Anticipated Visual Arts Teacher - Exceptional Learner Academy

Springfield Empowerment Zone Partnership; Springfield (MA); On-site; USD 52,000 - 78,000; Full time

Job summary

Springfield Public Schools in Western Massachusetts invites applications for visual art teaching positions at elementary and middle school levels. Candidates must hold state certification, possess strong visual art content knowledge, and demonstrate a passion for student-centered teaching.

Qualified applicants will have licensure in Visual Art for PreK-8 from the Massachusetts DESE; a Bachelor's degree is required, and a Master’s degree is preferred.

Qualifications

• Highly qualified with required competency in the art content area.
• Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education licensure for Visual Art (PreK-8) is required.
• Bachelor's degree required; Master's degree preferred within 5 years.

Responsibilities

• Instruct assigned classes and plan a program of study meeting students' needs.
• Create a learning environment conducive to student growth and engagement.
• Communicate clear objectives and align lessons with district curriculum goals.
• Assess student progress and provide reports to parents as required.
• Maintain accurate records and protect student, equipment, and facility safety.
• Contribute to professional growth and participate in the district's evaluation process.

Skills

Visual art content knowledge

Strong interpersonal skills

Classroom management

State certification

Student-centered teaching

Education

Bachelor's degree in Visual Art Education

Master’s degree in Visual Art Education (preferred)

Job description

Springfield Public Schools (SPS), an urban school district in Western Massachusetts, is currently accepting applications and scheduling interviews for full-time and part-time visual art teaching positions at the elementary and middle school levels. SPS students represent a diverse group of cultural, ethnic, and socio-economic backgrounds, bringing their rich perspectives, experiences and insights into the classroom. We celebrate our students’ unique abilities and encourage learning with a student-centered approach. Qualified candidates must have state certification, possess strong visual art content knowledge, a passion for teaching, excellent interpersonal skills, and solid classroom management abilities.

Duties

• Meets and instructs assigned classes iat the Exceptional Learner Academy at times designated.
• Plans a program of study that, as much as possible, meets the individual needs, interest, and abilities of the students.
• Creates a classroom environment that is conducive to learning and appropriate to the maturity and interests of the students.
• Guides the learning process toward the achievement of established district curriculum goals, establishes and communicates clear objectives to the students for all lessons, units and projects.
• Prepares for classes assigned, and shows written evidence of preparation upon request of immediate supervisor as required by the teachers’ contract.
• Employs a variety of instructional techniques and instructional media, consistent with the physical limitations of the location provided and the needs of capabilities of the individuals or student groups involved.
• Strives by instruction and action to implement the district’s philosophy of education, instructional goals and objectives and performance expectations.
• Assessments the accomplishments of students on a regular basis; provides progress reports as required, and communicates with parents at deemed necessary.
• Maintains accurate, complete, and correct records as required by law, district policy, and administrative regulations.
• Diagnoses the learning challenges of students on a regular basis, seeking the assistance of district specialists as required.
• Takes all necessary and reasonable precautions to protect students, equipment, materials, and facilities.
• Follows the SPS a code of conduct for the classroom which is consistent with established administrative policies and develops rules of classroom behavior which are enforced in a fair and just manner.
• Plans and supervises assignments for paraprofessionals, and makes written evaluations as required.
• Maintains an ongoing program of professional growth that satisfies district requirements but also satisfies personal expectations as a professional.
• Takes an active part in the contractually -approved teacher evaluation process, contributing to a mutual agreement concerning the results of that evaluation.
• Attends building and district meetings to promote communication and mutual decision making among the staff; said meetings to be held during the extended day.
• Attend established traditional school sponsored activities (e.g., Back to School Night, Open House, programs, activities) agreed upon by the building administrator and the faculty consistent with the teachers’ contract.
• Contribute to the decisions made by the district and building regarding budget, facilities, curriculum, and personal well-being.
• Strives to maintain and improve professional competence.

Qualifications

• Highly qualified with required competency in the content area; and
• Appropriate content/ program area educator license (Visual Art) and grade level (PreK-8) licensure from the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education; and
• Bill’s Degree with appropriate license; or
• Master’s Degree with appropriate content area license preferred and/or expected within 5 years.

"If you BELIEVE, we have a place for YOU on our team! Come work for us!"

About Our District

Springfield Public Schools is a cultural gem in Western Massachusetts that is committed to providing a learning environment that opens the doors of infinite possibilities to our amazing students and staff. We strive to equip each of our approximately 24,000 students with learning experiences that enhance their knowledge and critical thinking skills. We are the 3rd largest district in Massachusetts. Our district has over 44 languages spoken and over 60 countries represented by both students and staff. We foster a positive and professional environment in our schools and worksites where people felt valued, respected, supported, seen and heard. We are a district that is committed to equity and excellence