Elementary Special Education Teacher/ Autism

Springfield Public Schools • Springfield, MA

2d • Onsite

About The Position

Springfield Public Schools is seeking a dedicated Elementary Special Education Teacher specializing in Autism. This role is crucial in providing a supportive and effective learning environment for students with diverse needs. The district is committed to equity and excellence, offering a positive and professional atmosphere where staff feel valued and respected. Springfield Public Schools is the 3rd largest district in Massachusetts, serving approximately 24,000 students with a rich cultural diversity, representing over 44 languages and 60 countries. The district is invested in empowering educators through competitive salaries, benefits, and extensive professional development opportunities, including mentorship and career advancement programs.

Requirements

• Highly qualified with required competency in the content area.
• Appropriate content/program area educator license (Teacher of Students with Severe or Moderate Disabilities) and grade level (PreK-8) licensure from the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education.
• Bachelor’s degree with appropriate license.
• Or Master’s Degree with appropriate content area license preferred and/or expected within 5 years.

Nice To Haves

• Master’s Degree with appropriate content area license preferred and/or expected within 5 years.

Responsibilities

• Meets and instructs assigned classes in the locations and at the times designated.
• Plans a program of study that meets the individual needs, interests, and abilities of the students.
• Creates a classroom environment conducive to learning and appropriate to the students' maturity and interests.
• Guides the learning process toward achieving established district curriculum goals.
• Establishes and communicates clear objectives for all lessons, units, and projects.
• Prepares for assigned classes and shows written evidence of preparation.
• Employs a variety of instructional techniques and media, consistent with physical limitations and student needs/capabilities.
• Implements the district's philosophy of education, instructional goals, objectives, and performance expectations.
• Assesses student accomplishments regularly and provides progress reports.
• Communicates with parents as deemed necessary.
• Maintains accurate, complete, and correct records as required by law, district policy, and administrative regulations.
• Diagnoses learning challenges of students, seeking assistance from district specialists as needed.
• Takes necessary and reasonable precautions to protect students, equipment, materials, and facilities.
• Follows the SPS code of conduct and enforces classroom behavior rules fairly.
• Plans and supervises assignments for paraprofessionals and makes written evaluations.
• Maintains an ongoing program of professional growth.
• Takes an active part in the teacher evaluation process.
• Attends building and district meetings to promote communication and mutual decision-making.
• Attends established traditional school-sponsored activities.
• Contributes to district and building decisions regarding budget, facilities, curriculum, and personal well-being.
• Strives to maintain and improve professional competence.

Benefits

• Competitive salaries
• Benefits
• Cutting-edge professional development opportunities
• Mentorship from instructional leadership specialists and effective educator coaches
• Career advancement opportunities
• Support for "Grow our Own" and educational pipeline programs

What This Job Offers

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