<p>BELLINGHAM PUBLIC SCHOOLS</p> <p>BELLINGHAM, MASSACHUSETTS</p> <p>TITLE: Wellness - SEL Teacher</p> <p>POSITION SUMMARY:</p> <p>Under the direction of the school principal and the assistant superintendent for student services, the Wellness and Resiliency Skills Instructor will plan and deliver developmentally appropriate instruction centered around adolescent health, mental wellness, executive functioning, self-regulation, and coping strategies. This position is designed to support students in a 7-12 alternative high school (766 program) by teaching a specialized wellness curriculum that fosters self-exploration, builds resilience, and enhances students' ability to manage emotional, academic, and behavioral challenges. The person in this role will play a critical part in helping students develop the skills necessary for personal growth, academic achievement, and post-secondary transition.</p> <p>ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:</p> <ul> <li>Develop and implement a comprehensive wellness and coping skills curriculum tailored to meet the developmental, emotional, and cognitive needs of students in an alternative setting. </li><li>Teach core topics including adolescent health, stress management, executive functioning, mindfulness, healthy decision-making, social-emotional learning, and mental health awareness. </li><li>Provide direct instruction in organization, time management, task initiation, self-monitoring, and other executive functioning skills. </li><li>Create a safe and supportive classroom environment where students feel empowered to explore their identities, experiences, and personal growth. </li><li>Collaborate with special education teachers to align instruction with IEP goals and provide accommodations as needed. </li><li>Develop individualized and small-group interventions to support students experiencing challenges with emotional regulation, coping, and self-advocacy. </li><li>Partner with school counselors, adjustment counselors, and related service providers to reinforce therapeutic goals and strategies in the classroom setting. </li><li>Utilize evidence-based instructional methods, including trauma-informed practices, restorative strategies, and strengths-based approaches. </li><li>Integrate project-based learning, reflective journaling, group discussions, and multimedia tools to engage students in interactive and meaningful learning experiences. </li><li>Monitor student progress and maintain accurate documentation of student participation, growth, and skill development. </li><li>Communicate with parents and guardians regarding student participation, classroom topics, and strategies to reinforce skills at home. </li><li>Participate in IEP and 504 meetings, contributing insight related to students' wellness, coping strategies, and executive functioning needs. </li><li>Support school-wide efforts to foster a culture of health, wellness, inclusion, and resilience. </li><li>Maintain professional competence by attending relevant workshops, conferences, and ongoing professional development. </li><li>Perform related duties as required. </li><li>Adheres to the adopted policies of the Bellingham School Committee. </li></ul> <p>SKILLS/ABILITY:</p> <ul> <li>Strong knowledge of adolescent development, mental health, and wellness education. </li><li>Demonstrated experience in executive functioning coaching, social-emotional learning (DEL), and trauma-informed practices. </li><li>Excellent interpersonal and communication skills with students, families, and colleagues. </li><li>Ability to foster trust and rapport with students with diverse social, emotional, and behavioral profiles. </li><li>Skill in designing engaging, student-centered instruction across a range of abilities and learning styles. </li><li>Comfort in working collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team. </li><li>Strong organizational skills and a reflective approach to practice. </li><li>Familiarity with restorative practices, mindfulness-based strategies, and behavioral de-escalation techniques. </li></ul> <p>CERTIFICATES, LICENSES and/or DEGREE REQUIREMENTS:</p> <ul> <li>MA DESE Certification Required: Physical Education (All Levels) or Health or Family & Consumer Sciences. </li><li>MA DESE Certification in Moderate Disabilities (5-12) Required </li><li>While dual certification is mandatory, applicants will be considered who hold one of the required licenses, provided they demonstrate a willingness to obtain the other necessary certification. </li><li>Bachelor's from an accredited college or university </li><li>Master's degree in Health Education, Counseling, Special Education, Social Work, Psychology, or a related field preferred. </li><li>Safety Care or CPI Certification preferred. </li><li>SEI Endorsement required. </li><li>Experience contributing to IEP development and implementation. </li><li>Background in executive functioning instruction, mental health support, or wellness education in a school setting. </li></ul> <p>SALARY: Per BTA Contract</p> <p>CLASSIFICATION: BTA</p> <p>PHYSICAL WORKING CONDITIONS:</p> <p>You are required to be physically capable of escorting students from the building in case of a practice drill or emergency situation in a safe and timely fashion.</p> <p>Must be able to move about the classroom and have the ability to bend, sit or stand frequently.</p> <p>REPORTS TO: Building Principal</p> <p>SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES: Students</p> <p>OUR MISSION:</p> <p>The Bellingham Public School District's enrollment is approximately 1,930 students and an organizational staff of 400 employees. The district is split into the following building grade levels:</p> <p>DiPietro Elementary (Preschool - Grade 3), Stall Brook Elementary (Preschool - Grade 3) Bellingham Memorial School (grades 4-7) and Bellingham High School (grades 8-12), and Keough Memorial Academy (grades 7-12) is our therapeutic day school for students with special needs.</p> <p>Our core mission is to foster an environment in which students and staff have opportunities to reach their full potential. The Bellingham School District is committed to providing a challenging and academically motivating education where all students, staff and families accept responsibility for education within their schools.</p> <p>The School Committee and the Administrative Team support the District Improvement Plan and Strategic Plan. Our goal is to always reach for our vision: The Bellingham Public Schools, in collaboration with students, their families, and the community, will provide a safe learning environment, where the unique strengths of every learner are enhanced and celebrated. We will work together to build a shared sense of pride in the Bellingham Public Schools by amplifying academic excellence, increasing communication, cultivating a positive climate, improving social and emotional well-being, and enhancing technology use and implementation.</p>