Founding 8th Grade Science Teacher

Grade Level: 8

Start Date: Summer 2018 (TBD)

Location: The Rise Program at Van Sickle

About the Springfield Empowerment Zone Partnership

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 middle and high 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.

Teaching in SEZP

SEZP is seeking educators who are excited to work in a collaborative, engaging, diverse, and high energy environment. We are seeking team players committed to the SEZP mission, high expectations, and their own professional growth. SEZP teachers are expected to:

• 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

About the Rise Program at Van Sickle Academy

Rise is a new school founded in the Springfield Empowerment Zone with 6th grade in the 2016-17 school year and 7th grade in 2017-18 school year. In 2018-19 we will add the 8th grade to become a fully grown middle school. 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 8th grade team.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university
• Appropriate content/program area educator license (Science) and grade level (5-8) licensure from the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education

Desired Skills

• A track record of success working with students and proven expertise in middle school science 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
• Ability to build 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
• Bilingual speaking, reading, and writing abilities (Spanish)

Benefits

SEZP offers a competitive salary commensurate with qualifications and experience; salaries for new teachers start at $49,000. Teachers in SEZP qualify for benefits (personal/sick days, health insurance, etc.) offered to other teachers in the Springfield Public Schools.

Positions will be filled on a rolling basis; applicants are encouraged to apply immediately. Please contact sezp@springfieldempowerment.org with any questions.