Title: Educational Therapist
Department: Junior School
Reports to: Junior School Principal
Interfaces with: students, teachers, and the entire school community
Term of contract: full time
Start date: asap
Salary range: $100,215 - $121,841
We are seeking a creative, compassionate, and positive individual who is passionate about working with children and helping them achieve 21st century skills through creative approaches.
The School
Stratford Hall, an independent, K-12 IB World School, invites applications from individuals who wish to join our dynamic team. Located in Vancouver, BC, this warm, welcoming community is home to over 540 students and over 100 teachers and support staff. Our graduates attend the top post-secondary schools in Canada, the US, and abroad. Founded in 2000, Stratford Hall is one of the few IB continuum schools in Canada and has a rich tradition of educational innovation and excellence in the Primary Years, Middle Years, and Diploma Programmes.
Position Rationale and Goal
The Educational Therapist supports the academic, social-emotional regulation, and behavioural development of Junior School students through a focus on the Arts (Drama, Music, Art). Under the direction and support of the Junior School Principal, the Educational Therapist will work collaboratively with members of the Junior School team to design and implement individualised and small group intervention strategies for students in Kindergarten to Grade 5 requiring extra support. The role focuses on addressing executive functioning skills, emotional regulation, and the delivery of social and emotional lessons through an Arts lens, while also attending to the emotional and psychological aspects of learning.
Candidate Profile
The Stratford Hall faculty and staff developed a profile to capture our priorities as educators.
I am a Stratford Hall Educator:
I Pursue Knowledge
I Listen to Understand
I Build Bridges
I Model Adaptability
I Cultivate Safe Spaces
Qualifications and Skills
Masters in Expressive Art Therapy or related subject
Training and/or experience in all of the Arts (Music, Art, and Drama)
Training and/or experience in NILD Educational Therapy
Training and/or experience to support the social and emotional learning of students
Training and/or experience to support the emotional and psychological aspects of learning
Training and/or experience in a structured literacy approach such as Orton Gillingham
Training and/or experience working with neurodiverse students
Understanding or awareness of behaviour intervention strategies
Experience in supporting therapists seeking practicum placements within schools
Experience working with 4−12 year old children
10 or more years teaching and/or working with children using the Arts as therapy
Strong communication skills in English, both spoken and written
Strong organizational, administrative and interpersonal skills, and the ability to work both independently and collaboratively as part of a team
Team player with excellent interpersonal and organizational skills
Key Responsibilities
Teaching and Learning
Work with the class, small groups, or individuals to teach social-emotional lessons and deliver wellness programming
Deliver age-appropriate interventions to help students navigate issues impacting school success and promote well-being, incorporating creative approaches through drama, art, and music
Use the BC’s Curriculum on Arts Education to develop emotional wellness and support mental well-being
Use of music, art, and drama in supporting students
Use the National Institute for Learning Development Canada (NILD) educational therapy practices to develop emotional wellness and support mental well-being
Refer to the Individualized Education Plan when planning student sessions
Collaboration with School Staff and Parents
Collaborate with and support classroom teachers and learning strategists in meeting the diverse needs of students with developmentally appropriate strategies and resources
Attend parent-teacher and student-led meetings, if requested
Work with learning strategists to coordinate external specialists for student observations (occupational or speech therapists)
Maintain consistent communication with parents and outside service providers, as appropriate
Collaborate with the Student Services Team
Professional Appraisal and Development
Engage in professional development in order to better understand the needs of the student and the classroom instructional program, if asked
Seek and act upon constructive feedback and advice
Involvement in the Wider School Community
Take an active role within the school community by making a conscious effort to interact with all staff and be aware of current school events and initiatives
Positively support school initiatives organized by staff, students, or parents through active participation and promotion within classrooms
Promote school unity by attending staff social functions when possible
Attend special events such as Meet the Teacher Night and school concerts, goal setting, student-led conferences
Attend and actively participate in scheduled meetings
Participate in supervision duties
Participate in Outdoor Education program to support students
Maintain an active presence in common areas and during scheduled supervision duties
At times, the Educational Therapist may be requested to assume additional duties as assigned by the Junior School Principal.
Application Process
Interested applicants should apply with a cover letter, resume and copy of their BC Teaching Certificate.
We thank all applicants for their interest in Stratford Hall; only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. This position will remain open until filled.
We are committed to supporting a diverse and inclusive workforce by ensuring a barrier-free work environment. We welcome applications from all qualified job seekers, including applicants from historically underrepresented groups such as BIPOC (black, indigenous, and people of color), persons with disabilities, and 2SLGBTQ (persons of all sexual orientations and genders). If you are an applicant with a disability and require accommodation in either the recruitment process or on the job, we will work together with you to provide the reasonable workplace accommodation you need.
