Elementary Special Education Teacher (grade 3)
Springfield Public Schools – Benjamin Swan Elementary School – Springfield, Massachusetts. Starting Date: Immediately.
Job Description
Position Open until Filled.
Responsibilities
- 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, interests, 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, establishing and communicating 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 related to the 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 as 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 code of conduct for the classroom which is consistent with established administrative policies and develops rules of classroom behavior that are enforced fairly and justly.
- Plans and supervises assignments for paraprofessionals, and makes written evaluations as required.
- Maintains an ongoing program of professional growth that satisfies district requirements and 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 are held during the extended day.
- Participates in 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.
- Contributes to 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.
- 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.
- Bachelor’s Degree with appropriate license.
- Master’s Degree with appropriate content‑area license preferred and/or expected within 5 years.
Equal Opportunity Employer
Springfield Public Schools is an equal opportunity employer. The district is committed to maintaining a work and learning environment free from discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, genetic information, ancestry, age, disability, or military service, as defined and required by state and federal laws. The district also prohibits retaliation against individuals who oppose discrimination or participate in an equal‑opportunity investigation.
Contact Information
- Catherine Roberts, Principal
- Benjamin Swan Elementary School
- Phone: (413) 787-7526
- Email: Robertsc@springfieldpublicschools.com