Summary and Overview

In 2015, the MA Department of Elementary and Secondary Education and Springfield Public Schools partnered to form the Springfield Empowerment Zone Partnership (SEZP). SEZP is committed to ensuring that the nine middle schools in “The Zone” are engaging environments where teachers receive the supports they need to grow professionally, and students have the opportunity to acquire the academic and personal skills to succeed in the college or career of their choice.

Each SEZP school has the autonomy to craft and implement its own, unique vision for success and receives support from an ecosystem of national-caliber partners. Furthermore, Teacher Leadership Teams at each school ensure that teacher voice is heard and that there is strong communication between school administration and staff.

SEZP is seeking educators who are excited to work in a collaborative, engaging, diverse, and high energy environment. Great professional development, ample teacher leadership opportunities and competitive salary and benefits make SEZP a great place to be a teacher.

Teach

• Broaden your impact and become a part of rebuilding an urban school district where you’ll receive ongoing support to help you and your students reach your full potential.
• Serve a diverse population of urban high-need students.
• Teach in small autonomous learning communities - many SEZP schools are creating intimate, personalized environments for their students.

Grow

• Access to professional development resources through colleagues at your school and a network of SEZP partners.
• Teacher leadership opportunities – many SEZP schools are creating opportunities for effective and experienced teachers to take on leadership roles and increased levels of responsibility without having to leave the classroom.
• Receive a competitive salary and benefits.
• Lead outstanding instruction in History

 Rise Academy

Rise is a new school founded in the Springfield Empowerment Zone with 6^th grade in the 2016-17 school year.  In 2017-18 we will add the 7^th grade, and will be a fully grown middle school in the following year.  Rise is a boundary school, serving all students who live within the zone, but uses methods proven successful at high-performing schools including high expectations for work and behavior, extended time, schoolwide rewards and consequences, and parental involvement.  We are currently hiring our founding 7^th grade team.

Humanities Teacher Responsibilities

• Create a safe, purposeful classroom environment that prioritizes learning
• Collaborate with other teachers, instructional leaders, and partners to ensure instruction is meeting the needs of students
• Assess students appropriately, analyze data, and determine appropriate next steps
• Ensure that instruction meets needs of all students, including students with special needs and English Language Learners
• Communicate regularly with families to solicit input and share academic progress
• Participate in regular professional development opportunities before and during the school year

We are seeking team players committed to the SEZP mission, high expectations, and their own professional growth.     

Humanities Teacher Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university
• Appropriate subject area content (Humanities) and middle school level licensure from the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education
• A track record of success working with students and proven expertise in middle school Humanities instruction

• High expectations for self and others, and a willingness to hold self and others accountable to these expectations
• Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written, and strong interpersonal skills
• Effectiveness at building strong relationships with students and families
• Commitment to professional growth and regularly seeking out opportunities to improve instructional practice
• Belief and alignment with SEZP’s core beliefs and philosophy, including the belief that each and every child can excel academically

• Exceptional organizational skills and the ability to manage interrelated tasks

Highly Desired

• Experience teaching in an urban setting

• Bilingual speaking, reading, and writing abilities (Spanish)

SEZP offers a competitive salary commensurate with qualifications and experience; salaries for new teachers start at $49,000.  Positions will be filled on a rolling basis; applicants are encouraged to apply immediately. 

 Please contact breena@springfieldpublicschools.com with any questions.