Middle School Counselor (Grades 7 & 8)

JOB SUMMARY

The Middle School Counselor works with students in Grades 7 and 8 to support their educational goals and contribute to ensuring student academic and personal success. The Counselor serves as an advocate, liaison, coordinator, case manager, and consultant for students, parents/guardians, school staff, and community agency personnel. The Counselor participates in various school meetings, communicates with parents and agency personnel, and provides assistance to staff on various issues related to school counseling. The Counselor works extensively with the Principal, other Counselors, Coaches, and instructional staff.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Provides academic counseling and planning for students in grades 7-9 and consistently monitors student academic progress throughout the school year.

• Serves as an active member of the Student Services Team.

• Develops and implements academic support plans for students.

• Leads and/or participates in various student/teacher/family conferences, including Family Group Decision-Making meetings, re-entry meetings, Special Education Team meetings and KidTalk (pre-referral) conferences.

• Teaches guidance classes and provides guidance counseling to students through planned activities in small group or classroom settings to convey educational, social, and important school information, and offers workshops/seminars for families.

• Communicates with parents/guardians, teachers, administrators, and relevant agencies on student academic and educational matters including academic modifications and/or accommodations.

• Communicates, coordinates, and collaborates with behavioral health specialists on developing and implementing student supports.

• Builds and manages student academic schedules responsive to various student needs, preferences, and requirements; supports the development of the Master Course Schedule.

• Supports the student Advisory Program.

• Assists students and families in understanding school policies and procedures.

• Maintains accurate student records; collects and analyzes school counseling data.

• Performs duties related to data collection and input (Rediker, Frontline, and other information systems).

• Collaborates and consults on various grants that support student academic success.

• Supports and attends appropriate student activities and events.

Why Teach at Sizer?
Join a small community of dedicated teachers committed to student success. The daily schedule for teachers at Sizer is 4 class periods, one period of prep, and one period of team-level community planning time. Sizer teachers meet for professional development and learning communities consistently throughout the school year and are encouraged and supported in strengthening their practice. At Sizer, teachers have voice in the development of the school and innovation is encouraged

SIZER SCHOOL
Sizer School is located in Fitchburg, MA, draws from cities and towns in North Central Massachusetts, and is chartered to serve 400 students in grades 7-12. The school's faculty and staff are some of the most dedicated professionals in Massachusetts public schools and do whatever it takes to ensure student achievement. The school is named in honor of Ted Sizer, and we are known for our commitment to the common principles of the Essential School movement. The school boasts small class sizes, a safe and supportive learning environment, and students who outperform their peers from other area public schools. Sizer prides itself on creating a personalized learning plan for each student. Students enter Sizer as early as 7th grade and graduate well prepared for college and career.

SIZER'S MISSION
Sizer is a public school where students are known personally, challenged intellectually, and participate actively. Guided by its commitment to diversity and inclusiveness, the school seeks to send graduates into the world who THINK for themselves, CARE about others, and ACT creatively and responsibly.