Science Teacher

Grade Level: 6-8

Start Date: TBD, August 2018

Location: Chestnut TAG

Are you looking to be part of a school community where teachers learn and are energized by their work? Are you looking for a Principal who is hugely invested in the development and fulfillment of her teachers? Do you want to be part of a school with a growth mindset about its students’ unlimited potential? Chestnut Middle School, Talented & Gifted is a unique school, unlike any school in the region. Our school is a blended community of high achieving regular education students working side by side with their gifted Special Education peers; all who thrive within a supportive culture of academic excellence.

At T.A.G. we ask a lot of our students and staff, and yet we believe that school should be a fun place where students and staff look forward to coming to school every day. As educators we believe that relationships with our students are the foundation on which all social and academic success is built. Additionally, we strengthen our practice through five hours of professional learning per week, built within our 7:20-3:20 school day. Collaboration and peer-to-peer learning are central to our growth as educators.

As a small school (less than 300 students) we are able to meet the individual needs of every student. Without a doubt, we know our students well and we are invested in their individual and collective success. Our students outperform most of their peers statewide and yet their unique personalities, hard work and perseverance are what make them truly Talented and Gifted. If you are up for the challenge, join our team!

To learn more about our school and view a video with student and staff voice, visit us at https://www.chestnuttag.com

Chestnut TAG Science teachers are given a well-provisioned, highly functional laboratory in addition to their classroom. This allows our Science teachers to plan for and execute labs without worrying about setting up or breaking down the lab while managing students. The lab is connected to the classroom, has two interior storage closets, and is designed with provisioning in mind. The science team has a generous budget for materials and our school sponsors the team's attendance at the Massachusetts Association of Science Teachers Annual Conference (http://www.massscienceteach.org/Conference), which includes their Massachusetts Association of Science Teachers membership, their participation in the conference, and their lodging and food during the conference. The team meets weekly for content collaboration where they share best practices and strengthen their delivery of the content. The bottom line is that Science instruction matters greatly at Chestnut TAG and Science teachers are entrusted with the materials, spaces, budget, professional development, department meeting time and provisions to be successful. Our leader believes that when Science teachers have all they need to be successful, students enjoy rich inquiry experiences. Join our team!  

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     

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university
• Appropriate content/program area educator license [General 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 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.