Elementary Special Education Teacher

Springfield Public Schools•Springfield, MA

20h•Onsite

About The Position

Springfield Public Schools is the 3rd largest district in Massachusetts, serving approximately 24,000 students across a diverse environment with over 44 languages and 60 countries represented. The district is committed to equity, excellence, and providing a supportive environment for staff. As an Elementary Special Education Teacher, you will be responsible for planning and instructing classes that meet the individual needs, interests, and abilities of students, creating a conducive learning environment, and working collaboratively with district specialists, paraprofessionals, and parents. You will also participate in professional development, school activities, and district meetings while adhering to established curriculum goals and policies.

Requirements

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

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 times designated.
Plans a program of study that, as much as possible, meets the individual needs, interest, 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, establishes and communicates 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 of 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 which are enforced in a fair and just manner.
Plans and supervises assignments for paraprofessionals, and makes written evaluations as required.
Maintains an ongoing program of professional growth that satisfies district requirements but also satisfies 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 to be held during the extended day.
Attend established traditional school sponsored activities agreed upon by the building administrator and the faculty consistent with the teachers’ contract.
Contribute to the decisions made by the district and building regarding budget, facilities, curriculum, and personal well-being.
Strives to maintain and improve professional competence.