Elementary Classroom Teacher (Grade 3)

Springfield Public Schools • Springfield, MA

1d • Onsite

About The Position

The Elementary Classroom Teacher teaches assigned classes at designated locations and times and plans a program of study that addresses students’ individual needs, interests, and abilities. The teacher creates a learning environment appropriate to students’ maturity and interests; guides learning toward district curriculum goals; and communicates clear objectives for lessons, units, and projects. The role uses varied instructional techniques and media suited to the setting and students, and implements the district’s educational philosophy, goals, and performance expectations.

The teacher regularly assesses student achievement, provides required progress reports, communicates with parents as needed, maintains required records, and identifies learning challenges, seeking support from district specialists when necessary. The role also includes protecting students and school property, applying classroom conduct policies fairly, planning and supervising paraprofessional assignments, participating in evaluation and professional growth processes, attending building and district meetings and agreed-upon school activities, and contributing to district and building decisions.

Springfield Public Schools serves approximately 24,000 students, represents more than 44 languages and over 60 countries, and emphasizes equity, excellence, and a supportive professional environment. The district offers competitive salaries and benefits, professional development, instructional leadership specialists and educator coaches, and career advancement and educational pipeline programs.

Requirements

• Be highly qualified, with required competency in the content area.
• Hold an appropriate Elementary content/program educator license and grade-level (1–6) licensure from the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education.
• Hold a bachelor’s degree with the appropriate license, or a master’s degree with the appropriate content-area license.

Nice To Haves

• A master’s degree with the appropriate content-area license is preferred and/or expected within five years.

Responsibilities

• Meet and instruct assigned classes at designated locations and times.
• Plan a program of study that accommodates students’ individual needs, interests, and abilities as much as possible.
• Create a classroom environment conducive to learning and appropriate to students’ maturity and interests.
• Guide learning toward district curriculum goals and communicate clear objectives for lessons, units, and projects.
• Prepare for assigned classes and provide written evidence of preparation upon request, as required by the teachers’ contract.
• Use varied instructional techniques and media consistent with the location’s physical limitations and students’ needs and capabilities.
• Implement the district’s educational philosophy, instructional goals, objectives, and performance expectations through instruction and action.
• Regularly assess student accomplishments, provide required progress reports, and communicate with parents as needed.
• Maintain accurate, complete, and correct records as required by law, district policy, and administrative regulations.
• Regularly diagnose students’ learning challenges and seek assistance from district specialists as needed.
• Take necessary and reasonable precautions to protect students, equipment, materials, and facilities.
• Follow the SPS classroom code of conduct and establish and fairly enforce classroom behavior rules consistent with administrative policies.
• Plan and supervise paraprofessional assignments and provide written evaluations as required.
• Maintain professional growth that meets district requirements and personal professional expectations.
• Participate actively in the contractually approved teacher evaluation process and contribute to mutual agreement about its results.
• Attend building and district meetings held during the extended day to promote communication and shared decision-making among staff.
• Attend established traditional school-sponsored activities agreed upon by the building administrator and faculty, consistent with the teachers’ contract.
• Contribute to district and building decisions concerning budget, facilities, curriculum, and personal well-being.
• Strive to maintain and improve professional competence.

Benefits

• Competitive salaries and benefits.
• Cutting-edge professional development opportunities for all staff, shaped by district data and designed to be relevant and actionable.
• Support from instructional leadership specialists and effective educator coaches throughout the year, including help with lesson planning, data analysis, and management.
• Career advancement opportunities and educational pipeline programs that can help staff earn a college degree or pursue certification pathways.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level