Middle School Computer Science Teacher

Springfield Public Schools, MA; Springfield (MA); On-site; USD 40,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

An established educational institution is seeking a dedicated educator to lead the teaching of Digital Literacy and Computer Science. This position combines classroom instruction with technology coordination to enhance student learning and support staff needs. The role emphasizes the importance of digital literacy in today's world and aims to empower students with essential skills. Join a supportive team that values professional growth and equity in education. This opportunity allows you to make a significant impact on students' technology skills while fostering a positive learning environment.

Benefits

Professional Development Opportunities

Mentorship Programs

Career Advancement Opportunities

Qualifications

• Highly qualified with required competency in content area.
• Appropriate educator license and Bachelor's or Master's degree preferred.

Responsibilities

• Teach Digital Literacy and Computer Science standards to students.
• Coordinate technology support for staff and students as Lead Technology Coordinator.

Skills

Digital Literacy

Computer Science

Computational Thinking

Instructional Techniques

Classroom Management

Technology Support

Education

Bachelor's Degree

Master's Degree

Educator License (Middle, Instructional Technology, Technology Education, or Digital Literacy and Computer Science)

Job description

This position is responsible for teaching the Massachusetts Digital Literacy and Computer Science standards (DLCS), developing student knowledge and skills in the safe use of technology and in computer science and computational thinking. In addition, this position is the Lead Technology Coordinator for the school, coordinating with the Office of Information, Technology, and Accountability to support student and staff technology needs. It is anticipated that this position will teach about 2/3 time and spend about 1/3 time completing Technology Coordinator tasks. Teaching may be done through individually assigned computer science classes or through pushing-in to elementary homerooms to co-teach DLCS lessons (or some of both).

This is a new position created in response to lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic, both about the critical importance of teaching digital literacy and computer science to all students and about providing additional support at the school for student and staff technology challenges.

REPORTS TO: Building Principal

FUNDING: Grant-funded (anticipated to be funded through Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief Fund)*

SALARY: Per SEA contract.

DUTIES:

1. Meets and instructs assigned classes in the locations and at times designated.
2. Plans a program of study that, as much as possible, meets the individual needs, interest, and abilities of the students.
3. Creates a classroom environment that is conducive to learning and appropriate to the maturity and interests of the students.
4. 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.
5. Prepares for classes assigned and shows written evidence of preparation upon request of immediate supervisor as required by the teachers' contract.
6. 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.
7. Strives by instruction and action to implement the district's philosophy of education, instructional goals and objectives and performance expectations.
8. Assesses the accomplishments of students on a regular basis; provides progress reports as required and communicates with parents as deemed necessary.
9. Maintains accurate, complete, and correct records as required by law, district policy, and administrative regulations.
10. Diagnoses the learning challenges of students on a regular basis, seeking the assistance of district specialists as required.
11. Takes all necessary and reasonable precautions to protect students, equipment, materials, and facilities.
12. Follows the SPS 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.
13. Plans and supervises assignments for paraprofessionals, and makes written evaluations as required.
14. Maintains an ongoing program of professional growth that satisfies district requirements but also satisfies personal expectations as a professional.
15. Takes an active part in the contractually approved teacher evaluation process, contributing to a mutual agreement concerning the results of that evaluation.
16. Attends building and district meetings to promote communication and mutual decision making among the staff; said meetings to be held during the extended day.
17. 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.
18. Contribute to the decisions made by the district and building regarding budget, facilities, curriculum, and personal well-being.
19. Strives to maintain and improve professional competence.
20. As the school's Lead Technology Coordinator:
    1. Manage the school's student laptop inventory and organize necessary re-imaging;
    2. Manage assignment of laptops to students;
    3. Manage communication with the IT Department to ensure broken devices are returned and replaced;
    4. Participate in PD with the IT Department on laptop support and management;
    5. Participate in PD with the IT and Academic departments on the use of SPS-adopted technology tools for teaching and learning;
    6. Provide PD to teachers in their school on the use of SPS-adopted technology tools for teaching and learning.

QUALIFICATIONS:

1. Highly qualified with required competency in the content area;
2. Appropriate content/program area educator license (Middle, Instructional Technology, Technology Education, or Digital Literacy and Computer Science) and grade level (5-8) licensure from the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education;
3. Bachelor's Degree with appropriate license; or
4. Master's Degree with appropriate content area license preferred and/or expected within 5 years;
5. Experience or familiarity with assisting students or teachers in the use of computers and other technology.

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 feel valued, respected, supported, seen and heard. Our students and staff share their ideas and perspectives, learning from and appreciating each other. We are a district that is committed to equity and excellence.

Join a team that Empowers Educators

In addition to offering competitive salaries and benefits, we provide numerous cutting-edge professional development opportunities for all staff. We let our data shape the professional development of the district, therefore, it is relevant and actionable. We support our teaching staff with mentors such as instructional leadership specialists and effective educator coaches to work with them throughout the year in lesson planning, data analysis and management. Our district offers career advancement opportunities and is invested in "Grow our Own" and educational pipeline programs. These programs help our staff achieve a college degree or lead to certification pathways.

If there is something that you would like to know specifically about the position that you are applying for or assistance with matching your skills to a position, Carmen Molina-Figueroa will be happy to assist you at [e-mail].

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.

The Springfield Public Schools Title IX Coordinator is Katie O'Sullivan, Senior Administrator of Human Resources, 1550 Main Street, Springfield, MA 01103, 413-787-7100 ext. 55428, [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].