26-27 Teacher / Counselor - Science & Math

FULL CIRCLE ALTERNATIVE SCHOOL; Somerville (MA); On-site; USD 66,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Full Circle Alternative School within Somerville Public Schools in Somerville, MA is seeking a Math/Science Teacher-Counselor to support a small caseload of students. The role blends direct instruction with counseling, relationship-building, and holistic support through graduation.

Licensure in math or science and DESE endorsement are required, with a focus on restorative practices and trauma-informed approaches.

Qualifications

• Massachusetts DESE licensure in Moderate Disabilities (5-12).
• Massachusetts DESE licensure in Mathematics (5-12) and/or Science (5-12).
• DESE SEI endorsement required.
• Bilingual Educator preferred.
• Experience in therapeutic/alternative or high-support setting.
• Ability to build trusting relationships with students and maintain consistency.

Responsibilities

• Plan and deliver standards-aligned math and/or science instruction.
• Adapt curriculum and pacing for students with IEPs in coordination with special education staff.
• Track student progress and align with post-secondary goals.
• Maintain progress using gradebook and school systems.
• Lead caseload as Teacher/Counselor with ~8 counselees.
• Communicate with families and coordinate with staff.

Skills

Restorative practices

Trauma-informed approaches

Strong communication

Liaison with families

Relationship-building

Education

Moderate Disabilities (5-12) license

Mathematics (5-12) license

Science (5-12) license

DESE SEI endorsement

Job description

26-27 Teacher / Counselor - Science & Math

Somerville Public Schools FULL CIRCLE ALTERNATIVE SCHOOL - Somerville, Massachusetts Open in Google Maps

Job Details

Job ID: 5952032
Application Deadline: Posted until filled
Posted: Oct 06, 2026 4:00 AM (UTC)

Starting Date: Immediately

Job Description

Position Summary

Next Wave / Full Circle (NWFC) is seeking a Math/Science Teacher to join a small, close-knit therapeutic alternative school within Somerville Public Schools. This position combines direct instruction in mathematics and science with service as a Teacher/Counselor - a caseload advisor who builds a lasting, trusting relationship with a small group of students and supports their academic, social, and emotional growth from the point of referral through graduation. The ideal candidate is a skilled, flexible content-area teacher who is equally invested in relationship-building, restorative practice, and providing holistic support to students in a dynamic, student-centered setting .

Essential Functions & Responsibilities

• Plan and deliver engaging, standards-aligned math and/or science instruction to middle and high school students with a range of academic and social-emotional needs.
• Adapt curriculum, pacing, and materials to support access for students with IEPs and other individualized learning needs, in coordination with special education staff.
• Track and communicate student progress and grades, connecting classroom learning to students' post-secondary pathways and goals.
• Participate in academic progress monitoring, including use of the school's gradebook and progress-tracking systems.
• Engage in a whole school competency-based grading system to track soft skills for students as they progress towards graduation.
• Serve as the primary Teacher/Counselor for an assigned caseload of students (approximately 8 counselees), maintaining that relationship through 8th grade or through graduation.
• Lead a daily morning check-in and a counseling group that meets three times per week, covering individual check-ins, goal setting, team building, and celebrating student success.
• Conduct one-to-one academic conferencing with counselees to check progress and align coursework with students' interests and post-secondary plans.
• Help counselees understand graduation requirements, post-secondary pathways, and their progress toward mastering required skills and competencies.
• Serve as the point-of-contact and liaison between counselees' parents/adult supporters and their subject teachers, clinical counselors, and guidance staff.
• Establishes and maintains culturally responsive and two-way communication with parents/adult supporters.
• Participates in professional growth opportunities, reflects on current practices, and incorporates new methodologies into instructional planning and delivery.
• Additional duties as assigned by the Principal/Supervisor and in accordance with the SEU Collective Bargaining Agreement.

Qualifications, Knowledge, Abilities, & Skills

• Massachusetts DESE licensure in Moderate Disabilities(5-12)
• Massachusetts DESE licensure in Mathematics (5-12) and/or Science (5-12)
• DESE SEI endorsement Required
• Bilingual Educator Preferred
• Experience or strong interest in working with students in a therapeutic, alternative, or high-support educational setting.
• Demonstrated ability to build trusting relationships with students and maintain consistency and de-escalation strategies.
• Familiarity with restorative practices, social-emotional learning, and trauma-informed approaches, or willingness to be trained.
• Strong communication skills, including experience or comfort serving as a liaison between families and school staff.

Physical Requirements

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the position’s essential functions.

• Mobility:Frequent walking, standing, and navigating stairs.
• Lifting/Strength:Ability to lift, push, pull, or carry objects ranging from 10 to 30 lbs (e.g., books, supplies, equipment).
• Physical Dexterity:Bending, crouching, kneeling, stooping, and reaching to assist students.
• Stationary Tasks:Remaining in a stationary position (sitting/standing) for long periods.

Reporting Relationships

• Position Reports to: The School Building Principal

Terms of Employment

• Position Type:Full Time
• School Year Schedule: 184 work days
• FLSA Classification:Exempt
• Union Status:Somerville Educators Union, Unit A
• Salary and benefits are determined in accordance with theSomerville Educators Union, Unit Acollective bargaining agreement and the policies of the Somerville School Committee.
• Proration Clause: Your compensation and working days for the initial pay period will be adjusted proportionally based on your official start date.

Pre-Employment Requirements

MA Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI) Clearance

Fingerprints

The Somerville Public School does not discriminate in its programs, facilities or employment of educational opportunities on the basis of race, color, age, religion, disability, pregnancy, home status, marital/civil union status, sex/gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, citizenship status, place of birth, national origin, ancestry, cultural identity, genetics or military status, and does not tolerate any form of retaliation, or bias-based intimidation, threat or harassment that demeans individuals' group or interferes with their ability to learn or work.

Position Type: Full-Time

Salary: $66,317 to $129,544 Salary per CBA salary schedule

Job Categories:

Special Education > Alternative Learning Environment

Special Education > Life Skills

Job Requirements

• Citizenship, residency or work visa required

Contact Information

• Jack , Haverty
• FULL CIRCLE ALTERNATIVE SCHOOL
• Email: [e-mail]

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