Job Description

Salary Rate: $44,897.82 - $93,026.62 (dependent on qualifications) Check out the YMCA's total compensation package!




Location: The YMCA Academy




Work Hours: Monday to Friday; Must be able to attend Parent/Teacher interviews, Open Houses, Parent Socials, Curriculum Information Sessions for Parents, etc.




Employment Type: Contract Full Time Salaried




Number of Vacancies: 1




Anticipated Start Date: December 2025




Deadline to Apply: November 28, 2025

Be the Spark!

Join our passionate YMCA Academy team and help us to achieve great things in our community!


The Academic Teacher/Guidance Counsellor leads Student Services for both YMCA Academy Middle School and High School, alongside regular teaching duties. This role involves planning and delivering a comprehensive curriculum while providing guidance and counseling to support students' academic and personal growth. The supervisor collaborates with faculty, parents, and community partners to ensure student success, particularly for neuro-diverse learners. Additionally, the position includes leadership in mental health initiatives, post-secondary planning, and career exploration. This dynamic role offers the opportunity to positively impact students' futures in a collaborative and inclusive environment.

In this role, you will:

Develop and deliver a comprehensive curriculum in alignment with the Ontario Ministry of Education guidelines and standards. Facilitate opportunities for students to explore a wide variety of post-secondary options. Plan and coordinate activities such as Career Day, Post-Secondary Education Information sessions, Information Nights (e.g., High School 101), and other community information sessions. Teach a course(s) determined by Head of School based on qualifications and/or experience in either the Middle or High School. Liaise with the Special Education Supervisor to plan and deliver programs that support student achievement for our neuro-diverse students. Coordinate the monitoring of all students in the school, with specific focus on student achievement results at each grade reporting period. Complete all required documentation in a timely manner, as mandated by YMCA Academy, the Ministry of Education, and the YMCA of Greater Toronto. Work in conjunction with the Assistant Head of School to plan and execute the course selection process for students utilizing MyBlueprint.ca. Provide leadership in Mental Health awareness, healthy relationships, and student voice. Participate in School Support Team meetings. Implement Post-Secondary Application Processes. Maintain accurate and secure OSRs. Provide Guidance Counseling to students (Academic and Career Planning). Coordinate the "Careers" element in Academy courses. Ensure registration on MyBlueprint.ca for students and families. Maintain accurate records in SIS PowerSchool. Facilitate Parent Education Sessions. Perform other duties as assigned.

You bring:

Bachelor of Education and Ontario College of Teachers certification required, or equivalent experience. Minimum of 5 years of teaching experience. Member in good standing with the Ontario College of Teachers. Minimum of Guidance Part 1. Intermediate/Senior qualifications. Demonstrated experience in and enthusiasm for working with youth with learning disabilities, social/emotional needs, and/or language processing challenges who are under-performing or disengaged from their learning process. Experience in print and electronic media in an educational setting. Experience in non-traditional teaching environments and an appreciation for teaching the whole person. Knowledge of current curricular trends, use of manipulatives, and assistive technologies. Solid interpersonal skills coupled with ingenuity and flexibility for responding to the multiple demands of students, parents, colleagues, partners, sponsors, and supporting YMCA program staff; understanding of parents as customers. Well-developed interpersonal and relationship-building skills; ability to establish rapport and excellent communication with students, parents/guardians, staff, and volunteers. Excellent written communication skills. Flexibility to work some evenings and weekends as required, for events like Parent/Teacher interviews, Open Houses, and Parent Socials. Able to work within the complexities of a large, not-for-profit charitable organization. Excellent understanding of diversity, inclusion, and equity, including the ability to identify and address learning, work effectively with diverse stakeholders, and integrate equity into program design.

What you need to succeed:

Commitment to the YMCA's Mission, Vision and Values Focus on the health, safety and wellbeing of all children, youth, and vulnerable people in YMCA programs including understanding legal and moral obligations related to reporting suspected child abuse to Child Protection Services * YMCA Competencies: Accountable, Relationship-Builder, Improvement-Orientated, Team Player & Leader, Equity and Wellbeing Promoter