ELA​/Interventionist Teacher - Keough Memorial Academy

BELLINGHAM PUBLIC SCHOOLS

BELLINGHAM, MASSACHUSETTS

TITLE:

ELA Academic Specialist - Keough Memorial Academy

SALARY:
Per BTA Contract

FUNCTION:

To support students with disabilities through comprehensive academic assessment, IEP development, progress monitoring, and targeted instruction in English Language Arts within a therapeutic, alternative school setting.

DUTIES INCLUDE BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO:

* Conduct all academic special education evaluations, including formal and informal literacy assessments; analyze data and prepare comprehensive written reports.

* Present evaluation results clearly and effectively at IEP Team meetings, ensuring compliance with DESE regulations.

* Develop high-quality, measurable IEP goals aligned to student needs, with a strong emphasis on ELA domains (reading, writing, language, and communication); collaborate with teachers and service providers to implement and monitor progress.

* Write and implement individualized ELA IEP goals targeting decoding, fluency, comprehension, written expression, and executive functioning skills related to literacy tasks.

* Collect, analyze, and interpret student data related to ELA IEP goals; monitor progress and adjust instruction using data-driven decision-making.

* Provide direct, explicit ELA instruction (individual and small group) using evidence-based literacy practices, including structured reading and writing instruction.

* Design and implement targeted interventions to support struggling and reluctant readers and writers, including students with significant gaps in foundational literacy skills.

* Support students in accessing grade-level ELA curriculum through differentiation, scaffolding, and explicit modeling of reading comprehension and writing strategies.

* Modify and accommodate ELA curriculum materials, assignments, and assessments to meet diverse learning needs.

* Collaborate with ELA and content-area teachers to plan, implement, and refine engaging, standards-aligned instructional practices that meet students' unique learning needs.

* Provide coaching and consultation to teachers on effective ELA instructional strategies, including increasing student engagement, supporting diverse learners, and integrating reading and writing across content areas.

* Support interdisciplinary literacy development by helping teachers embed reading, writing, and communication skills across subject areas.

* Assist in the operation of the Alternative Classroom, providing academic and literacy support to students requiring a more regulated setting when available.

* Support students in accessing coursework, including those requiring online or alternative instructional formats.

* Participate in team meetings, including IEP meetings, data meetings, and professional collaboration opportunities.

* Maintain accurate and timely documentation in accordance with district and state requirements.

* Foster positive relationships with students, staff, and families to support student success.

* Support the school's core values of being Safe, Kind, and Responsible.

* Demonstrate a history of developing effective strategies to reengage reluctant learners, particularly in reading and writing.

* Adhere to all policies of the Bellingham School Committee and Keough Memorial Academy.

* Other duties as assigned by the Principal.

QUALIFICATIONS:

* Licensed or eligible for licensure in Moderate Disabilities 5-12 by the Massachusetts Department of Elementary & Secondary Education required and Academic:
Teacher, English, 8-12, Professional.

* Strong background in English Language Arts instruction, including evidence-based practices in reading, writing, and language development.

* Experience developing, implementing, and monitoring ELA-focused IEP goals.

* Deep understanding of adolescent literacy development, including foundational skills, comprehension, and written expression.

* Experience conducting academic evaluations and writing comprehensive evaluation reports preferred.

* Strong knowledge of IEP development, progress monitoring, and special education compliance.

* Experience working with students in grades 7-12, preferably in alternative or therapeutic settings.

* Experience collaborating with and coaching educators on engaging, differentiated, and inclusive ELA instructional practices.

* Demonstrated ability to analyze literacy data and use it to inform instruction and intervention.

* Experience providing individualized and small group ELA instruction aligned to IEP goals.

* Strong collaboration and coaching skills to support general education teachers in implementing effective literacy strategies across content areas.

* Ability to differentiate, modify, and accommodate curriculum effectively, particularly in ELA.

* Strong written and verbal communication skills.

* Commitment to ongoing professional growth and reflective practice.