Elementary Special Education Teacher (grade 1)

Springfield Empowerment Zone Partnership; Springfield (MA); On-site; USD 45,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

The Springfield Empowerment Zone Partnership is looking for a qualified teacher to meet and instruct classes effectively. You will need to create a learning environment conducive to student success, assess student performance, and align with district goals.

Applicants must hold an appropriate educator license for teaching students with moderate disabilities (PreK-8) and either a Bachelor’s or preferred Master’s Degree. The position requires ongoing professional growth and commitment to maintaining a nondiscriminatory educational environment.

Qualifications

• Highly qualified with required competency in the content area.
• Must possess appropriate educator license from the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education.
• Bachelor's or Master's Degree with appropriate license.

Responsibilities

• Instruct assigned classes at designated times.
• Plan programs that meet the individual needs and interests of students.
• Create conducive classroom environments.
• Guide the learning process toward established curriculum goals.
• Assess student accomplishments regularly and communicate with parents.
• Maintain accurate records as required by law and district policy.

Skills

Content area competency

Classroom management

Student assessment

Professional growth

Education

Bachelor’s Degree

Master’s Degree (preferred)

Job description

Position Open until Filled

Duties

• Meets and instructs assigned classes in the locations and 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.
• Assesses 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 (Teacher of Students with Moderate Disabilities) and grade level (PreK-8) licensure from the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education; and
• Bachelor’s Degree with appropriate license; or
• Master’s Degree with appropriate content area license preferred and/or expected within 5 years.

Equal Opportunity Employment Statement

The Springfield Public Schools is committed to maintaining a work environment free from discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, genetic information, pregnancy or pregnancy related conditions, ancestry, age, disability, or military service, as defined and required by state and federal laws. Additionally, we prohibit retaliation against individuals who oppose discrimination and harassment or who participate in an equal opportunity investigation.

The Springfield Public Schools is committed to maintaining a learning environment free from discrimination on the basis of race, color, sex, gender identity, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, disability or homelessness.

NONDISCRIMINATION EMPLOYMENT STATEMENT: The Springfield Public Schools does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, genetic information, pregnancy or pregnancy related conditions, ancestry, age, disability, veteran status, or marital status.

NOTICE OF SEX NONDISCRIMINATION: Springfield Public Schools does not discriminate on the basis of sex and prohibits sex discrimination, including sexual harassment, in any education program or activity that it operates, as required by Title IX and its regulations, including in admission and employment.

Inquiries about Title IX may be referred to the Springfield Public Schools’ Title IX Coordinator, [e-mail], the U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights at https://ocrcas.ed.gov/contact-ocr, or both.

Springfield Public Schools Title IX Coordinator is Jeremy Saint Laurent, Chief Legal Counsel in Legal Services, 1550 Main Street, Springfield, MA 01103, 413-787-7100 ext. 55325, [e-mail].

Springfield Public School’s sex nondiscrimination policy and grievance procedures can be located on the Springfield Public Schools website, www.springfieldpublicschools.com/non-discrimination.

To report information about conduct that may constitute sex discrimination or make a complaint of sex discrimination under Title IX, please refer to [e-mail].