Position Title: High School Therapeutic Learning Program Teacher
Reports To: Building Principal and Director of Special Education
The High School Therapeutic Learning Program Teacher provides specialized instruction and behavioral support to students with significant social, emotional, behavioral, and mental health needs across instructional settings. The teacher develops and implements individualized educational programming aligned with students' IEPs while fostering academic growth, emotional regulation, social competence, independence, and successful post-secondary outcomes. The position requires close collaboration with clinicians, related service providers, families, and general education staff to create a safe, structured, and supportive learning environment.
Essential Responsibilities
Instruction and Curriculum
- Provide individualized and small-group instruction aligned with Massachusetts Curriculum Frameworks and student IEP goals.
- Provide instruction through a co-taught model to support student's academic, social and emotional needs.
- Design and implement differentiated lessons that address diverse academic, executive functioning, and social-emotional needs.
- Adapt curriculum, instructional materials, and assessments to ensure access and engagement for all students.
- Utilize evidence-based instructional practices to support students with emotional and behavioral disabilities.
- Promote the development of self-determination, self-advocacy, and independent learning skills.
- Support students in developing college, career, vocational, and transition readiness skills.
Social-Emotional and Behavioral Programming
- Create and maintain structured, predictable, and therapeutic classroom environments.
- Implement proactive behavioral supports and individualized behavior intervention plans.
- Teach social-emotional learning, coping strategies, emotional regulation, and problem-solving skills throughout the school day.
- Utilize trauma-informed and culturally responsive practices to support student success.
- Collaborate with clinical staff to integrate therapeutic strategies into daily instruction.
- Support students during behavioral crises using approved de-escalation and safety procedures.
IEP Development and Progress Monitoring
- Serve as the special education liaison and case manager for assigned students.
- Develop and implement IEP goals and objectives related to academics, executive functioning, behavior, social-emotional development, and transition planning.
- Collect and analyze student performance data to monitor progress and inform instructional decisions.
- Prepare progress reports and maintain accurate educational records.
- Participate in evaluations, reevaluations, and eligibility determinations.
Collaboration and Consultation
- Collaborate closely with school adjustment counselors, clinicians, related service providers, administrators, and families.
- Coordinate with general education teachers to support successful inclusion opportunities.
- Participate in IEP meetings, team meetings, parent conferences, and transition planning meetings.
- Communicate regularly with families regarding student progress, concerns, and successes.
- Collaborate with community agencies and outside providers as appropriate.
- Coordinate vocational, community-based, and work-based learning opportunities when appropriate.
Qualifications
- Massachusetts DESE licensure in Moderate Disabilities (PreK-8 or 5-12)
- Master's degree in Special Education or related field.
- Experience working with adolescents with emotional, behavioral, and mental health challenges.
- Knowledge of special education regulations, IEP development, and progress monitoring.
- Training in trauma-informed practices, restorative practices, and positive behavioral interventions and supports (PBIS).
- Experience implementing behavior intervention plans and supporting students in crisis.
Effective July 1, 2026 through June 30,2027 Step
B
B15
M
M15
M30
M45
M60
M75/Doc
1
62,751
65,132
67,513
69,205
70,896
72,602
74,307
76,960
2
64,971
67,337
69,706
71,416
73,124
74,834
76,542
79,198
3
67,937
70,302
72,666
74,373
76,086
77,792
79,498
82,155
4
70,908
73,275
75,642
77,349
79,055
80,759
82,463
85,116
5
73,855
76,224
78,592
80,296
82,002
83,708
85,418
88,071
6
76,814
79,179
81,544
83,252
84,961
86,671
88,379
91,033
7
80,513
82,881
85,244
86,962
88,676
90,389
92,103
94,757
8
84,221
86,592
88,961
90,666
92,372
94,077
95,781
98,438
9
88,667
91,033
93,401
95,107
96,813
98,523
100,232
102,886
10
95,064
96,455
97,843
99,548
101,255
102,962
104,668
107,323
11
98,422
106,675
108,426
110,178
111,930
113,683
116,335
12
100,422
108,675
110,426
112,178
113,930
115,683
118,335