Grade Level: 6-9

Start Date: Immediate Opening

Location: Rise Academy at Van Sickle (MS)/Rise Prep (HS)

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 Rise Academy at Van Sickle 

Rise Academy is a boundary middle school in the Springfield Empowerment Zone serving grades 6-8 on the Van Sickle campus. Rise Academy uses an inclusive model to meet the needs of all students including English language learners and students with disabilities. By partnering with parents, supporting our teachers, and holding our students to high academic and behavioral expectations, we support accelerated growth for all of our students to prepare them for high school, college, and opportunities in life.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university
• Appropriate content/program area educator license (Physical Education) and grade level (5-12) licensure from the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education

Desired Skills

• A track record of success working with students and proven expertise in in middle and high school Physical Education 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 $50,500. 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.