Elementary Special Education Teacher

Springfield Public Schools • Springfield, MA

19h

About The Position

The Elementary Special Education Teacher teaches assigned classes and plans instruction to address students’ individual needs, interests, and abilities. The teacher creates a supportive classroom environment, guides students toward district curriculum goals, and uses varied instructional techniques and media suited to students and the teaching setting. The role includes assessing student progress, diagnosing learning challenges, maintaining accurate records, communicating with parents, and seeking help from district specialists as needed. The teacher also plans and supervises paraprofessional assignments, participates in evaluation and professional growth activities, attends meetings and agreed-upon school events, and contributes to district and building decisions.

Springfield Public Schools describes its district as serving approximately 24,000 students, with more than 44 languages spoken and over 60 countries represented by students and staff. The district emphasizes equity and excellence, a supportive professional environment, and professional development and career advancement opportunities for staff.

Requirements

• Highly qualified, with required competency in the content area.
• Appropriate Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education educator license for Teacher of Students with Moderate Disabilities and grade-level licensure for PreK–8.
• Bachelor’s degree with the appropriate license.

Nice To Haves

• 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 programs of study that address 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 teaching location and students’ needs and capabilities.
• Implement the district’s educational philosophy, instructional goals, objectives, and performance expectations through instruction and conduct.
• Assess students regularly, 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.
• Diagnose students’ learning challenges and seek assistance from district specialists as required.
• Take 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 in the contractually approved teacher evaluation process and work toward mutual agreement about evaluation results.
• Attend building and district meetings held during the extended day to promote communication and shared decision-making.
• Attend established traditional school-sponsored activities, as agreed upon by the building administrator and faculty consistent with the teachers’ contract.
• Contribute to district and building decisions regarding 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.
• Mentorship from instructional leadership specialists and effective educator coaches throughout the year, including support with lesson planning, data analysis, and management.
• Career advancement opportunities.
• “Grow our Own” 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