ELA/Interventionist Teacher - Keough Memorial Academy

Bellingham Public Schools•Bellingham, MA

2d•Onsite

About The Position

This position supports students with disabilities through comprehensive academic assessment, IEP development, progress monitoring, and targeted instruction in English Language Arts within a therapeutic, alternative school setting. The role involves conducting academic special education evaluations, analyzing data, preparing reports, and presenting findings at IEP Team meetings. A key focus is on developing and implementing high-quality, measurable IEP goals in ELA domains (reading, writing, language, and communication), collaborating with other professionals, and providing direct instruction using evidence-based literacy practices. The specialist will design and implement targeted interventions for struggling readers and writers, support students in accessing grade-level curriculum through differentiation and scaffolding, and modify ELA materials and assessments. Collaboration with ELA and content-area teachers is essential for planning and refining instructional practices, and the role includes coaching teachers on effective ELA strategies and supporting interdisciplinary literacy development. The specialist will also assist in the operation of the Alternative Classroom, providing academic and literacy support, and help students access coursework, including online or alternative formats. Participation in team and IEP meetings, maintaining accurate documentation, and fostering positive relationships with students, staff, and families are also core responsibilities. The role requires adherence to school policies and supporting the school's core values of being Safe, Kind, and Responsible, with a demonstrated history of reengaging reluctant learners.

Requirements

Licensed or eligible for licensure in Moderate Disabilities 5–12 by the Massachusetts Department of Elementary & Secondary Education required
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.
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.
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.
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.

Nice To Haves

Experience conducting academic evaluations and writing comprehensive evaluation reports preferred.
Experience collaborating with and coaching educators on engaging, differentiated, and inclusive ELA instructional practices.
Strong collaboration and coaching skills to support general education teachers in implementing effective literacy strategies across content areas.

Responsibilities

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.