Jobs

Job Posting: Social Emotional Learning (SEL) Instructor

The Greenwood School | Putney, Vermont

Overview

The Greenwood School seeks a compassionate, energetic, and professional Social Emotional Learning (SEL) Instructor dedicated to fostering a nurturing, engaging, and developmentally responsive learning environment. This full-time, in-person role focuses on helping students develop essential competencies aligned with the Social-Emotional Learning skills: self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, relationship skills, and responsible decision-making.

The ideal candidate possesses strong classroom management skills, a deep understanding of diverse learning profiles (including those with learning disabilities and neurodivergent needs), and an unwavering commitment to students. Leading with kindness, patience, and engagement that is supportive, appropriate, and grounded in best educational practices is crucial in our setting. We also value teamwork, communication, collaboration, and a positive attitude that empowers and uplifts students.

This position may involve a hybrid of small group (average of 4 students) curriculum-based SEL classes and one-on-one SEL coaching sessions that are more individually tailored to specific student skill building. Guidance on class curriculum design is provided; however, instructor flexibility and creativity are prioritized. There are five class blocks per day, each lasting 55 minutes. A full-time instructor receives 5 planning blocks per week with 20 instructional blocks.

About Greenwood

The Greenwood School is a specialized boarding and day school for boys in grades 6 through 12 located in Putney, Vermont. Our mission is to help students with learning differences build the academic, social, and executive functioning skills they need to become confident, capable, and independent learners. Our program emphasizes structure, relationships, accountability, and personal growth within a supportive and collaborative community. At Greenwood, we find what makes each student shine through personalized learning and hands-on, outdoor, and experiential education.

We value professionalism, teamwork, and a shared commitment to helping students develop resilience, self-awareness, and lifelong skills. Greenwood supports staff through thoughtful leadership, strong collaboration, and opportunities for growth and advancement.

SEL Instructor Responsibilities

• Develop and deliver engaging SEL lessons (both small group classes and 1:1 coaching sessions) that support students in grades 6–12, aligned with the best practices in the field of Social Emotional Learning.
• Create a positive, structured, and emotionally safe classroom environment that reinforces strong routines, clear expectations, and restorative practices.
• Support will be provided under the guidance of the Social Emotional Learning Department head, as well as the Director of Student Support Services and the Academic Dean.
• Collaborate with families and Greenwood staff, including faculty, counselors, and support staff.
• Implement trauma-informed, strengths-based approaches to student development that prioritize consistency and predictability to support student growth.
• Support students with a wide range of learning needs by adapting SEL instruction and interventions accordingly, with the ability to offer flexibility based on student needs.
• Use proactive classroom management strategies that promote connection, empathy, and accountability.
• Build trusting relationships with students by maintaining a consistent presence, demonstrating professional warmth, and setting appropriate boundaries.
• Communicate effectively with families and colleagues regarding student growth, challenges, and SEL objectives.
• Document and communicate behavioral or social-emotional concerns to the Dean of Students and relevant support staff.
• Document and communicate progress for district-placed students using an internal Individualized Education Plan, monitoring progress at the end of each trimester.
• Document and communicate progress for all students, following schoolwide grade report protocols, which include written reports at mid-term and the end of each trimester.
• Participate in professional development, including training in SEL practices, learning differences, equity and inclusion, and child/adolescent development.
• Help coordinate and participate in schoolwide SEL initiatives, community-building activities, and wellness programming.
• Additional school-wide duties and responsibilities as determined by the Head of School.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Education, Psychology, Social Work, Human Development, or related field preferred.
• Experience teaching or working directly with students in grades 6–12 preferred.
• Knowledge of learning disabilities, executive functioning challenges, and differentiated instruction.
• Demonstrated understanding of the research-based SEL frameworks and evidence-based educational practices.

Compensation and Benefits

• Salary: $50,000 – $60,000 commensurate with experience
• Comprehensive benefits package including:
  • Health, dental, and vision insurance
  • Retirement plan options
  • Paid time off and school breaks
  • Professional development opportunities

The Greenwood School is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, sexual orientation, ethnic origin, sex, gender identity or expression, religion, or disability in any of its employment practices.

To Apply:

Please submit your cover letter, resume, and references to Meg Miller at mmiller@greenwood.org.

Job Type: Full-Time

Work Location: In person