Elementary Science Teacher

Springfield Public Schools • Springfield, MA

1d

About The Position

The Elementary Science Teacher teaches assigned classes at designated locations and times and plans instruction that addresses students’ individual needs, interests, and abilities. The teacher creates a suitable classroom learning environment, communicates clear objectives, and guides students toward district curriculum goals using varied instructional techniques and media.

The role includes preparing lessons, assessing student progress, maintaining required records, identifying learning challenges, and communicating with parents as needed. The teacher also protects students and school property, establishes and fairly enforces classroom behavior expectations, supervises paraprofessionals, participates in evaluation and professional growth processes, and contributes to staff and district decisions and activities.

Springfield Public Schools describes itself as a district of approximately 24,000 students, with more than 44 languages spoken and more than 60 countries represented among students and staff. The district highlights professional development, educator mentors and coaches, career advancement, and programs that support staff in earning degrees or pursuing certification pathways.

Requirements

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

Nice To Haves

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

Responsibilities

• Teach assigned classes at designated locations and times.
• Plan a program of study that addresses students’ individual needs, interests, and abilities.
• 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 setting and students’ needs and capabilities.
• Implement the district’s educational philosophy, instructional goals, objectives, and performance expectations through instruction and conduct.
• Regularly assess student accomplishments, provide required progress reports, and communicate with parents as needed.
• Maintain accurate and complete 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 develop 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 in the contractually approved teacher evaluation process and contribute to mutual agreement on its results.
• Attend building and district meetings held during the extended day to promote staff communication and shared decision-making.
• Attend agreed-upon traditional school-sponsored activities, such as Back to School Night, Open House, programs, and activities.
• 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.
• Professional development opportunities for all staff.
• Mentoring and support from instructional leadership specialists and effective educator coaches throughout the year, including lesson planning, data analysis, and management.
• Career advancement opportunities.
• Programs supporting staff in earning a college degree or pursuing certification pathways.

What This Job Offers

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