LINKS Special Education Teacher 

Start Date: Summer 2018

Location: John J. Duggan Academy

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.

Special Education Teacher for LINKS program classroom supporting students with Autism.

Overview

The position is available in a substantially separate special education program classroom where methodology and best practices will be provided to support students with Autism, aligned with the goals and objectives outlined on the individual student IEPs.  The special education teacher is responsible for lesson planning and implementing tasks to support student learning. Focus of instruction will include functional spontaneous communication, social skills, plays skills, cognitive development, and functional academic skills, along with proactive strategies to decrease challenging behaviors as well as incorporating a Multisensory approach to learning.  Lesson should be aligned with the Common Core and materials and activities should be   presented individually, in small groups, and in large groups. Adult assistance, repetition and reinforcement will be the focus in order to promote success in the independent completion of tasks.

Structured, consistent, and systematic approaches to learning will be utilized. Applied Behavioral Analysis approaches, including discrete trial training, incidental teaching, and pivotal response training are teaching methodologies are utilized in the LINKS classrooms.

Special Education 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

Special Education Teacher Requirements

 Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university
• Appropriate content/program area educator license (Special Education) and grade level (5-8, 8-12) 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 English as a Second Language 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.