School year 2026-2027: Special Education Middle School LINKS-Autism Teacher (Chestnut TAG)

Springfield Public Schools • Springfield, MA

21h • Onsite

About The Position

The Springfield Public Schools is seeking a Special Education Middle School LINKS-Autism Teacher for the Chestnut TAG program for the 2026-2027 school year. This position is open until filled. The primary goal of this role is to assist students in acquiring subject matter and skills that will foster their development into mature, capable, responsible, and productive citizens. Springfield Public Schools is a large and diverse district in Western Massachusetts, committed to providing a learning environment that offers infinite possibilities. We aim to equip our approximately 24,000 students with enhanced knowledge and critical thinking skills through their learning experiences. Our district is characterized by its cultural diversity, with over 44 languages spoken and representation from over 60 countries among our students and staff. We cultivate a positive and professional atmosphere where individuals feel valued, respected, supported, seen, and heard, encouraging the sharing of ideas and perspectives. We are dedicated to equity and excellence, and we empower our educators with competitive salaries, benefits, and numerous professional development opportunities. Our professional development is data-driven, relevant, and actionable. We provide support through instructional leadership specialists and effective educator coaches for lesson planning and data analysis. The district also offers career advancement and "Grow our Own" programs to support staff in achieving college degrees or certification pathways.

Requirements

• Highly qualified with required competency in the content area.
• Appropriate content and grade level licensure.
• Teacher of Severe or Moderate Disability (PK-8, 5-12) 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 at high school level preferred and expected within 5 years.

Responsibilities

• Meets and instructs assigned classes in the locations and at the times designated.
• Plans a program of study that, as much as possible, meets the individual needs, interests, 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 and 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.
• Attends established traditional school-sponsored activities (e.g., Back to School Night, Open House, programs, activities) agreed upon by the building administrator and the faculty consistent with the teachers’ contract.
• Contributes to the decisions made by the district and building regarding budget, facilities, curriculum, and personal well-being.
• Strives to maintain and improve professional competence.

Benefits

• Competitive salaries
• Numerous cutting-edge professional development opportunities
• Mentors such as instructional leadership specialists and effective educator coaches
• Career advancement opportunities
• "Grow our Own" and educational pipeline programs

What This Job Offers

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