BRYT Academic Teacher

About the Role

The BRYT (Bridge for Resilient Youth in Transition) Academic Teacher provides intensive academic and transitional support to students returning to or transitioning into school following extended absences due to hospitalization, rehabilitation, recovery programs, or complex medical issues (e.g., concussions). The Teacher collaborates with clinical staff to implement customized transition plans and short-term academic interventions to facilitate a successful return to a regular schedule.

Qualifications

• Valid Massachusetts Teaching License in Special Education
• SEI Endorsement
• Bachelor's Degree from an accredited college or university in Elementary Education or a related field required; Master's Degree preferred
• Proven track record of supporting students struggling with complex academic and social-emotional challenges
• Experience in a school-based transition or intervention program is preferred
• Bilingual proficiency in Spanish and/or Portuguese is preferred

Skills

• Instructional Intervention: Ability to design and implement Tier 3 academic interventions and customized transition plans for students with diverse learning and medical needs
• Data-Driven Decision Making: Proficiency in gathering and analyzing student progress data to inform transition timelines and measure the effectiveness of interventions
• Collaborative Leadership: Ability to work effectively within Professional Learning Communities (PLCs) and multidisciplinary teams (social workers, nurses, general education teachers) to ensure seamless student re-entry
• Clinical Coordination Support: Skill in collaborating with clinical staff to maintain a supportive therapeutic environment dedicated to student recovery and learning
• Differentiated Instruction: Mastery of adjusting instructional methods to meet the varying academic levels and stamina of students returning from medical leave
• Compliance & Record-Keeping: Thorough knowledge of educational privacy laws (FERPA) and district policies regarding student medical records and academic credits
• Instructional Technology: Proficiency in using Google Workspace for Education and digital curriculum tools to facilitate flexible, 1:1, or small-group learning
• Communication: Ability to engage in consistent, compassionate, two-way communication with families and medical providers to support student well-being
• Cultural Proficiency: Demonstrated competence in fostering an equitable and inclusive environment for students from all backgrounds and medical circumstances
• Professionalism & Composure: Maintain regular and punctual attendance; exhibit professional composure and empathy when supporting students through significant life transitions

Responsibilities

• Supports the implementation of comprehensive plans integrating clinical care coordination with classroom academic supports for Tier 3 students
• Provides 1:1 and small-group academic instruction on a flexible, as-needed basis to help students maintain progress toward credit completion
• Works closely with classroom teachers to bridge the gap between the BRYT program and the regular classroom setting
• Collaborates with the BRYT Social Worker to maintain a classroom space that is both safe/supportive and academically rigorous
• Regularly monitors the progress of students even after they have fully transitioned back to their regular academic schedules
• Employs de-escalation strategies and maintains order to support students' emotional health during the transition process
• Consults regularly with students, families, and community partners to foster a collaborative approach to student success
• Actively participates in PLCs and multidisciplinary teams (Special Education, ESL, Mental Health) to coordinate comprehensive support for students
• Communicates student progress, challenges, and achievements clearly and promptly to parents and guardians, ensuring language accessibility where needed
• Collaborates with administration to implement school-wide policies and initiatives that enhance the school culture and student conduct
• Commits to ongoing professional development, staying current with evidence-based practices and antiracist pedagogical frameworks
• Contributes to the school community by participating in staff meetings, serving on committees, and supporting extracurricular activities as directed
• Plans and supervises purposeful assignments for educational support staff and volunteers to maximize their impact on student learning

Working Conditions

• Must move about and traverse throughout the school building and grounds; requires the ability to navigate effectively throughout classrooms, cafeterias, and playgrounds for supervision and instruction
• Often remains in a stationary position for considerable periods of time for instructional delivery, administrative tasks, and meetings
• Must be able to see and hear continuously to ensure student safety, monitor classroom operations, and provide instruction in active school environments
• Must communicate effectively and clearly with students, parents, and district personnel in person, via email, and on the telephone or video conference
• Frequent use of hands to finger, handle, or feel. Must be able to operate a computer, input data, and utilize instructional technology and office productivity machinery continuously throughout the day
• Ability to lift, move, and position classroom materials and equipment (up to 30 lbs) such as books, supplies, and bulk student devices
• Must be able to adapt to dynamic, higher-noise school environments during classroom instruction, recess, and observations
• Must interact routinely with diverse stakeholders, meet multiple high-level demands simultaneously, and maintain focus on student needs amid frequent interruptions
• Ability to navigate and function effectively within diverse school settings, including classrooms, cafeterias, and playgrounds, which involve varying noise levels and high-activity environments
• Capacity to remain calm and professional when exposed to student behavioral challenges or high-stakes emotional situations; ability to model and apply de-escalation techniques as needed