintains Respectful Environment)

• Actively creates and maintains an environment in which students’ diverse backgrounds, identities, strengths, and challenges are respected

1. Parent/Family Engagement 

(III-A-1. Parent/Family Engagement)

• Engages with families and builds collaborative, respectful relationships with them in service of student learning

1. Professional Reflection & Collaboration 

(IV-A-1. Reflective Practice, IV-C-1. Professional Collaboration)

• Regularly reflects on practice, seeks and responds to feedback, and demonstrates self-awareness and commitment to continuous learning and development
• Seeks to participate in and contribute to a collaborative adult learning community.

QUALIFICATIONS - REQUIRED:

• MA DESE School Guidance Counselor License at the appropriate level
• Master's Degree in counseling, education or related field 
• Ability to meet the BPS Standards of Effective Practice as outlined above
• Experience working with urban youth in an educational or human services setting
• Signed Election Agreement pertaining to working at a Horace Mann In-District Charter School

QUALIFICATIONS - PREFERRED:

• Experience with database management 
• Demonstrated writing ability 

Terms:  BTU, Group I

Please click here for more compensation information. Salaries are listed by Unions and Grade/Step.

The start and end times of BPS schools vary, as do the lengths of the school day. EMK has a longer school day through the "Schedule A" Expanded Learning Time (ELT) Agreement. The employee will be required to adhere to the work conditions, including calendar, schedule, and flexibility established by the School. Common planning time, program, department and committee meetings, and professional development occur on Wednesdays, generally between 2pm- 4pm.

The Boston Public Schools, in accordance with its nondiscrimination policies, does not

discriminate in its programs, facilities, or employment or educational opportunities on the basis

of race, color, age, criminal record (inquiries only), disability, homelessness, sex/gender, gender

identity, religion, national origin, ancestry, sexual orientation, genetics or military status, and

does not tolerate any form of retaliation or bias-based intimidation, threat, or harassment that

demeans individuals’ dignity or interferes with their ability to learn or work.