J.F. Kennedy Student Support Specialist

Grades: 6-8

Start Date: Immediate

Location: J.F. Kennedy Middle School

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.

Working 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 staff are expected to:

• Create and support 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

Responsibilities

• Provide inclusion support for students with IEPs;
• Analyze student achievement data with colleagues to strategically support student learning;
• Lead one or more of the following: guided math, guided reading, or enrichment classes;
• Cover classes for absent teachers;
• Support school systems by helping to run arrival, homeroom, dismissal, student rewards, grade-wide activities and school-wide functions;
• Assist teachers with grading and other classroom responsibilities;
• Participate in staff professional development; and
• Other responsibilities as assigned by the administration.

Required Qualifications

• Associate’s degree or 3 years of experience;
• 1-2 years of expwerience in the field

Desired Skills

• Ability to build and maintain strong relationships with students that help them to succeed in school;
• Commitment to professional growth and applying feedback to improve as an aspiring teacher;
• Belief and alignment with SEZP’s core beliefs and philosophy, including the belief that each and every child can excel academically; and
• Flexibility and adaptability.

Benefits

SEZP offers a competitive salary commensurate with qualifications and experience. Staff in SEZP qualify for benefits (personal/sick days, health insurance, etc.) offered to other employees 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.