Middle School Structured Learning Center Special Education/ELA Teacher (2025-26 Anticipated Opening)

Who Are We? Prospect Hill Academy Charter School is a highly successful urban PK-12 public school located in Somerville and Cambridge. We enroll over 1,100 students from cities and towns throughout the greater Boston metro area. Our inclusive and restorative school celebrates and serves a diverse community - with 87% BIPOC, 27% ELL, and 16% of our students qualifying for special education services. Our mission is to prepare all students for success in college, foster responsible citizenship, and inspire a lifelong love of learning - as we believe academic achievement opens doors and creates opportunities for our students.

We center the values of anti-racism, diversity, equity, and inclusion in our work. Our approach to instruction is founded on culturally sustaining, inquiry-based, and student-centered practices. To invest in the growth of our educators, we offer comprehensive professional development, instructional coaching, and mentorship. Our campuses foster a collaborative team environment with extraordinary educators who are committed to ongoing learning, reflection, and professional growth.

What does a Structured Learning Center Special Education Teacher (ELA) at Prospect Hill do? The Middle School Structured Learning Center Special Education Teacher (ELA) implements and adapts direct and explicit academic and specially designed instruction using multi-sensory teaching, differentiated strategies, including use of modified content, methodology, and performance criteria. Dual certified special education teachers are highly encouraged to apply!

The Structured Learning Center is part of an inclusive support model and provides a highly structured approach to academic instruction across the middle school day for students who are accessing academic content well below grade level. The ELA Focused Special Education Teacher would have opportunities to collaborate closely with a STEM focused Special Education Teacher to support a small group of students. Content is taught using a multi-sensory, explicit, and spiraling approach. Students may receive academic instruction in the Structured Learning Center or in a general education classroom as indicated by level of need and their Individualized Education Plans. Development of strategies to support students' executive functioning, life skills, language comprehension, study skills, and social skills is embedded into the student’s day in the Structured Learning Center.

Essential Responsibilities:

• Plan a program of study that, as much as possible, meets the individual needs, interest, and abilities of the students with a focus on Humanities curriculum.
• Plan a program of study that incorporates explicit instruction in executive functioning, school skills, social skills, and daily living skills as appropriate to the need of the students
• Collaborate with grade level classroom teachers, other special education teachers, and specialists to provide comprehensive and effective services to assigned students
• Promote and assist in the implementation of research-based strategies to ensure the transition and generalization of students’ academic and social goals within the regular education environment and throughout the school
• Assess student progress towards objectives, expectations, and/or goals for the purpose of providing feedback to students, parents and administration
• Serve as contact person for designated caseload, including completion of all associated paperwork (monitoring student performance, writing IEPs/progress reports, etc.), participation in the Team process (participating in Annual Reviews, conferencing w/ parents/Team members, etc.), and maintenance of communication between teachers, specialists, families, and any outside providers
• Utilize appropriate classroom management strategies, including a comprehensive positive behavior intervention system, to ensure a successful and motivating instructional environment within the classroom and throughout the school for designated students
• Use a multi-disciplinary approach to gather various sources of information for progress monitoring in order to routinely implement data-based decision-making practices to guide instruction and lesson planning
• Create a classroom environment that is conducive to learning and appropriate to the maturity and interests of the students
• Guide the learning process toward the achievement of established district curriculum goals, establishes and communicates clear objectives to the students for all lessons, units and projects
• Employ a variety of instructional techniques and instructional media, consistent with the physical limitations of the location provided and the needs of capabilities of the individuals or student groups involved
• Maintain accurate, complete, and correct records as required by law, district policy, and administrative regulations
• Take all necessary and reasonable precautions to protect students, equipment, materials, and facilities
• Participate in professional development that is specific to the mission of PHA and responsive to the needs of our student population
• Plan and collaborate with the Structured Learning Center Team including co-planning with Math Focused Special Education Teacher and providing supervision and scheduling for associate teacher(s).
• Take an active part in the teacher evaluation process, contributing to a mutual agreement concerning the results of that evaluation
• Attend building and district meetings as applicable and requested by supervisors
• Attend established traditional school sponsored activities (e.g., Back to School Night, Open House, programs, activities)
• Strive to maintain and improve professional competence
• Coordinate student and staff schedules to ensure compliance with IEP requirements and the efficient use of resources
• Consult with staff and administration on instructional/student issues as an active, participatory Team member
  NOTE: This list of essential functions is not intended to be all-inclusive and may be supplemented at the request of one’s supervisor and/or senior management.

What Knowledge, Skills, and Experiences are needed for this role?

• A minimum of 3 years of teaching experience working with middle school students (preferred)
• Master’s Degree preferred, Bachelor’s Degree required
• DESE licensure (or license eligible) in Moderate Disabilities or Severe Disabilities
• Commitment to Prospect Hill Academy's educational mission, vision, and values
• Commitment to working with students and families from diverse backgrounds with diverse profiles
• Well-developed and demonstrated cultural proficiency
• Strong organizational and communication skills, both written and oral
• Outstanding interpersonal skills with the ability to communicate and facilitate clearly in oral and written form with staff and families
• Passionate about collaboration with colleagues and supervisor; proven ability to work collaboratively and effectively with colleagues, including the ability to nurture a community of adult learners
• Proficiency in the effective use of data to determine and monitor progress, including using and creating spreadsheets or other relevant data tracking tools
• Demonstrated ability to give and receive constructive feedback
• Growth mindset and a commitment to reflective practice
• Fluency in Google suite of applications

Physical Requirements:

• Frequent sitting, standing, walking, reaching with hands and arms to stoop, kneel, or crouch
• Regularly required to operate a computer and other office equipment with hands and arms and must occasionally lift and/or move up to 10 pounds.
• Frequent lifting and/or moving up to 10 pounds and occasionally lifting and/or moving up to 25 pounds.
• Occasional use of hands to handle or feel
• Occasional climbing or balancing

The above information outlines the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this position. It is not designed as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of employees assigned to this job; nor is it a contract for employment. The school will make reasonable accommodations as they relate to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

Employment at the School is on an “Employment-At-Will” basis. In other words, you or the School may terminate employment for any reason and at any time, with or without notice. Similarly, the terms of employment outlined in this description are subject to change at any time.

Our students and families are diverse, and we are committed to hiring educators who reflect the wonderful diversity of our students. We encourage applicants of all backgrounds to apply to work at Prospect Hill.