Instructional Support Specialist

Announcing the Search for INSTRUCTIONAL SUPPORT SPECIALIST (ISS)

Berkshire Arts & Technology (BART) Charter Public School is a nationally recognized, award-winning, college-preparatory, public middle and high school located in Adams, Massachusetts. As the only charter public school in Berkshire County, it is consistently ranked among the top schools in Massachusetts for student academic achievement and growth.

At BART, we believe diversity strengthens our community. We believe that recruiting, supporting, and retaining a diverse faculty and staff is essential to providing an excellent and representative education for our students. We support equity through representative hiring practices and welcome applications from members of communities that have historically not been represented in teaching and leadership positions in Berkshire County schools.

POSITION SUMMARY

For the position of Instructional Support Specialist (ISS), we seek an individual who will serve as an instructional partner in general education classrooms and work as a member of cross‑disciplinary teams to implement a college‑preparatory, standards‑based curriculum that integrates the arts and technology.

BART Instructional Support Specialists are skillful educators, and:

• Welcome the challenge of supporting students in a high‑expectations, college‑preparatory environment;
• Believe that collaboration between teachers and support staff strengthens student outcomes;
• Value high‑quality instruction, academic rigor, and inclusive practices for all students, and believes that all students, regardless of their abilities, should leave high school with refined skills and be prepared for college; 
• Model continuous learning to students, peers, and supervisors.
• Contribute to a school‑wide culture of shared responsibility and instructional excellence.
• Demonstrate a solutions‑oriented mindset and strong commitment to student success.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Instructional Responsibilities

• Actively support instruction in general education classrooms by circulating, checking for understanding, re‑teaching content, and assisting students to stay on task.
• Facilitate small‑group instruction and skill‑building sessions in reading, writing, math, and other content areas in collaboration with the classroom teacher.
• Assist in planning and implementing learning activities by providing feedback on student engagement and progress.
• Lead or co‑lead breakout sessions for targeted intervention or enrichment.
• Support classroom culture and routines by reinforcing expectations, managing transitions, and ensuring a positive learning environment.
• Collaborate closely with classroom teachers, asking, “How can I help in this classroom?” to promote a team‑based approach to instruction and classroom dynamics.
• Provide accommodations and support for students on IEPs or 504 plans, as directed by classroom or special education teachers.
• Monitor student understanding and engagement, take anecdotal notes, and share observations with teachers and support teams.

Behavioral Management Responsibilities

• Take part in a focused role in supporting, reinforcing, and advancing the educational experience of students with behavioral, social emotional, and academic needs;
• Provide individualized assistance and instruction to students through one-on-one or small group activities in order to maximize student learning in general education classrooms;
• Collaborate with the Student Support Team to implement behavioral plans.

Monitoring and Supervision Duties

• Supervise students in hallways, lunchroom, library, outdoors, or on field trips as needed.
• Proctor MCAS and other assessments, including providing required accommodations.
• Serve as classroom substitute teacher when regular teachers are absent.

QUALIFICATIONS

• High School Diploma required; Two years of college education or more preferred
• At least two years of classroom or instructional experience preferred
• Experience working with students with diverse academic and behavioral needs
• Demonstrated success in collaborative, team‑based environments
• Strong commitment to working with students in a professional and inclusive manner
• Knowledge of ABA and Restorative Practices
• Comfort and skill in responding dynamically to classroom needs
• Growth mindset and dedication to the success of all children

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS

Applicants for the Instructional Support Specialist position should apply here. Review of completed applications will begin immediately and will continue until the position is filled.
Review of completed applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

BART Charter Public School is an equal opportunity employer. BART does not discriminate in admission to, access to, treatment in, or employment in its services, programs, or activities on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, homelessness, or age. For more information about BART and its programs, visit www.bartcharter.org.