SEZP 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 ten 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 Art

About the High School of Commerce

The High School of Commerce is an urban school serving approximately 1200 students. At the HSC we are committed to making a difference and ensuring all students can reach their full potential. The HSC has experienced academic improvements in the last few years that show it is heading in the direction for great success. We are intent on strengthening the recent student gains that we have made and have partnered with the Springfield Empowerment Zone to help increase the momentum of these improvements.

Our team is made up of dedicated professionals who are committed to working with underprivileged students and families to close the existing achievement gap. We work hard and constantly seek to improve our practice so we can prepare our scholars for high student achievement and college or career readiness.

Art 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.     

Art Teacher Requirements

Required

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university
• Appropriate subject area content (Art) and high school school level licensure from the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education
• A track record of success working with students and proven expertise in high school art 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 sezp@springfieldempowerment.org with any questions.