Job Description
Job Description
Job Title: Middle School Collaboratory Teacher / Experiential Learning Specialist
Location: Middle School
Reports To: Middle School Principal
Subordinates: None
Position Type: Full-Time, Exempt, 10-Month Position
School Year: 2026-2027
Salary: Instructional Salary Scale
POSITION SUMMARY:
The Middle School Collaboratory Teacher / Experiential Learning Specialist designs and leads a dynamic special area course that blends movement-based learning with social-emotional skill development. This educator creates a safe, high-trust environment where students engage in kinesthetic challenges, collaborative problem-solving, and reflective discussions.
A hallmark of this role is the ability to facilitate meaningful “debriefs,” guiding students to extract transferable life lessons from physical and experiential learning tasks. The ideal candidate is skilled at fostering engagement, managing productive struggle, and building a culture where mistakes are viewed as opportunities for growth.
This job description is intended to convey information essential to understanding the scope of this position and is not an exhaustive list of skills, efforts, duties, responsibilities, or working conditions associated with the position. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position.
Course Description: Collaboratory
Where thinking meets doing.
Collaboratory takes students out of their desks and into the “active zone.” Through movement-based, project-oriented units, students develop effective communication, teamwork, and creative problem-solving skills. Inspired by adventure-based and experiential learning models, students navigate physical and intellectual challenges that encourage resilience, reflection, and collaboration.
This is not a traditional physical education class—it is a laboratory for learning how to navigate social, academic, and group environments within school and beyond.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
Curriculum Development
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Design and implement units integrating Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) competencies (e.g., self-awareness, relationship skills) with physical and experiential activities
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Scaffold lessons to be developmentally appropriate for students in Grades 4–7 while maintaining relevance across age groups
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Align curriculum with guidance and expectations from the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education where applicable
Facilitation of Active Challenges
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Lead structured, non-competitive, kinesthetic activities that promote teamwork and problem-solving (e.g., group challenges, initiative games, low-ropes-style elements)
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Establish and maintain a physically and emotionally safe learning environment
The Debrief (Reflective Practice)
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Facilitate thoughtful discussions following activities
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Guide students in analyzing outcomes, identifying successes and challenges, and applying lessons to real-world contexts
Cross-Curricular Collaboration
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Partner with classroom teachers and instructional leaders to reinforce SEL themes and character education
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Support school-wide culture and community-building initiatives
Classroom Culture & Student Support
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Build a high-trust, inclusive environment that encourages risk-taking and growth
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Support students in developing resilience, communication skills, and self-awareness
QUALIFICATIONS
Required
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Bachelor’s degree in Education, Outdoor Education, Psychology, or a related field, Master’s degree preferred.
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Valid Massachusetts teaching license appropriate to the role (e.g., Elementary [1–6], Moderate Disabilities, Physical Education, or related field) issued by the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, or eligibility to obtain licensure
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Sheltered English Immersion (SEI) Endorsement required (or ability to obtain within one year of hire, in accordance with Massachusetts regulations)
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Demonstrated strong interpersonal skills, emotional intelligence, and ability to manage group dynamics
Preferred
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Experience working with students in Grades 4–7
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Background in experiential education, outdoor education, or adventure-based learning
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Training or certification in programs such as Project Adventure, Outward Bound, or similar frameworks
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Experience facilitating group reflection, coaching, or youth development programs
Core Competencies
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Facilitation of experiential and kinesthetic learning
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Social-emotional learning (SEL) integration
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Reflective discussion and debriefing techniques
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Classroom and group management
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Collaboration and communication
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Equity-focused and inclusive practices
WORK ENVIRONMENT:
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This position operates in a school and office setting.
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Some travel between schools may be required.
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Occasional evening and weekend events for Board of Trustee meetings, parent meetings, college nights, academic and/or athletic events, or professional development may be necessary.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
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Active role requiring movement, facilitation of physical activities, and supervision of students in varied settings (indoor and outdoor).
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Ability to stand for extended periods, lift (up to 50 lbs.), and perform repetitive motions.
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Frequent bending, crouching, stooping, and stretching.
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Standing or walking for the entirety of an 8-hour shift.
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Must be able to work in a fast-paced environment requiring multitasking and attention to detail.
Important Note:
Applicants who are hired for this position and are found to have provided falsified or inaccurate information during the application process are subject to disciplinary action, up to and including termination of employment.
Compensation and Benefits:
Full-Time, Exempt, Annual position that is compensated based on experience and is not on a salary scale. AKFCS also provides a comprehensive benefits package which includes the following:
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Massachusetts Teachers Retirement System (MTRS): Eligible
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Medical/Dental/Vision
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Life Insurance
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403(b) & ROTH403(b) with Match
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Dash Pass (DoorDash)
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YMCA Discounts
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Comprehensive Private Leave of Absence Program (PFML)
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Sick Time with Sick Bank
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Personal Days
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Health Reimbursement Arrangement (HRA) & Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
Abby Kelley Foster Public Charter School is an affirmative action employer, ensuring that its programs and facilities are accessible to the public. We do not discriminate on the basis of age, race, gender, religion, disability, gender identity, sex, pregnancy or pregnancy-related medical conditions, national origin, homelessness, marital status, sexual orientation, or any other status or class protected by state or federal law.
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Abby Kelley Foster Charter Public School Mission
The mission of the Abby Kelley Foster Charter Public School is to assist families in their role as primary educators of their students by providing a liberal arts education representative of diverse works and global perspectives and aimed at academic excellence, musical competence, and character formation.